I am deeply disappointed to learn that U.S. Rep. Richard Neal is co-sponsoring the “Israeli Anti-Boycott Act.”
Such a position demonstrates a lack of concern for the U.S. Constitution and the First Amendment which guarantees American citizens the right to free speech.
Prominent members of the Jewish community have spoken against this bill, including Joseph Levine, a University of Massachusetts professor and member of the western Massachusetts chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace. He says, and I fully agree, that this bill “represents a frightening kind of authoritarianism that would be a terrible precedent if passed.”
According to the ACLU,“The right to engage in a peaceful political boycott is squarely protected by the First Amendment, a proud part of America’s constitutional legacy.”
Neal said, “I take the views of the ACLU seriously, but remain deeply concerned about a movement that demonizes our close ally and rejects a two-state solution.” So, it appears that Neal feels he has the right to choose the circumstances under which we can ignore the U.S. Constitution.
If everyone had that attitude, the Constitution would soon be in shambles. Is that what you support, Rep. Neal: “I uphold the U.S. Constitution, but”? In our American democracy, there can be no buts. You are a voice for democracy or you are not. Which side are you on?
Margaret Halbeisen
Amherst