We should not allow ourselves to be taken in by Congressman Neal’s vote on the Massie Amendment. His vote against military subsidies to Israel — a meaningless charade, never intended to pass — was made merely to throw a small bone to the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.
Neal’s statement, made after the vote, reiterated his full support for Israel’s policies… except that maybe a little more food aid should be given to some innocent refugee children.
Until last month, Neal had been taking regular campaign contributions from AIPAC for over three decades, giving them his complete loyalty; including, famously, pushing for a law to criminalize proponents of divestment efforts.
His conduct in this case was a cynical effort to get votes in the upcoming primary. I urge 1st District voters to give a look at his challenger in the primary, Jeromie Whalen, a true progressive, with real integrity.
Terry Franklin
Amherst