"Wexler an enbarrassment"

[Joseph]

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/politics/content/nation/epaper/2007/04/24/0424wexler.html

Wexler blasted for opposing Armenian genocide resolution

Click-2-Listen
By LARRY LIPMAN
Palm Beach Post Washington Bureau

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

WASHINGTON — It's an issue that is splitting the Jewish community and has entered a South Florida congressional primary: How can a Jewish congressman not recognize the 1915 massacre of possibly 1.5 million Armenian civilians as genocide? The issue was raised Tuesday - recognized by many countries as Armenian Genocide Memorial Day - by Ben Graber, a former state representative and former Broward County mayor who plans to challenge U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler of Delray Beach in next year's Democratic primary.

Graber, who is Jewish and the son of Holocaust survivors, called Wexler an "embarrassment" to the Jewish community for opposing a resolution in the House of Representatives that recognizes the killing and deportation of Armenians under the Ottoman Empire as genocide.


The resolution was sponsored by Rep. Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California who is Jewish. It has been bottled up in the House Foreign Affairs Committee whose chairman is Rep. Tom Lantos - also a Democrat from California who is Jewish and a Holocaust survivor.

Wexler, who is also Jewish and serves as co-chairman of the Congressional Turkey Caucus, said there is debate among historians about whether the killings should be classified as genocide.

"There is no question that hundreds of thousands of Armenians were massacred, that is not debatable," Wexler said, noting that the killings took place during World War I when the Armenian population in the Ottoman Empire sided with the czarist Russians.

"The only question before the Congress is does the Congress have the expertise to make that historical conclusion" that the killings were genocide.

Wexler said his position is in line with that adopted by most major Jewish organizations - including the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee, U.S. presidents of both parties, and the Israeli government.

He said it would be unfair to describe his position or those taken by the Jewish organizations or Israel as being "deniers" of genocide.

But Graber said the record is clear. He cited reports and comments from leading figures of the time, including then-U.S. Ambassador Henry Morgenthau Sr., who later wrote: "when the Turkish authorities gave the orders for these deportations, they were merely giving the death warrant to a whole race; they understood this well, and, in their conversations with me, they made no particular attempt to conceal the fact." David Shneer, director of the University of Denver Center for Judaic Studies and an associate professor of history, said, "serious historians of the history of 20th Century genocide would agree that the Armenian genocide happened. Those who dispute that it happened tend to have some type of political agenda." Wexler said he is a strong supporter of efforts by the Bush administration and some international leaders to convene a commission of experts - including representatives from Armenia and Turkey - to examine the historical record and seek a resolution to the issue.

The issue has international significance because of Turkey's role as a Western-leaning Muslim country that in recent decades has adamantly denied the killings were genocide. Turkey has made it illegal for its citizens to publicly take that position.

Turkey also is a rare Muslim ally of both the United States and Israel.

"To totally undermine that relationship could be extremely costly for America and Israel," Wexler said.

"I want to make sure we deploy our American troops out of Iraq as soon as possible," Wexler said. "In order to best accomplish that, we need to have cooperation from Turkey." Graber said Wexler and other opponents of the resolution were being "hypocritical." "If it was the Jewish Holocaust that was in question, you can be certain that there would be no question about the facts. There are some things that you just can't deny. You have to say yes it happened,' accept it, and go forward." Just as the current generation of Germans blames the World War II Holocaust on the Nazis, Graber said the current generation of Turks should blame the Armenia genocide on the Ottomans.

"This is something that is too important and too big to not recognize for political reasons," he said. "It's an issue of what is right."

[Hovik]

While Graber's words are nice to hear, they are only words for now. Should he beat waxman, we'll see what his actions are all about. We mustn't forget the big Armenian Genocide George Bush used to get elected...

[phantom]

Hovik, anyone would be better than Wexler. Wexler is one of our biggest enemies in Congress, and this Graber guy is going way beyond what Bush ever said about the Genocide. This guy seems to understand the moral issue, and if his comments are any indication, he would clearly vote on the side of recognition over political expediency.

I've already emailed ANCA and suggested that they email all of their subscribers with a link to the donation page of Graber's website. If we can help Graber beat Wexler, we are doing 2 things: (1) we're finally getting rid of one of our greatest Congressional enemies; and (2) we are sending a message out to anyone who opposes Armenian issues that we are watching you, whether you have any Armenian constituents or not. In the case of Graber, South Florida is not exactly a hub of Armenian activity, but if we can focus the attention of the greater Armenian-American community to oust our greatest enemies from office, then we are truly a political force to be reconed with, and everyone will be shaking in their boots, just like they do when it comes to AIPAC.

So, we need to all get behind this Graber guy, and help him win, if for no other reason than to show our power. And we need to do it in a very public way so that it does not escape the attention of politicians.

