Who would have guessed Jim Jordan would be a voice of reason
The news from Israel is horrific. More than twelve hundred people are dead. Nine of them are Americans. Another two thousand are injured. Countless are missing. When this is over, figure those numbers will at least double to triple.
It didn’t take long for this to become politicized. Here are a few of the right-wing Republican responses on Twitter/X:
Ted Cruz: “What Hamas is doing is a grotesque act of war. What is infuriating is that it was paid for by Joe Biden sending billions to Iran and even millions directly into the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip. The State Dept. even knew those millions would fund terrorism - but they sent it anyway.”
Marjorie Taylor Greene: “You have to be an idiot to believe the Biden admin’s talking points that none of the $6 billion released to Iran could be used for war against Israel. Once the admin gave it to Iran, they can spend it however they want including spending their own money and repurposing the $6 billion.”
Eric Trump: “Less than three weeks ago, President Biden delivered $6 billion in funds to Iran. This is the result.”
I can go on and on because there are a hundred of these responses, but you get the point. Here are the responses to this:
Omar Rivera, Founder of Occupy Democrats: “The $6 billion that President Biden freed for humanitarian aid and food for Iran is still sitting in a bank account in Qatar — and not a single penny has been spent. Also, the process for the money to be given to Iran was launched by the Trump Administration. Now, Trump, his supporters, and Republican members of Congress are shamelessly blaming the Hammas attacks against Israel on President Biden — and the bodies haven’t even been buried yet. Trump and Republicans are cruel, ghoulish frauds.”
Rep. Jason Crow: “This is false. And grotesque politics amidst a horrible situation. Facts: 1.Not ONE PENNY of that money has been transferred. All still in Doha. 2.These funds will NEVER go to Iran. 3. The money can ONLY be used for future purchase of humanitarian supplies. No friend of Israel would politicize this attack.”
Again, I can go on and on with this because there are just as many of these types of responses. Who and what you’re going to believe depends on where your political beliefs lie. But one thing I think we all agree on is that none of this is helpful. What does help is a thoughtful and measured response to what is happening. Here is one:
“Rockets are raining down on Israeli towns right now. We need to immediately help replenish Israel’s stockpile of Iron Dome missiles to protect more innocent civilians from getting killed. Let’s make sure Congress can unite and assure Israel has what it needs to destroy Hamas.”
Hmmm…this one is just stating facts without assigning any blame. In fact, he’s looking for all sides in Congress can come together as one to help find a solution. Pretty refreshing to see this. Guess who wrote this?
JIM JORDAN!!
You would have immediately guessed that he would have gone along with the Cruz’s, Greene’s and Trump’s, but we get this refreshing surprise.
Do you think there’s some kind of alternative motive behind this? Probably! Maybe he figures this is the best way to win the votes to become Speaker of the House. I don’t know and I’m sure we’ll find out soon, but until then he gets credit for doing this.
Sometimes you find sanity in the most unexpected places.