Frank talks Israel, LGBTQ rights

[King_David]

By Nick Defiesta

Staff reporter

Tuesday, February 14, 2012
.

United States Rep. Barney Frank, Democrat of Massachusetts, came to Yale Monday to address U.S. policy toward Israel and the state of American politics in front of about 200 people.

During the talk, sponsored by Yale Hillel and the Yale College Democrats, Frank, who is Jewish, argued that Democrats have compelling reasons to support Israel given the Jewish state’s liberal values. Following his address, the openly gay congressman answered questions about LGBTQ rights, the 2012 elections, his impending retirement and his July marriage to partner James Ready.

Although he said he disagrees with some aspects of Israel’s government policies — he wishes Israel were “more restrictive” when choosing to build new settlements — Frank said he is a strong supporter of the country.

“Based on the values I have as a man of the left, Israel is by a very large margin the best country in its part of the world,” Frank said. “I am troubled when I see people who claim to share the values of the left join in Israel-bashing.”


http://www.yaledailynews.com/news/2012/feb/14/frank-talks-israel-lgbtq-rights/

[King_David]

1. ...more...

'He cited Israel’s commitment to gender equality and freedom of religion as two reasons the nation should have more in common with the American left than the right. He also addressed the issue of gay rights, contrasting LGBTQ citizens’ open service in the Israel Defense Force with the United States’ “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which was repealed last year.

Frank also described Israel as a premier example of democracy, arguing that it contradicts the notion that democracy is only possible for states that are unthreatened.

“The high court in Israel has a better record of protecting civil liberties than the United States,” Frank said. “Israel stands out as a stunning refutation to the idea that democracy is only for the secure.”

The congressman also defended President Barack Obama’s handling of relations with Israel, describing Obama as a “very good friend” of the country, citing the administration’s diplomatic handling of the Palestinian request for statehood at the United Nations as an example of how the president has fought on Israel’s behalf. Frank stressed that criticism of Israel from Obama and the left comes out of a “friendly” responsibility for the country’s well-being.'


http://www.yaledailynews.com/news/2012/feb/14/frank-talks-israel-lgbtq-rights/

[meti57b]

2. Barney Frank .....I luv that guy! .... and wish him all the best on his retirement and marriage!

[shaayecanaan]

3. Ah, truly the most lion-hearted leftist that $9.4 million can buy...

'he wishes Israel were “more restrictive” when choosing to build new settlements'

Courage, Willow.

I hope the banks that funded him all those years will remember to send him a card.