[1.5 million]

Excellent observations and suggestions phantom. As someone who knows Jewish peple who have personally confronted their own Jewish organizations as well as - in one case - confronting (and lectured) a Rabi who was making a pitch at synagog for support of Turkey - exactly in recognition of these moral issues concerning recognition of the Armenian Genocide - I really take umbrage when anyone just out and out blames Jews - as a group or a race - etc - for being anti-Armenian or a people who are somehow against us etc. Certainly any people are going to be more and primarily concerned with their own issues - and lobbying/special interest groups even more so - and there are realpolitic issues - as disgusting as they are - they are real (and will always be a factor) - look at the whole aftermath of WWI and the short shift given to Armenians BY EVERYONE - and you can see and understand these things in action. So lets just be realisitc about these things and address the realities - not make myths which are untrue. And instead of expressing blind racism towards Jews we need to be both reaching out and educating them (as ignorance is more of a problem then willful opposition) as well as making the very same type of arguments that Graber is doing and making it very clear what is right versus wrong. In the meantime we cannot ignore that of any people on earth Jews (Jewish people/individuals) have been our greatest supporters. Certainly we cannot be blind to the politics - but to express racism and racial negativity is only falling into the hands of those (Turks) who would like to paint Armenians as such and further insure that we are politically ostrascized. Wexler is one of the type (of individuals) we need to oppose - and Graber someone deserving of our support (and thanks). Doing what is right is not always easy. Lets make it easier.

[Joseph]

http://www.graberforcongress.com/

[Joseph]

PRESS RELEASE
Date: August 28, 2007
Armenian National Committee of South Florida
931 NE 48th Street, Oakland Park, FL 33334
Contact: Albert Mazmanian
Tel: 561-628-8982

Congressional Candidate Dr. Benjamin Graber's Calls Upon
ADL to Support H. Res. 106

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL ` Following the controversies surrounding the
Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and the historicity of the Armenian
Genocide, Dr. Benjamin Graber, Candidate for U.S. Congress Florida
District 19, Democrat, in a powerful statement, welcomed ADL's
recognition of the Armenian Genocide, but urged them to support the
current Armenian Genocide resolution in Congress (H. Res 106).
Graber also blasted opponent Rep. Robert Wexler's justification of
his denial by invoking the position of the ADL and other Jewish
organizations, reported the Armenian National Committee of Florida.

"We welcome Dr. Graber's statement in response to the recent
actions that have been taken by the ADL," commented ANC of Florida
Chairman Albert Mazmanian. "The ANC of S. Florida is still
disappointed that the National ADL still opposes the Armenian
genocide legislation currently in Congress."

The Anti-Defamation League, under pressure from a national campaign
of protests initiated by the Armenian National Committee of Eastern
Massachusetts, and supported by leading voices in the Jewish
American community, reversed its longstanding policy of complicity
in Turkey's denial of the Armenian Genocide. Unfortunately, the
National ADL still believes lobbying for legislation recognizing
this historical fact is "counter productive."

The Turkish government and the lobbying efforts of certain Jewish-
American organizations have heavily influenced politicians such as
Wexler who have notoriously opposed the Armenian Genocide
resolutions for several years. As a result, the continuous neglect
of the concerns of Wexler's increasing Armenian constituency has
sparked an intense campaign to unseat him in the coming elections.

"Congressman Robert Wexler, who has taken the lead in Armenian
Genocide denial in the U.S. Congress, should be ashamed to use
Jewish organizations as the basis of his decision-making," stated
Graber. His statement, as a descended of Holocaust survivors and as
a moral political candidate, is welcomed with much enthusiasm by
the Armenian community in South Florida.

Citing the Scriptures for being "a light unto the nations" (Isaiah
42:6), and setting "an example of tolerance, love, respect and
conscience to all the people," Mr. Graber described Wexler's
"illogical position" on the Armenian Genocide as "sinful."
"Most Jews in America would denounce that [Wexler's] action as has
been so courageously demonstrated by the action in New England,"
said Benjamin Graber. Furthermore, Graber called on to the ADL to
"support H. Res. 106 in recognition of the Armenian Genocide."

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest
and most influential Armenian American grassroots political
organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices,
chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and
affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively
advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad
range of issues.

####
====================================
Graber's full text
When Congressman Robert Wexler tried to justify denying the
Armenian Genocide he invoked the position of the ADL and other
Jewish organizations. This in my opinion was sinful. He was using
them as an excuse for his illogical position. The Jewish people
are a people of antiquity. The scriptures state that they should be
"a light unto the nations" and set an example of tolerance, love,
respect and conscience to all the peoples of the world. As the
people who have suffered the ill will of mankind since history has
been recorded it is clear that the moral fiber of The Jewish People
has been sculpted through generations of maltreatment by the
world. Despite this history, Jews are benevolent, educated,
successful and philanthropic. I am proud to be a Jew. I am proud
that the ADL has taken the position that is right, which is to
recognize the Armenian Genocide and show intolerance to any form of
genocide against any people. The Jews as a light unto the world
should take the lead in condemning this form of behavior and help
teach tolerance and love of neighbor as the Holy Scriptures
prescribe. Congressman Robert Wexler who has taken the lead in
Armenian Genocide denial in the U.S . Congress should be ashamed to
use Jewish Organizations as the basis of his decision-making. Most
Jews in America would denounce that action as has been so
courageously demonstrated by the action in New England. I commend
the Jewish Community in Boston and elsewhere for standing up for
what is right. The Armenian Genocide must be recognized .To do less
would only encourage those who wish to erase their genocidal
histories from our memory. I strongly encourage the ADL to support
H. Res. 106 in recognition of the Armenian Genocide and work side
by side with human rights activists to see the resolution pass.
-Ben Graber, M.D. Candidate for U.S. Congress Florida District 19,
Democrat.
####

