Minneapolis, MN – About 100 anti-war activists protested outside of the AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) annual meeting at the University of Minnesota on June 30 to oppose the U.S. unconditional support for Israel. The Coalition for Palestinian Rights organized the protest. This protest was a part of a series of protests organized in response to the massacre of the Gaza flotilla Memorial Day weekend.

The Coalition of Palestinian Rights issued a statement that said, “AIPAC supports endless conflict in the Middle East by lobbying for billions of dollars in U.S. military aid to Israel and continued occupation of Palestinian land. AIPAC works to insure that Israel is provided with U.S. military aid and weapons at the cost of more than $3 billion each year. Our helicopters, bullets and bombs are killing Palestinians. Israel’s “Operation Cast Lead” attack on Gaza, which killed 1400 civilians including 352 children, was carried out with U.S.-funded and manufactured helicopters, tanks, rockets and phosphorus bombs. AIPAC also regularly provides a platform for Christian Zionist extremists to foment their anti-Muslim/Arab racism and their call to unbridled militarism.”

Students for a Democratic Society at the University of Minnesota organizer Tracy Molm started off the rally, “The media and government in the U.S., with the pressure of the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee, the people meeting inside as I speak, are responsible for ensuring that despite these horrendous atrocities…the U.S. still sends billions of dollars to the Israeli government. We believe this is unacceptable, and now more than ever it is time to stand up. As a member of Students for a Democratic Society at the University of Minnesota, I am really happy to see all of you here to help us let AIPAC know that their agenda of hatred and bigotry against the Palestinian people and their stranglehold on American politics will not come to the University of Minnesota campus without a fight!”

Protesters surrounded the entrance to the event and lined the stairwell from the parking ramp to the rally. AIPAC supporters had to walk through a gauntlet of pro-Palestine support to get their event. Many choose to enter the event through the basement to avoid being seen by protesters. However, former senator and Democratic candidate for governor Mark Dayton did walk through protesters to go to the AIPAC event. Supporters chanted “Shame!” at Dayton.

Margaret Sarfehjooy, from Women Against Military Madness, explained, “We are here to tell our politicians that AIPAC does not speak for us. You were not elected to pass AIPAC-written resolutions and bills. You were not elected to enable Israel to continue its illegal occupation of Palestinian land. You were not elected to defer to AIPAC, a non-registered agent of the state of Israel. It’s time to listen to people who want peace in the Middle East, who want to spend our tax money on housing, health care, schools, jobs, not endless wars and occupation.”

Jennie Eisert, a member of the Anti-War Committee, concluded the rally, “AIPAC thinks that they are unstoppable, but they are wrong. They are a racist organization that has too much voice in U.S. foreign policy. We are here to challenge their voice with our own.”

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An important blow against racism and reaction was struck in Georgia, July 20. Cynthia McKinney's victory in Georgia’s 4th congressional district in the Democratic primaries means it is almost certain that her courageous voice will be heard again inside the halls of Congress.

McKinney, a progressive African American, represented the 4th district until 2002. While serving in Congress, she earned the wrath of the Bush administration by asking what the Bush administration knew about the events of September 11. She also slammed the war profiteering by Bush cronies, opposed moves to attack Iraq and often criticized Israel. She constantly opposed moves to curtail civil liberties.

In the 2002 Democratic primaries, McKinney was targeted by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). The Washington-based Zionist lobby backed McKinney’s opponent, Denise Majette. The 40,000 white Republicans crossing over to the Democratic primary assured Majette’s victory. Much to the surprise of her supporters, this year Majette decided to make a bid for the Senate – leaving her House seat open for the 2004 election.

McKinney’s July 20 victory came as a surprise to many political observers, and has sparked consternation among conservatives and supporters of Israel. McKinney garnered 51% of the votes in the primary, thus avoiding a runoff election. She beat challengers who had more money by a two-to-one margin. The strong turnout by Blacks in DeKalb County and a powerful grassroots campaign were important factors in her success. While she still faces Republican Catherine Davis in the November elections, McKinney is expected to win in a district that traditionally votes democrat.

Some of the most racist and reactionary forces in the country worked to drive Congresswomen McKinney from office in 2002. They used an unfair electoral system – the crossover of white Republican voters to the Democratic primaries was a device to deny Black voters political power. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee is one of Washington’s most powerful lobbies, and there are relatively few politicians willing to opposes its reactionary positions.

McKinney’s recent victory is a success for the African American freedom movement and its allies. It is a rejection by the voters of Georgia’s 4th district of the entire direction that Bush is taking this county. Another victory for McKinney this November will bring a powerful advocate for equality and peace, and a fighter who articulates the demands of the oppressed and exploited, back to the Congress.

#Georgia #Commentary #AfricanAmerican #GeorgiaJuly20 #CynthiaMcKinneysVictoryInGeorgias4thCongressionalDistrict #aProgressiveAfricanAmerican #2002DemocraticPrimaries #AmericanIsraelPublicAffairsCommittee #AIPAC