AIPAC Republicans, “America Last” politicians  

In today’s political climate, the general public is well aware of the lobbying group known as AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee). They also know many Republicans in Congress have received money from AIPAC. With that I say as a Republican, but most importantly an American, we ought to oust ‘em. You cannot be a Republican and allow yourself to receive money from any outside groups. No matter who they are or where they come from, keep American politics off the market.    

A GOP politician or candidate who platforms on an America First agenda and takes AIPAC money has gone against their platform. By taking money from an outside source a politician clearly is stating “Israel first, America when convenient.” These grifters use a strong patriotic and religious rhetoric to have voters conflate pro-Israel with America First, when in fact saying any country’s problems are more important than US issues, is not America First. Do not let these swindlers use Christian principles and ideals to advance personal political agendas.   Republicans should be critical when people invoke the name of our Lord to justify funding a foreign nation for war. As Pope Leo XIV said, “Jesus is the King of Peace, who rejects war.” 

A Republican who takes money from AIPAC is a turncoat, plain and simple. They turn their backs on the core principles of not only the GOP, but of the United States as a whole. Getting donations from a foreign nation, no matter friend or foe, is Anti-American. No matter if it is a Democrat, Republican, Independent or another party any political figure who takes money from Israel or another nation, is not pro-America and cannot call themselves America First. This is not a matter of red vs. blue, but a matter of keeping American politics not for sale.   

  No politician should be in bed with outside players. If they are willing to sell out their country for a few thousand, imagine what they would do if they were offered millions. If we can’t trust a politician not to take thousands from foreign powers, how are we to trust them to represent us? Are we really going to trust them not to get us into war on Israel’s behalf if AIPAC pulled the leash of cash around their necks?  

Now I might not agree with Congresswomen Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib on many topics, but at least I am assured that they are keeping foreign powers out of their campaigns and political spheres. Republicans should take their example when it comes to AIPAC or any lobbying group. If they cannot be honest with those they represent and clearly state who they would take money from, then maybe they should return to the private sector. 

This is not to say a politician cannot support our allies across the globe. It is critical for the US to maintain allies in this ever-globalizing world, but not when it comes at the price of taxpayers, innocent civilians, peace, justice and American lives. Republicans who pride themselves on the platform of “no new wars” should adopt this mindset as at the end of the day they will have to answer to the American people, not Israel or any other foreign power. If the GOP really wants to be the party of stopping and preventing wars, then they must condemn all conflicts no matter who is on what side.    

Republicans are the Grand Old Party, not the Grand Israel Party. If we are to truly represent the US it begins on the home front. It begins with overhauling AIPAC Republicans and propping up Republicans who would be critical of Israel. It begins with having open dialogue with our democratic colleagues. There should be GOP members who would look at the innocent lives that Israel has taken and say enough is enough. It does not matter who these innocent lives are; what matters is that they are innocent. That we as a nation founded on the core principles of liberty and justice for all must not only uphold them here but across the world. As the late President George H.W. Bush said, “No problem of human making is too great to overcome by human ingenuity, human energy and the untiring hope of the human spirit.” It is now our time to overcome this problem not as Republicans but as citizens of the US and of the world. Together we can be a party run by Americans for Americans, no outside influence or money required.