Rudy Shakes Down Israel for Protection Money

Someone forwarded me this ad that appeared in Jerusalum Post from Rudy asking for money. I find it very distastful on Rudy's part.



Dear Friend,
As a longtime friend and staunch supporter of Israel during my entire public life, I want to share with you my deep concern for the Jewish state and ask for your support as I campaign to become the next President of the United States.

We are at a crucial moment in history. We are once again at a point where the free world's resolve in fighting evil is being tested.

In the 1990's, we had the blinders on with regard to Islamic terrorism. Coddling terrorists-even applauding for winning the Nobel Peace prize as was done with Yasser Arafat-is a policy we cannot return to.

Yet, these blinders are still worn by some people who wish to lead our country.

In neither of their debates did the Democrats mention Islamic fundamentalist terrorists and the threat they pose to our country. One candidate has even said that the global war on terror is nothing but a bumper sticker slogan. It makes the point that I've been making over and over again - that the Democrats, or at least some of them, are in denial.

I promise you that if elected President, I will make sure this country remains on offense against terrorism. But I need your help and support to get there. Will you consider giving $1,000, $500, $250, $100 or $50 to my campaign?

Israel and the United States share common values. We cherish freedom, democracy, and human life. Our shared values have attracted common enemies. The terrorists Israel is fighting are the same terrorists America is fighting, and we must continue to fight them together.

Last week Iran's President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, announced that the world would soon witness the destruction of Israel. This 2008 presidential campaign will determine how we deal with statements like these and the madmen who make them.

I stand by Israel and I'll never embrace a terrorist like Arafat, a tyrant like Ahmadinejad, or a party like Hamas.

Will you join me and support my campaign for President so we can continue to work together? Your contribution of $1,000, $500, $250, $100 or $50 will go a long way in helping us to ensure victory.

Please consider signing up for my email list as well. Doing so will keep you up to date on the latest news from my campaign.

A Giuliani administration won't accept business as usual. We will stay strong amidst the threats of tyrants and we will stay on offense against the terrorists.

Sincerely,



Rudy Giuliani

 

Which part bothers you?

 

I received it and was bothered by it...forwarded it to Boom for his opinion, since our politics are somewhat, shall we say, different.

This arrived in a weekly email from the Jerusalem Post. To me, it said, 'Hey! Jewish person! I'm good to your people, send money!'

Why is the J Post sending ads for political contributions, and why is Rudy asking me for money in exchange for protecting Israel?

Oversimplified, I know, but that's how it felt to me.

 

That is how it feels to me also.

 

I don't read it that way. Politicians appeal to their natural constituencies - often with their hand out. In Israel, even the left has been mugged often enough on the issue of terrorism that their outlook on the subject roughly translates to right of center here in America. Guiliani, who doesn't have the unhelpful (in this context) baggage of social conservatism, but has terrorism credentials, especially the Arafat incident that would appeal to many Israel sympathizers, sees natural allies, and I bet numbers-wise, he's right. As for why the J-post allowed him to, I have no idea, what's protocol? Does the NYT send out Hillary fundraisers?

 

I don't like the implications at all . Also think that it would be that much harder to sit down with opposing groups such as Palastenians and discuss peace with Israel.

 

Rudy of the Rockpile has no tact. Not much shame, either.

It reads like one of those mass e-mails from the poor schmoe in Bangladesh who needs funds so he can buy a new bike buggy to cart his parents to the walk-in clinic.

 

He was a satisfactory mayor, at the proper time . . . let's not press our luck, from that point forward, ummmmm?

 

This the same guy that put the NYC emergency command center at The World Trade Center? I think Rudy would be an ok president, but some of the stuff he says and does (did you see his 12 "commitments" the other day) just leave me baffled. The letter reminded me of the several I've received from a "government official" trying to get some money out of Nigeria.

 

How is this any different than Cheney stating that if a democrat is elected that "we will be attacked again?"

Two shake-downs of the same type; one for money, the other for votes.

 

I guess it's not.

I was not aware that Israelites were allowed to vote in our presidential election.

 

He can ask for my vote. But if I'm going to give money to save Israel (and I do), I'm going to give it to JUF or IDF or an organization that directly aids the cause. I don't need to go through a presidential candidate.

Behind all of this is a strong campaign within Israel supporting Giuliani...there are many Americans there with dual citizenship who will vote in the election.

But I agree with the posts above...this was a tacky plea along the lines of '$1 will feed 200 starving babies for a year!' Very cheesy.