COMMENT POSTED TO AN ARTICLE IN THE INDEPENDENT
There is some truth in the idea that the Republican
establishment is shaken by the possibility of a Trump candidacy.
But the folks who are really shaken by Trump, without
question, are the Neo-cons and the Israel lobby, already extremely influential
groups in America.
They do not trust Trump's independence of mind with regard
to Israel and the American foreign policy which keeps that failed venture
afloat. This is the one leaning of Trump’s which many people, doubtful or
disliking most of his views, would welcome as a relief and a fresh start from
the sick status quo of endless wars, many of them catering to Israel.
Of course, Trump's more extreme statements on other matters
give the Israel lobby plenty of ammunition to make it seem as though they are
concerned with issues of interest to a wider audience of Americans. But when
you consider the people vociferously engaged against Trump, you know that is
not the case. They simply are not people with any record of great concerns over
human rights, genuine democratic values, and imperial aggression.
Michael Bloomberg, former Mayor of New York who is exploring
running as an independent candidate, is well connected with Israel lobby crowd.
As is the publication, Weekly
Standard, which has been making very loud noises about Trump. Founded and
run by William Kristol, the publication functions as a major mouthpiece for Neo-cons
and the Israel lobby.
It would appear possible now that not only does Israel
determine a good deal of American foreign policy, it may as well play a key
role in the next election.
That’s a pretty bizarre situation when you think about it: a
nation of about 7 million weighing so heavily in the most intimate affairs of a
nation of about 320 million. Not only do Israel’s narrow self-interests
constitute a supremely influential special interest in the internal affairs of
the United States, but Israel’s long-term interests are often directly at odds
with America’s long-term interests. America’s own election-finance system is
responsible for the situation, but that is something unlikely to be sorted out
within the lifetime of any reader.
The relationship between Israel and the United States resembles
one of those marriages we read about now and then in the news that is so
dysfunctional one of the spouses kills the other.
Readers may enjoy this analysis of a while ago:
https://chuckmanwords.wordpress.com/2015/12/15/john-chuckman-essay-donald-trump-is-electable-as-president-but/
