[akharris]

The overall tenor of this thread, and this comment in particular, is diving right into deep conspiracy theory territory.

There’s a huge difference between supporting an ally with common interests and being somehow controlled by them.

The idea that Israel - or AIPAC - is somehow in control of the US government is straight out of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion.

[kombine]

> The idea that Israel - or AIPAC - is somehow in control of the US government is straight out of the Protocols of the Elders of Zion.

Not sure why you bring this up, but the facts are very clear. Previous US administration broke its own laws that prohibit them to supply weapons to parties engaged in gross violations of human rights and war crimes. Among many things, AIPAC even unsit a Jewish(!) congressman whose only crime was to mention that Palestinians deserve human rights and dignity.

[sjsdaiuasgdia]

You need to re-frame the US/Israel alliance. Right now, it is more a far right alliance between Trump and Netanyahu. It's no longer about either of the states involved or the interactions they may have had in the past.

And to be extremely clear, because it's very likely someone will reply to claim antisemitism - I have a problem with Netanyahu and what Israel does under his leadership. I do not have a problem with people who identify as Jewish, ethnically or religiously.

[hector126]

There have been many books written on the subject, as in my previous comment, I suggested The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy.

It's not antisemitic or even remotely conspiratorial to acknowledge that Israel and Israeli-Americans have been very successful in exerting influence on the federal government. I think it's bad-faith well-poisoning for you to bring up nonsense like the Protocols.

[akharris]

Much as I’d love to debate you about this here, I don’t think either of us will convince the other - or anyone else - in this format.

Always happy to have a real conversation about difficult issues.

[7952]

I agree. Although we should not downplay how vulnerable democracy can be to outside influence. And that can have significant negative consequences. Particularly as things like "national interest" are so debatable.

[digitaltrees]

Totally agree with this. It’s also totally irrelevant and a false equivalency. Seeing how quickly a conversation shift to antisemitism is disheartening.

[marcus0x62]

I agree this is unproven conspiracy theory BS, but there are a great many conspiracy theories being espoused in this post. I’m curious why it is only this one you saw fit to call out?

[TylerE]

Not said as a joke: It isn’t a conspiracy if they actually are out to get you. I am seeing my country go down in a blaze of corruption in front of my very eyes.