We need more Ilhan Omars in Congress

That doesn't mean they should all be Muslim women of color but that would be good too. It does mean we need more congresspersons speaking out against the lock on American foreign policy regarding Israel and Palestine that so favors Israel, any mention of fairness to Palestinians brings a firestorm of rebuke, including a veiled congressional resolution of condemnation. In America, virtually no criticism of Israel, calls for end to the illegal settlements, stateless status of Palestinians, denial of their basic human rights is allowed due to pushback by the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). The Democrats are now split on the issue with the more progressive wing, represented by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Tulsi Gabbard, Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders supporting Omar's right to criticize Israel and one sided US support of anti Palestinian policies.

The conservative wing buckled, trying to pass a resolution specifically criticizing Omar's comments before passing a watered down resolution condemning all forms of hate. The GOP has rallied around the Israel Lobby with Trump and Congresswoman Liz Cheney smearing the Democratic Party as being anti-Semitic, anti-Israel; and calling for for Democrats to defect to the true party of hate and bigotry. While these shameful political machinations play out, millions of stateless Palestinians live with virtually no rights, no resources and no recourse to redress 71 years of hopelessness. More Ilhan Omars in the Democratic Party, and a first one in the Republican Party? Indeed.