IcyPatriot

Israeli Spokesman Says We Control Stupid Americans | Pakistan Daily

Hopefully Obama has a reaction to this comment. Even though it's not really official it should still receive a reaction from his administration.

Stokes

After only a quick look I'd say his reaction should be the same as mine. "Its fake." I can't find this anywhere but from your source, the Pakistan Daily, and a bunch of angry muslim websites. I tried looking up the spokeswoman and can't find her. Is the Pakistan Daily a credible source? Can you find this quote from an independent source?

Patters

We agree. I couldn't find any independent source or other reference to that so-called spokesperson.

maverick4

That source is dubious, but the loudmouth Olmert repeatedly bragged about this in several credible newspapers, about how he got the US to abstain on the recent UN vote after he called and demanded Bush leave a speech he was giving, and Bush left and told Condi not to vote.

Israel has the US by the balls.

Patters

Olmert is an idiot, but I think the US supports Israel because Israel by most measures is the most progressive country in the Middle East (which pleases many American liberals) and is as loyal to the US military as is Britain (which pleases many American conservatives).

maverick4

That makes no sense, when Iran was extremely pro-American and a democracy several decades ago... until we toppled it since we didn't like who they chose

Patters

I'm not following your logic.

maverick4

You're saying we only support Israel because it's a democracy over there, but we toppled a pro-American populace that had an Iranian democracy and more progressive views compared to its neighbors... and in backlash to our actions they've now become a theocracy. So we don't support Israel for being a democracy, since we toppled a neighboring democracy. As for military, Israel has nukes because it stole from us, so how is that pleasing to conservatives?

A big reason we support Israel is because of the enormous lobbying power of Israelis and Jewish Americans. It's no coincidence any potential candidate must pledge their life and allegiance to Israel, and have it amplified in major American newspapers, to have any chance of winning a major office.

Patters

We toppled Iran in the 50s. Under Carter, we didn't topple Iran; we simply allowed them self determination. They were not pro-American after the Shah, but I doubt they're pro Ayatollah now. They did start to moderate, but responded by electing a right winger after Bush II attacked Iraq. I think it's very difficult to form a parallel, and I don't think Iran was ever as proAmerican as Israel. Even prior to the Shah (an American puppet), Iran was moving towards more socialism, which might have put them in the Soviet orbit. I think that was a real worry during the Cold War.

PatsFanInVa

So basically, we all pretty much believe that a single source, not appearing elsewhere, which cites an official who does not appear elsewhere, is a pretty dubious basis on which to spread this impression of Israel.

Okay see to me, it looks like the reactions are pretty much, "Well, this story is a lie, and we cannot prove that this is what's going on, but we pretty much know that it is."

Mav says Olmert has "said as much," but he has not. He bragged that he got the president to take his phone call in the middle of a mid-east crisis, even though he was in the middle of a speech or something (?) I dunno. Proving only that, if he wasn't idly boasting for his own electoral purposes, Olmert can have conversations with the Pres, has a "red phone" type of deal, etc.