Senator Durbin responds with nonsense

I wrote to Illinois Senator Richard Durbin, asking why the United States funds Israel with no thought of cutback even when the U.S. budget is in dire straits and Israel has a successful economy - though maybe not one that is benefits everyone there as the tent protesters demonstrate.

In response, I received this letter from him. Since the graphic is too small to easily read, the text is reproduced below.

Dear Mr. Brown

Thank you for contacting me with your views about U.S. aid to Israel. I appreciate hearing from you.

The United States must be engaged in the effort to end the tragic cycle of violence in the Middle East.

Israel remains the most important U.S. ally in the region. Its strong and vibrant democratic tradition is unique in the Middle East and it has a strong free market economy. The close and stable friendship between our two countries is built on a solid foundation of shared values, mutual assistance and trust. Providing aid to Israel benefits our national security.

The United States, as part of its broader goal of promoting the peaceful resolution of the Middle East hostilities, must continue to encourage regional efforts to construct successful states and resolve conflicts. The escalation of violence and the death and suffering by innocent people on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only end with a ceasefire and honest negotiation for peace. As an honest partner in negotiations, the United States must encourage both sides to take the difficult steps necessary for peace.

President Obama has stated that resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will be a top priority for his administration. I am pleased that the peace process will be a focus of our nation's diplomatic efforts and I continue to hope that the two parties will reach an accord that can bring peace and stability to the region.

Thank you for your message. Please feel free to keep in touch.

Sincerely,
Richard Durbin

This form letter is completely out of touch with reality, dispenses the same tired phrases that have long been discredited and indicates the stone wall that the Israel lobby has constructed between Congress and the truth. Most of all, it fails to answer my question about U.S. money going to Israel. In fact, it substantiates one of my points against such aid by saying the Israel "has a stong and vibrant economy".

As anyone knows who writes to Congress, you can't expect logic or reason in the response you may receive. Nevertheless, we all must write and let Congress know that we are not deceived. Correspondence from constituents is tallied.