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Tell President Obama

When nominating the next Secretary of Defense, make your decision based on who you believe is the best person for the job, not who AIPAC approves of.

Dear President Obama,

As you begin your second term, I see that you already are facing controversy over the possibility of your appointment of former Senator Chuck Hagel as Secretary of Defense.

I write to urge you to use your best judgment as to who is the best person for the job of Secretary of Defense. For too long and in too many parts of the United States’ government, the Israeli government and their representatives here have had far more influence over US policy than they should. It is time for this to stop.

Chuck Hagel has advised dialogue with groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. He has opposed a military strike on Iran, and he has stated that his job is to represent American, not Israeli interests. These are all points I agree with. There are other issues on which I disagree with Senator Hagel.

What is important regarding Senator Hagel’s potential appointment is that you make the decision based on his abilities, qualifications and suitability for the job. It seems obvious that when considering a Cabinet position in the US government, the questions should be confined to what is best for US interests, whatever each individual thinks those interests might be. But too often in Washington when it comes to issues of concern to Israel, that is not the case.

I implore you to show your leadership on this issue and make your choice without concern to the preferences of the Netanyahu government or of AIPAC.

Sincerely,

President Barack Obama

Phone:(202) 456-1111
Fax:(202) 456-2461

 

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