Democratic Senator Joe Manchin pushed back heavily on Palestinian Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib of Michigan over remarks that have stirred claims of anti-semitism.
“We don’t have a better ally than Israel,” Manchin, D-W.Va., told Fox News’ “America’s Newsroom,” describing the legislation as a rebuke to anti-Semitism. “Anti-Semitism can’t be tolerated in any way, shape, or form.”
“They forgot what country they represent.”
The uproar over Tlaib’s remarks have been in reference to her attack on a bi-partisan piece of legislation making it illegal for companies to take part in the BDS movement.
Tlaib said the following over Twitter in connection to the legislation:
“They forgot what country they represent.”
They forgot what country they represent. This is the U.S. where boycotting is a right & part of our historical fight for freedom & equality. Maybe a refresher on our U.S. Constitution is in order, then get back to opening up our government instead of taking our rights away. https://t.co/KkmqjR58ZM
— Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) January 7, 2019
Her reference to dual loyalty is slur used by anti-semites around the world and throughout history.
ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt issued a statement saying: “Representative Tlaib’s tweet regarding the pending bill on the Senate floor has been interpreted by some as suggesting that Jews or Members of Congress, such as the sponsors of the bill, are more loyal to Israel than to their own country. Whether or not this was her intent, this type of language is deeply problematic.
“… There is no reason to include implicit or explicit accusations of dual loyalty when otherwise criticizing legislation that bears on Israel.”
Senator Marco Rubio also pointed out the blatent anti-semitic trope Tlaib was peddling.
This “dual loyalty” canard is a typical anti-Semitic line#BDS isn’t about freedom & equality, it’s about destroying #Israel
And if boycotting #Israel is constitutionally protected, then boycotting companies that boycott #Israel is also constitutionally protected https://t.co/6yBM0bQB5L
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 7, 2019
Palestinian Congresswoman Defines the Chaos of the Democratic Party
While most observers have pointed out that the Democratic party has veered significantly left, Democrats like Joe Manchin from Red State have remained moderate, which indicates the party is actually in a state of chaos similar to the Republican party between 2010 and 2016.
This poses for a complicated primary season before the 2020 Presidential elections, one that will only become more tumultuous the more Tlaib and her backers try to take control.