43 Senators Sign on to Bill to Outlaw Support for Israel Boycotts

[Santander]

It should not be illegal, as an individual, to hate or express hate towards others, or to make politically-motivated buying decisions in the free market. However, organized political boycotts like BDS are not mere hate, they hurt Israel and harm America's national interests. It's not about speech, and it's not only about Israel, since the bill applies to other friendly nations as well.

What products an individual chooses to buy or not is their business. Leading or participating in organized, politically-motivated boycotts is harmful and subversive to the national interest.

[Santander]

It should not be illegal, as an individual, to hate or express hate towards others, or to make politically-motivated buying decisions in the free market. However, organized political boycotts like BDS are not mere hate, they hurt Israel and harm America's national interests. It's not about speech, and it's not only about Israel, since the bill applies to other friendly nations as well.

What products an individual chooses to buy or not is their business. Leading or participating in organized, politically-motivated boycotts is harmful and subversive to the national interest.

Which Americans actually benefit from the "national interest?" Why should it be a felony to not support a foreign government? What about America's government policies that are hateful towards Palestinians?

Please explain how American foreign policy is hateful towards Palestinians. The US is the leading funder of UNRWA, has always supported a two-state solution, does not endorse Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and engages with Palestinian leaders.

[Santander]

I can't speak for anyone else, but I suspect the the traitor label coming up because the Congresscritters are perceived to be doing this to curry favor with a foreign power, not from the interests or desires of their constituents.

Traitors support enemies. Standing up for an ally and against hate does not make one a traitor.

If you call the bill's supporters "traitors", you are saying that Israel is the enemy.

[Santander]

I can't speak for anyone else, but I suspect the the traitor label coming up because the Congresscritters are perceived to be doing this to curry favor with a foreign power, not from the interests or desires of their constituents.

Traitors support enemies. Standing up for an ally and against hate does not make one a traitor.

If you call the bill's supporters "traitors", you are saying that Israel is the enemy.

That's Cheney talk.

The definition of a traitor is someone who betrays their country by supporting the enemy. Israel is not the enemy. If you call someone a traitor because you perceive their actions to be "too pro-Israel", you are literally saying that Israel is the enemy.

[Santander]

My lord, the first line would have made South African Apartheid boycotts illegal.

The effects of the South Africa boycotts were debatable, at best.