"Bill Shorten is under renewed pressure to haul anti-Israel Labor MPs into line as an outbreak of pro-Palestinian sentiment within the opposition threatens to disrupt his election campaign." (Jewish leaders demand clarity on Israel stance, Richard Ferguson, Paige Taylor, The Australian, 16/4/19)
Let's hope it's highly contagious!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
May I suggest a response to the demand - don't you love their chutzpah. The response should be: "I stand for the application of International Law in all matters of Australian Foreign Policy - no more so and no less so in the case of Israel." But of course he will not say that, will he?
How can these disrupt his election campaign? The number of Jews in Australia is hard to completely determine because many do not declare their religious/ethnic affiliation in censuses. But the number is not more than about 1%. According to Wikipedia, Macnamara (formerly Melbourne Ports) has the largest population density of Jews, accounting apparently for 10%. Jewish communities tend to congregate in certain areas such as Caulfield and St Kilda (both in Macnamara) in Melbourne, and Vaucluse in Sydney. So how can these kinds of numbers swing a Federal election, even if all of them voted against Labor because of the Israel issue. Maybe a couple of seats (is Macnamara going to vote against Danby's "anointed successor"?) but that is all.
The real threat to Labor, as Shorten no doubt understands, is that the totally pro-Israel MSM will mount a vicious campaign based on some fake news. Here's some rubbish - it comes with a health warning:
https://www.jewishnews.net.au/an-insult-to-our-national-debate/88843
It is interesting to compare with what has been happening with Corbyn in the UK. His popularity is on the increase despite massive media campaigns against him, accusing him (falsely of course) of anti-semitism.
https://skwawkbox.org/2019/04/13/opinium-poll-makes-third-showing-tories-in-20s-and-7-point-labour-lead/
I agree with Grappler, the international law response is unassailable - unless of course the special treatment for the chosen 'people' argument is trotted out. Shorten is actually being threatened, Corbyn style, with a media smear campaign. Chutzpah on a stick.
The arrogant premise of the article is that being pro Palestine is an electoral turn off when all the polls, in Australia and world wide, excluding the USA, point to a growing and utter revulsion towards the Bandit State, its criminal policies and its media manipulation.
Having the backbone to stand up to bullies, powerful bullies, might actually appeal to voters who have turned off the major parties in record numbers.
I agree with both Grappler and Anonymous1. It should also be made abundantly clear that in addition to International Law, Australia took the correct stance on South Africa (eventually) whereas Israel did not. Australia is no longer able to defend an increasingly belligerent Israel or its racist laws. This is about having the strength to stand against those who would demand that we subsume our national integrity.
Post a Comment