Deciding Whether to Act to Stop Genocide Should Not Be About Counting Votes
Deciding whether to act to stop genocide should not be about counting votes.
Trumpism is an existential threat to everything and everyone I care about. So is genocide. The grotesque, purposeful mass killing of innocent civilians in Palestine, enabled by U.S. military and diplomatic support, ought to be viewed as a threat not just to Gazans but to all of us. A green light to genocide anywhere is a threat to everyone. Toleration of Israeli fascism helps establish fertile ground for it here.
Of course, I hope that Kamala Harris–the only viable alternative–defeats Donald Trump and that Democrats gain control of Congress. I respect that people are compelled to work toward her election, though as a progressive I recognize her limitations. However, my job, especially as a Jew, isn't to convince Palestinian Americans or anyone else to overlook Democrats' failure to enact the only tool at their disposal to stop the genocide–an embargo on U.S. arms to Israel. I am putting my energy into pressuring Democrats to abandon their unconditional support for Israeli's immoral, murderous behavior.
I reject the notion that criticizing Harris is a vote for Trump. Encouraging others to pressure Democrats isn't a Trump victory enabler. Instead, It provides a vehicle for demoralized potential voters to assert their power to influence decision-makers. That is how democracy is supposed to work.
We look back at the rise of fascism in Europe, the Holocaust, and other genocides and ask, “Why didn’t more people speak up to stop it?”
I won't stand by and watch it happen in my name, either as a U.S. citizen or a Jew to Palestinians. AIPAC will not stop pressuring Harris. Neither will I.
Arthur taught and led science professional learning and curriculum and assessment development projects for 50 yrs. He writes about education and social justice. He loves spending time with friends and family, hiking, and gardening.
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