Photo Caption
Ben Graber speaking at an ANC of S. Florida function in early
August

[Joseph]

http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/broward/blog/2008/09/ben_graber_says_us_rep_wexler.html

« Traffic court to continue despite money woes | Main

Ben Graber says U.S. Rep. Wexler "an embarrassment to Jews''
> Posted by Brittany Wallman at 3:35 PM

Former state representative and Broward county commissioner Ben Graber is blasting U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Boca Raton, as an "embarrassment to Jews.''

Graber , son of Holocaust survivors, is challenging Wexler in congressional District 19, and is running as an independent candidate.

He took issue with Wexler for dissing Sen. John McCain's vice presidential pick, Sarah Palin, the governor of Alaska. According to Graber: "Wexler immediately condemned her as a supporter of a Nazi sympathizer because she wore a Pat Buchanan button ... when he visited her town.''

Graber said Wexler's "behavior'' is "not only embarrassing to the Jews, but also dangerous. It is apparent Wexler’s decision-making process is flawed. His inappropriate political use of Jewish issues could promote anti-Semitic backlashes against American Jews. Wexler falsely claims to speak for the Jewish community and he has a history of using anti-Semitism in elections. It was used successfully when he ran for the Florida Senate against Don Childers. Now he wants to use it to frighten Jews into believing Sarah Palin is a threat.''

Here's how McCain's campaign summarized the fracas:

Wexler, badly mangling his facts, accused Governor Palin of supporting Pat Buchanan in the 2000 Alaska primary. Based on this he asserted that Governor Palin had "aligned herself with a leading anti-Israel voice in American politics," while finding space to invoke the name of Adolph Hitler and the phrase "Nazi sympathizer." Only it wasn't true--Palin was an official on the Forbes campaign in 2000. Wexler never apologized or retracted his statement.
Click here to read the full McCain version of the events.

I'll post the full text of Graber's attack on "the jump.'' Meanwhile, Wexler spokesman Eric Johnson said Wexler stands by his comments about Palin and her button-wearing for Buchanan, a man whom Wexler has major issues with.

"He's called Washington Israeli-occupied territory,'' Johnson said. Even if Palin later joined the Forbes campaign, Johnson said she hasn't distanced herself from Buchanan.

"Would she wear a David Duke button if he came to town?'' Johnson asked, referring to the former Louisiana state representative and white nationalist.

Johnson called Graber's "embarrassment to Jews'' comment "just dumb.''

"Robert is listed in the 50 most influential Jewish leaders in the country. He's a leader in the Jewish community,'' Johnson said.

Graber's "editorial'' is below:

"U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler could not restrain himself when Sen. John McCain announced that a woman, Sarah Palin, would be his vice presidential nominee. Wexler immediately condemned her as a supporter of a Nazi sympathizer because she wore a Pat Buchanan button in 1996 when he visited her town. This, apparently, is untrue; she supported Steve Forbes and has the support of Alaskan Jews, known as the “Frozen Chosen.”
Wexler previously embarrassed Jews when he was the only Jewish member of the foreign relations committee to not recognize the Armenian Genocide last year.

Wexler continues to shoot from the hip by making rash decisions about important events and then apologizing for these decisions. He voted for the Iraq war, he moved to Maryland and he supported only counting half of Florida’s votes in the Democratic primary. And according to several online news sources including Politico, Haaretz and Ynetnews, Wexler says McCain has insulted the Jewish community with his VP selection.

This behavior is not only embarrassing to the Jews, but also dangerous. It is apparent Wexler’s decision-making process is flawed. His inappropriate political use of Jewish issues could promote anti-Semitic backlashes against American Jews. Wexler falsely claims to speak for the Jewish community and he has a history of using anti-Semitism in elections. It was used successfully when he ran for the Florida Senate against Don Childers. Now he wants to use it to frighten Jews into believing Sarah Palin is a threat.

Wexler already has a problem convincing people in his district that his support of Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton was good for the Jewish community; his credibility on this issue is also in question. I endorsed Sen. Clinton in the Democratic primary, but I will not endorse either candidate for president in the general election.

We need to condemn poorly researched personal attacks by elected officials of either party. It is exactly this kind of behavior that is driving voters to look for major changes with government. Wexler’s tactic is a good example of why people have little faith in Congress. Unfortunately, Wexler is again an embarrassment to Jews.