[WCUSP] Fw: Apartheid as our frame? Dems Repudiate Carter Book

[C.J. Minster]

As another Jewish member of WILPF, I agree with what Libby is saying. 
Jews have never thought or acted in unity. Organized Jewish institutions 
/ religious sects, might be acting in unity on US / Israel relations, 
but they do not represent all Jews.

I agree with Libby's earlier idea - let's develop two ways of talking 
about this. Let's explain why the term apartheid fits to this situation, 
and let's continue to learn ways to reach out to people - of any 
religious / ethnic background - who cannot hear past the word apartheid. 
Words are powerful frames. Just look at the way Islam is being framed as 
a "terrorist, blood-driven religion." This is not my frame, but even the 
NY Times uses it - yesterday's NYT magazine cover starts with "Islam and 
the bomb." I see the effects of these frames all the time: people close 
to me who think Palestinians / Arabs are irrational and incapable of 
peace; people who think Israel is justified in "creating peace through 
force." There are many frames we need to tear down and others that we 
need to build up.

Instead of arguing over which frame is a better path to changing US 
policy, let's develop them. Joyce, you asked Kate / the leadership team 
to draft a letter to Congresspeople. It's a great suggestion. The team 
(including Kate and myself) is meeting in Austin this Thursday through 
Sunday to develop our plans for 2007. We've been researching aid to 
Palestine and trying to figure out what type of aid the US government 
should be offering. We were thinking this would be our emphasis in the 
coming months. I don't think any of us knew about Carter's book until 
the article was posted. We'll try to work on getting an Action Alert out 
on his book, book tour, and the negative reaction it's getting. I'll try 
to find out more info from the Carter Center - the book comes out 
November 14; perhaps we can get an advance review copy.

Unfortunately, I can't guarantee any of this will happen immediately. 
The WCUSP leadership team is organizing towards its meeting this weekend 
and Kate's schedule is full. So, look for an official WILPF action 
either this week or next week. In the meantime, I encourage everyone to 
follow Joyce's lead and write letters to your Congressperson and 
Senators. Using their web forms is useful because it ensures that your 
message goes through. If you get a response, please forward it to the 
group. (It's useful for us to know where politicians stand.)

On a tangentially related note, the cover story of Rolling Stone 
magazine is about how this Congress is the most corrupt and inept in the 
history of our country. It's a depressing read, but surprisingly 
detailed for a music magazine. (I know, they also published an article 
on how Bush stole the election; so I suppose Jan Wenner (the 
publisher)'s politics are shining through.)

in nonviolent solidarity,
C.J.
------------
C.J. Minster
Program Chair, US Section
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
http://wilpf.blogspot.com

~current affairs blog~
http://www.socialupheaval.com

~cultural affairs blog~
http://www.angelheadedhipster.com

Libby and Mort Frank wrote:
> Dear Joan and all,
>  
> I have the deepest disagreement with your comments, Joan.  You have 
> characterized the U.S. Jewish community as a united force that hasn't 
> been and can't be reached, no matter how,  claiming that "reason 
> doesn't work..."  I find your characterization insulting.  Criticicism 
> of U.S. or Israeli policy is certainly called for, but characterizing 
> the entire U.S. Jewish community as not listening to reason is not 
> acceptable.
>  
> You go on to confuse Israeli policy with that of the 
> U.S.: "international human rights conventions and the Geneva Accords 
> have no impact on Israeli policy -- words of the victims have no 
> impact and the facts on the ground have no impact on ..."  And, you 
> quote Golda Meir who made her reprehensible statement as an Israeli 
> leader. 
>  
>  I share your impatience and want to scream as I read of the situation 
> in Palestine.  But thousands and thousands of Jewish Americans have 
> opposed Israeli policy, have opposed U.S. policy.  We have reached 
> others and continue to do so. 
>  
> Rep. Conyers said the use of apartheid in Carter's book "does not 
> serve the cause of peace and the use of it against the Jewish people 
> in particular, who have been victims of the worst kind of 
> discrimination, discrimination resulting in death, is offensive and 
> wrong..."  So the establishment Jewish papers say Conyers is "Standing 
> up for Israel Against Jimmy Carter."  *That is Wrong*.  One can oppose 
> the use of incendiary words about Israel and not be "standing up for 
> Israel." 
>  
> Looking at the 2006 Congressional Scorecard published by the Arab 
> American Institute, one can see that Conyer's voting record is among 
> the best on issues considered crucial to Arab Americans.  He is hardly 
> beholden to the pro-Israeli government lobby.
>  
> I stick with my deep belief in the absolute necessity of changing U.S. 
> policy.  Being sensitive about where people are coming from doesn't 
> mean we're mincing words.  It means we have the possibility of opening 
> minds and changing minds.  I've done it, as have many others.
>  
> Libby
>  
>  
>  
>
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