RUTHFULLY YOURS

In 2008, Hamas and Hezbollah were mentioned in the platform. In 2012, they are no longer even mentioned – much less identified as a threat in the region.

The DNC and Obama are claiming the other was the one who took out God and Jerusalem (and then blaming each other for adding God and Jerusalem back into the platform).

Apparently the DNC and Obama agree that the U.S. should no longer oppose Hamas and Hezbollah in the region.

Here’s what was said in 2008 – http://www.democrats.org/pdf/platform/2008-Democratic-Party-Platform-Renewing-Americas-Promise

” Stand with Allies and Pursue Diplomacy in the Middle East

For more than three decades, Israelis, Palestinians, Arab leaders, and the rest of the world have

looked to America to lead the effort to build the road to a secure and lasting peace. Our

starting point must always be our special relationship with Israel, grounded in shared interests

and shared values, and a clear, strong, fundamental commitment to the security of Israel, our

strongest ally in the region and its only established democracy. That commitment, which requires

us to ensure that Israel retains a qualitative edge for its national security and its right to selfdefense,

is all the more important as we contend with growing threats in the region-a

strengthened Iran, a chaotic Iraq, the resurgence of Al Qaeda, the reinvigoration of Hamas and

Hezbollah. We support the implementation of the memorandum of understanding that pledges

$30 billion in assistance to Israel over the next decade to enhance and ensure its security.

It is in the best interests of all parties, including the United States, that we take an active role to

help secure a lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with a democratic, viable

Palestinian state dedicated to living in peace and security side by side with the Jewish State of

Israel. To do so, we must help Israel identify and strengthen those partners who are truly

committed to peace, while isolating those who seek conflict and instability, and stand with Israel

against those who seek its destruction. The United States and its Quartet partners should

continue to isolate Hamas until it renounces terrorism, recognizes Israel’s right to exist, and

abides by past agreements. Sustained American leadership for peace and security will require

patient efforts and the personal commitment of the President of the United States. The creation

of a Palestinian state through final status negotiations, together with an international

compensation mechanism, should resolve the issue of Palestinian refugees by allowing them to

settle there, rather than in Israel. All understand that it is unrealistic to expect the outcome of

final status negotiations to be a full and complete return to the armistice lines of 1949. Jerusalem

is and will remain the capital of Israel. The parties have agreed that Jerusalem is a matter for

final status negotiations. It should remain an undivided city accessible to people of all faiths.”

I cannot find Hamas or Hezbollah even mentioned in the 2012 platform:

http://assets.dstatic.org/dnc-platform/2012-National-Platform.pdf

“The Middle East. President Obama and the Democratic Party maintain an unshakable commitment to

Israel‘s security. A strong and secure Israel is vital to the United States not simply because we share

strategic interests, but also because we share common values. For this reason, despite budgetary

constraints, the President has worked with Congress to increase security assistance to Israel every single

year since taking office, providing nearly $10 billion in the past three years. The administration has also

worked to ensure Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region. And we have deepened defense

cooperation – including funding the Iron Dome system – to help Israel address its most pressing threats,

including the growing danger posed by rockets and missiles emanating from the Gaza Strip, Lebanon,

Syria, and Iran. The President’s consistent support for Israel’s right to defend itself and his steadfast

opposition to any attempt to delegitimize Israel on the world stage are further evidence of our enduring

commitment to Israel’s security.

It is precisely because of this commitment that President Obama and the Democratic Party seek peace

between Israelis and Palestinians. A just and lasting Israeli-Palestinian accord, producing two states for

two peoples, would contribute to regional stability and help sustain Israel’s identity as a Jewish and

democratic state. At the same time, the President has made clear that there will be no lasting peace

unless Israel’s security concerns are met. President Obama will continue to press Arab states to reach

out to Israel. We will continue to support Israel’s peace treaties with Egypt and Jordan, which have been

pillars of peace and stability in the region for many years. And even as the President and the Democratic

Party continue to encourage all parties to be resolute in the pursuit of peace, we will insist that any

Palestinian partner must recognize Israel’s right to exist, reject violence, and adhere to existing

agreements.”