I support Palestine and will be watching the DNC. I am sure we will see and hear the protesters. To liberate Palestine, what do you want Harris to do? You listed some things you said were not practical. What is a practical expectation? And is it in her capacity as VP supporting Biden or as a candidate for President (that wouldn't take effect until January, if she is elected)? Is there concern among protesters that supporting Palestine (which would be framed as being against Israel, the US's ally) would hamper Harris's ability to be elected and might see Trump elected instead, who has suggested that Israel should just wipe out Palestine? Or is the protesting more about raising awareness without expectation from the Democrat nominee? I find this issue extremely thorny and anxiety inducing, but I am not as close to it as you are. What would appease protesters at the DNC?
Thanks for the comment! I think we all would like her to sit down with Biden and democrat leaders to get an arms embargo on Israel. There is tons of pressure from the media, centrist democrats, Biden himself, AIPAC... that's what makes it so difficult. The situation is so far gone- 10 months into this genocide its tough to imagine something will change.
The necessary change is this: all military supply to Israel needs to cease, we need to pressure Israel to stop the war with whatever leverage it takes (sanctions/direct intervention), tons of aid needs to be sent into Gaza, international investigations need to happen inside Gaza, the ICJ and the UN need to prosecute and take that regime out of power, and there has to be a legitimate two-state solution created where both have equal power and access to resources. I understand there is extremism on both sides, there has to be some third party present to mediate things. Ideally I believe there should be a one state solution- ultimately I believe there should be no national boarders anywhere in the world but the current reality demands two equal states.
I don't think these protests will change her election chances much, I fear she will lose some much needed support in Michigan who has a large Muslim population. I personally think if she manages to mess up and lose this election, there would be bigger problems that Palestine protestors. So that's why I say that there is no 'good' time to protest; there will always be a bigger threat.
I sort of vaguely explain in the article this- the reason I fight for Palestine is not just Palestine but because the entire capitalist system needs to be overthrown; its a (very) long-term project and I hope I can get across that these genocides and wars will keep happening if we don't revolutionize our political and economic system.
The biggest problem I see is that if Harris goes all-in on supporting Palestine, it could cost her the election, while ignoring protesters or cracking down on them will not, just on numbers and optics. It will be framed as anti semitic, anti christian, and betraying our ally. I think calling for peace, a cease fire, humanitarian aide, and involvement from the UN to mediate is reasonable. I don't think an open condemnation of Israel or an arms embargo will happen because of how it will be framed, although I philosophically agree that weapons do not make the situation safer. But because it is so complicated to explain, it is possible (even likely) to get no mention at all. I am concerned that protesters will be disruptive, destructive, and violent, which will backfire on getting concerns heard and making the situation worse for everyone except right wing media, which will have a field day spinning it and could cost Harris her narrow and hard fought gain in the polls and potentially the election. There was a surge of pro Palestinian feelings among American voters as of this spring. I would hate to see that erode. And I would hate for Harris to lose to Trump, who is no friend to Palestine, and could end democracy in America.
I support Palestine and will be watching the DNC. I am sure we will see and hear the protesters. To liberate Palestine, what do you want Harris to do? You listed some things you said were not practical. What is a practical expectation? And is it in her capacity as VP supporting Biden or as a candidate for President (that wouldn't take effect until January, if she is elected)? Is there concern among protesters that supporting Palestine (which would be framed as being against Israel, the US's ally) would hamper Harris's ability to be elected and might see Trump elected instead, who has suggested that Israel should just wipe out Palestine? Or is the protesting more about raising awareness without expectation from the Democrat nominee? I find this issue extremely thorny and anxiety inducing, but I am not as close to it as you are. What would appease protesters at the DNC?
Thanks for the comment! I think we all would like her to sit down with Biden and democrat leaders to get an arms embargo on Israel. There is tons of pressure from the media, centrist democrats, Biden himself, AIPAC... that's what makes it so difficult. The situation is so far gone- 10 months into this genocide its tough to imagine something will change.
The necessary change is this: all military supply to Israel needs to cease, we need to pressure Israel to stop the war with whatever leverage it takes (sanctions/direct intervention), tons of aid needs to be sent into Gaza, international investigations need to happen inside Gaza, the ICJ and the UN need to prosecute and take that regime out of power, and there has to be a legitimate two-state solution created where both have equal power and access to resources. I understand there is extremism on both sides, there has to be some third party present to mediate things. Ideally I believe there should be a one state solution- ultimately I believe there should be no national boarders anywhere in the world but the current reality demands two equal states.
I don't think these protests will change her election chances much, I fear she will lose some much needed support in Michigan who has a large Muslim population. I personally think if she manages to mess up and lose this election, there would be bigger problems that Palestine protestors. So that's why I say that there is no 'good' time to protest; there will always be a bigger threat.
I sort of vaguely explain in the article this- the reason I fight for Palestine is not just Palestine but because the entire capitalist system needs to be overthrown; its a (very) long-term project and I hope I can get across that these genocides and wars will keep happening if we don't revolutionize our political and economic system.
The biggest problem I see is that if Harris goes all-in on supporting Palestine, it could cost her the election, while ignoring protesters or cracking down on them will not, just on numbers and optics. It will be framed as anti semitic, anti christian, and betraying our ally. I think calling for peace, a cease fire, humanitarian aide, and involvement from the UN to mediate is reasonable. I don't think an open condemnation of Israel or an arms embargo will happen because of how it will be framed, although I philosophically agree that weapons do not make the situation safer. But because it is so complicated to explain, it is possible (even likely) to get no mention at all. I am concerned that protesters will be disruptive, destructive, and violent, which will backfire on getting concerns heard and making the situation worse for everyone except right wing media, which will have a field day spinning it and could cost Harris her narrow and hard fought gain in the polls and potentially the election. There was a surge of pro Palestinian feelings among American voters as of this spring. I would hate to see that erode. And I would hate for Harris to lose to Trump, who is no friend to Palestine, and could end democracy in America.