Words matter
The article, “Support for Pappas dwindles,” stated that Democrats are “advocating against U.S. support for Israel in the midst of its war with Hamas.” This is an irresponsible whitewashing of Israel’s conduct, fundamentally mischaracterizes the opposition to it, and fails to capture why Pappas is losing support.
I would have supported Israel’s effort to defeat Hamas had it been conducted in accordance with international humanitarian law. I oppose Israel’s devastating campaign in Gaza, which has killed more than 20,000 children, and which the UN Commission of Inquiry has concluded constitutes genocide.
I also oppose Israel’s expansion of the illegal West Bank settlements. Hamas does not control the West Bank; settlement expansion therefore cannot be characterized as part of a war against Hamas.
I will not support Chris Pappas because he has enabled this genocide. He has voted for billions in military assistance to Israel and for legislation targeting those who assist ICC proceedings involving U.S. allies (after the ICC began investigating Israeli officials). He has taken two AIEF-sponsored trips to Israel, and voted present rather than supporting Representative Massie’s amendment to end military assistance to Israel.
Yet the Monitor reduced this disagreement to “opposition to U.S. support for Israel.” Words matter, particularly when they shape how readers understand the suffering of civilians and the role of a NH politician in that suffering. The Monitor should do better.