Jordan joins unrest in the Middle East and Say It Isn’t So: Rand Paul Calls for Cutting All U.S. Aid to Israel… For all of you who just love Rand Paul this should be a wake up moment. The Obama administration announced this morning that aid to Egypt will be cut off and that's just fine. But how about all the money we send to Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and any number of countries that hate our guts? We could cut our spending by untold numbers if we simply quit trying to pay off our enemies. Cutting off support for our friend Israel is just plain stupid. Keep in mind, just because Egypt, Tunisia, Lebanon (prime example), Iran, Jordan, and others have people protesting against their government doesn't mean that a new government will be an improvement where the U.S. and Israel are concerned. The Muslim Brotherhood are actively involved and ready to step in which would be very bad news for all concerned.
WASHINGTON — Freshman Republican Sen. Rand Paul is calling for deep cuts in foreign aid, including eliminating U.S. money for Israel, a plan that has drawn criticism from Democrats and Republicans.
The tea party-backed Paul unveiled a budget proposal this week that
would slash overall government spending by $500 billion, saying the growing debt requires nothing less. It makes significant cuts in education, energy and defense while eliminating some agencies.
The Kentucky senator also is calling for cutting billions from foreign aid, and told CNN he would end the $3 billion in foreign military assistance to Israel.
The Republican Jewish Coalition called the idea misguided. Rep. Nita Lowey of New York, the top Democrat on the Appropriations subcommittee on foreign operations, said the U.S. can’t renege on an ally.
Middle East Protests Spread to Jordan, via Weasel Zippers
(Reuters) — Islamists, leftists and trade unionists gathered in central Amman Friday for the latest protest to demand political change and wider freedoms. A crowd of at least 3,000 chanted: “We want change.”
Banners and chants showed a wider range of grievances than the high food prices that fueled earlier protests, and included demands for free elections, the dismissal of Prime Minister Samir Rifai’s government and a representative parliament.
The protest after Friday prayers was organized by the Islamic Action Front, the political arm of the Muslim Brotherhood which is the only effective opposition and biggest party, but included members of leftist parties and trade unions.
Jordan’s protests, as in several Arab countries, have been inspired by the uprising that overthrew the Tunisian president.
“After Tunisia, Arab nations have found their way toward the path of political freedom and dignity,” said Zaki Bani Rusheid, a leading Islamist politician.
Demonstrations have taken place across Jordan calling for reversal of free-market reforms which many blame for a widening gap between rich and poor.
Jordan is struggling with its worst economic downturn in decades. The government has announced measures to reduce the prices of essentials, create jobs and raise salaries of civil servants. Protesters say the moves do not go far enough.
Protests continue in Egypt, Tunisia,
Unspoken Concern Over Egyptian Uprising: Control Of Suez Canal And Price Of Gas
Egyptian Uprising: Video Of ‘Tiananmen Square-Like’ Defiance Goes Viral
Will Egypt Be Another Tunisia? CNN iReporter Tells The Story From The Ground
Censorship? Cairo Police Swipe Camera From CNN Crew Covering Egyptian Uprising
Latest from Drudge:
Army deployed; greeted with cheers in the streets...
Police members remove uniforms -- join protests...
Dramatic video as thousands clash...
LIVE STREAM...
Obama's Af-Pak strategy is sending $7.5 Billion in U.S. "civil assistance" to Pakistan over the course of five years. Gosh, I bet they're going to purchase toys for the kiddies...
Posted by: R.J. Godlewski | January 28, 2011 at 02:57 PM
I would favor cutting all U.S. aid period! But why single out Israel? I recently read an article that claims the aid we send to Pakistan is being used to buy luxurious condos in Dubai. Most of the so-called foriegn aid is wasted or stolen. Are we just too stupid to understand this?
Posted by: GoneWithTheWind | January 28, 2011 at 03:04 PM
Perhaps Rand Paul hasn't heard of the war islam is waging against the non-islamic world and that Israel is the front line for it.
Does he need someone to explain to him that aiding a friend to keep the enemy at his gates is a lot cheaper than pouring money into holding the enemy at your gates.
Posted by: MK | January 28, 2011 at 04:50 PM
It sounds to me like he is airing typical libertarian attitudes. To me, those attitudes seem inclined towards isolationism and free marijuana for all. (As does Gary Johnson, John Stossel and Judge Napolitano.) Fortunately, his voice is just one of many.
Posted by: Howard Larson | January 28, 2011 at 06:31 PM
His proposal is to cut ALL aid, not just to Israel. More, his proposal is to cut $500 billion, including ending HUD, the dept of energy, the dept of education (except for Pell grants) etc etc. Why is ONLY the less than 1% of those cuts that represents aid to Israel being brought up?
Posted by: JKR | January 29, 2011 at 12:47 AM
The problem with Rand Paul is that, like President Obama, he is an idealogue. Just like a soldier doesn't abandon a comrade on the battlefield ... the USA doesn't abandon its' friends.
Or at least Conservatives don't.
Posted by: Paul Champagne | January 29, 2011 at 09:55 AM
JKR: If Rand Paul's proposal is to cut off ALL foreign aid, I would be agreeable with that, but if he is singling out Israel I am not.
As to his other proposal
ending HUD, Dept of Energy, Dept of Education, I'm all for that too. We could go even further.
I'm willing to bet that many Conservatives would be for cutting out all the Czars, many cabinet heads, and many other unnecessary jobs in Washington.
Posted by: Debbie | January 29, 2011 at 10:53 AM
Rand Paul is not singling out Israel. He is proposing to cut all foreign aid.
On the other side, I'm 100% sure that he will be willing to agree with Sarah Palin when she talks to him about America's fundamental obligation to defend Israel.
Rand has himself stated that he wasn't his own father, that he is not confrontational and that his opinions are changable.
Don't demonise him.
Again, I'm sure that he will go along with Sarah when she ask him.
After all, he owes her his Senatorial seat.
Posted by: Bogdan from Australia | January 29, 2011 at 05:17 PM
I am okay with aid to allies; I am past fed up with aid being sent to places that throw pails of manure on us.
With that said, no bailout for the libtards running Califorlornia onto the rocks.
Posted by: Skunkfeathers | January 30, 2011 at 11:12 AM
The alliances of every country affects the entire nation. This chaos would not end just because would not let anyone to be on top of them. Pride exist first. No government can resolve this because the main problem is the government. The adding of negative opinions adds fire to some situation.
Posted by: Call rates | February 03, 2011 at 09:30 AM