I mean OK so now we don't go to a racism conference because the wording implies that somehow and someway Israel might be wrong for what again....
OH BOMBING THE HOLY CRAP OUT OF PALESTINE....
But we can have a president shake Russia's leader hand right after an altercation, or we can talk about peacing it up with all of our enemies, but Israel's skin isn't thick enough to take a sentence in a document, as criticism....
Isn't that the damn point of the meeting...how can you talk about racism if you won't show and we won't go because the criteria may put you in that category, fucking come and clear the shit up if your not wrong...... Obama, and administration, please untuck your tails from between your legs and go Represent...AMERICA! Now remember I did say with all due respect......
Despite efforts to rephrase the language in a rough draft conference
document, the Obama administration has confirmed its decision to boycott "with
regret" this week's World Conference Against Racism in Geneva. The
administration believes the final text draft could potentially isolate Israel
and that it compromises free speech, the State Department said Saturday.
The World Conference Against Racism, also known as Durban II, ignited a
firestorm of controversy when the Obama administration initially said it would
boycott the event in February of this year, after the original conference essay
was released. As reported by The Washington Post, the document was 45 pages and
is believed by White House officials to be instigating racial hatred and
perpetuating anti-Semitism. The text contained the term,
"validation of Islamophobia" alleging Israel's treatment of
the Palestinians is racially motivated and also calls for reparations for
slavery.
As a result of the Obama administrations disapproval, the
preliminary content had been edited to remove negative statements towards
Israel, condensed and revised. Despite the language compromises the
administration remained hesitant to attend, sparking fury among civil advocacy
groups who believe the first black U.S. president should make a point to be
present.
Imani Countess, Senior Director for public
affairs at TransAfrica Forum, an advocacy group whose
focal point is U.S. foreign policy, said "for his administration not to be
present at this global conversation is a disappointment. For President Bush not
to participate, that would have been expected. For Barack Obama's administration not
to participate sends a disappointing signal. It says these issues are not
important."
Department spokesman Robert Wood said the administration was
"deeply grateful" for the revisions that were made, however, the document is
still believed to contain problematic language and references.
"Unfortunately, it now seems certain these remaining concerns will not
be addressed in the document to be adopted by the conference next week," Wood
said. "Therefore, with regret, the United States will not join the review
conference."
In spite of the decision, Wood emphasized that the U.S. "is
profoundly committed to ending racism and racial discrimination" and "will work
with all people and nations to build greater resolve and enduring political will
to halt racism and discrimination wherever it occurs."
Conversely,
Democratic State Representative of California Barbara Lee, who is a chair member
of the Black caucus said the group is "deeply dismayed."
"This decision
is inconsistent with the administration's policy of engaging with those we agree
with and those we disagree with," Lee said. "By boycotting Durban, the U.S. is
making it more difficult for it to play a leadership role on U.N. Human Rights
Council as it states it plans to do. This is a missed opportunity, plain and
simple."
The new draft was created to reverse the administrations
decision not to attend and was believed to have appeased the president's
objections. However, the changes were inadequate and failed to gain Obama's approval.
"This is a big blow," Countess said. "Given the high priority the
administration places on international engagement and multilateralism, this is just a little bit
baffling."
