Statement of Barack Obama on Israel's 60th Independence Day

This week marks the 60th anniversary of the fulfillment of a dream -- the independence of the State of Israel. Throughout many centuries, Jews held fast to the hope of returning as free people to the land of their ancestors. Blessed with visionary leaders like Theodore Herzl and David Ben-Gurion, in the 20th century they began to take the practical steps necessary to build a modern state. Against all odds, and overcoming obstacles from international indifference, to hostile opposition in the region, to the murderous crimes of the Nazis, the leaders of the Zionist movement declared the establishment of the State of Israel in May 1948. In their moment of triumph, they were immediately plunged into a war for their new nation's very survival. Because of the courage and commitment of its people, Israel did survive. While threats to its existence have endured, Israelis have built their nation into a strong, vibrant democracy, with a prosperous economy, a rich cultural life, and a deep friendship with the United States that benefits both our peoples in so many ways. Even in hard times, Israelis have so much to be proud of. As the Jewish State continues to grow and prosper, the United States will always stand with Israel to ensure it can defend itself against threat of terrorism and violence, from as close as Gaza and as far as Tehran. We must never waver in our unshakeable commitment help Israel achieve its goal of true security through lasting peace with its neighbors.

On this happy occasion, I send congratulations and warm wishes to President Peres, Prime Minister Olmert, and the Israeli people, and I join with Jews and friends of Israel everywhere in celebrating Israel's 60th Independence Day.


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Tenth Congressional District Democrats will be organizing tables. We had a very large contingent last year. The event sold out last year, so please sign up quickly!

Ultimate Power Woman $4600, Power Lunch Sponsor $3000, Power Lunch Host $1500, Power Lunch Guest $150, Young Power Woman $75

DATE: Friday, May 9, 2008

TIME: Registration opens 11:30 a.m., Luncheon and Program 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

LOCATION: McCormick Place, Lakeside Ballroom (E354), 2301 South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago

Self-parking is available in Lot C. Carpools from the North Shore and northwestern suburbs are being arranged. For more information or to RSVP, e-mail LaurenBethGash@gmail.com or call 847-702-6635 or contact Sarah at sarah@janschakowsky.org or call her at 847-424-1998 and let her know you want to sit at the Tenth Dems tables.

When I saw the "Shock and Awe" on TV during our invasion of Iraq , I was saddened by the thought that innocent civilians would be killed -- men, women and children.

That count is now reported as 1.2 million. And now that the deaths of our own brave and loyal troops exceeds 4,000, and nearly 30,000 have been wounded, many maimed for life, it's time to examine how we became involved in Iraq and why we are still there.

The "Downing Street Memo" shed some light on how the Iraq War began. It contained the minutes of a meeting held by Prime Minister Tony Blair with some of his senior ministers and advisers eight months before the invasion of Iraq .

It clearly stated that Bush wanted to depose Saddam Hussein by military force. But he knew Congress and the international community would not condone waging a war for the purpose of regime change.

Therefore, Bush and his administration planned to fabricate false information about Al Qaeda and WMDs in Iraq to extract an affirmative vote from Congress for an invasion, and to convince the United Nations to go along.

We may never know the real reason why the Bush-Cheney administration wanted get us mired down in Iraq for five years to date, instead of pursuing Al Qaeda where they really were and are, at the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

This unwinnable war should be terminated on a realistic short term timetable. Occupation was never foreseen as an objective by our Congress or by the American people.

How do we communicate with Congress when our Representative Mark Kirk is not interested in discussing the Iraq War, or its downside, and insanity of it in public meetings?

I agree with Dan Seals that we need a responsible redeployment. We need a true Representative in Congress. The sane thing is to vote for Dan Seals.

      
      George Rosenblit, Highland Park



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