I sent this message to my congressman and two senators a few minutes ago.
Sincerely,
Ed
Asking for a Change in Gaza Policy
President Biden should cut off all aid to Israel. See this letter from Joseph Zarantanello to President Biden. Joseph Zarantanello and I were teachers at St. Thomas High School in Houston in the early 1970’s.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
Edward T. O’Rourke, Jr.
| An Open Letter to President Biden on GazaJoe Zarantonello 250 Loose Leaf DriveBardstown, KY 40004 Dear President Biden:First of all, I am a great fan of yours. You have done a whole lot of good in your first term! For the life of me, however, I can’t understand your policies toward the current Israeli war in Gaza. Why are we continuing to send offensive weapons to Israel when to do so is prohibited by our own laws? I think American law is quite clear here: the Leahy laws clearly state that when a foreign military is credibly accused of gross human rights violations, the law states that the U.S. will no longer provide weapons to them. In addition to that, Section 6201 of the Foreign Assistance Act states that a government that is blocking American humanitarian aid is no longer eligible for U.S. military assistance. The United Nations and The International Court of Justice has made credible accusations that Israel is guilty on both counts — yet the Leahy laws and Section 6201 are not being followed by your administration. Why? I think our failure to follow our own laws is not only having a horrific effect on the people of Gaza, but it is also damaging America’s standing in the rest of the world. Your administration began by pledging to reestablish American moral leadership, reengagement with the international community, and to uphold the laws of the “rules-based liberal international order.” I think it’s just become clear to me, and to a growing number of Americans, that your administration is not, in fact, carrying out those pledges with respect to the current humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The Rule of Law, both domestic and international, is under attack by Donald Trump and others. How can you challenge that if you disobey our own laws, and also the laws and recommendations of the international community? Finally, Mr. President, I have children and grandchildren, and I want to be able to tell them what I did about the slaughter of the people of Gaza in 2023-2024. I want to be able to tell them that I spoke up. I want to be able to tell them, “What I could do, I did do!” But even more than that, I want to be able to tell them that you were wise enough to strengthen “the rule of law,” both internationally and domestically; and that you were compassionate enough to finally help put an end to the immoral slaughter of the defenseless men, women, and children of Gaza. Sincerely, Joe ZarantonelloEaster, 2024 |