The Intersection of Opposition to Israel and America's Freedom
This week, the Center for Urban Renewal and Education, an organization I lead, held an event in Michigan's 12th Congressional District, represented by Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich. We gathered forty Christian pastors of diverse backgrounds to voice their support for Israel. This event took place in the district of one of the most vocal critics of Israel in the U.S. Congress, who supports the aggression against the Jewish state.
Implications Beyond Israel
Our message emphasized that the policy positions in this debate have implications far beyond providing moral and material support to Israel. The values at stake are as central and crucial to the future of our own country as they are for Israel.
Examining Tlaib's District and Voting Record
Tlaib's district, according to Census Reporter, is 43% black, has a poverty rate of 21% (150% the national average), and 61% of adults are unmarried—a rate 25% higher than the national average. Tlaib's voting record leans heavily to the left. She receives a 100% rating from NARAL and Planned Parenthood for her support of abortion, a 100% rating from teachers unions for her support of government schools and opposition to parental choice in education, and a 0% rating from organizations supporting lower taxes and spending. Tlaib and her "squad" colleagues—Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, and Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts—consistently support policies that contribute to the poverty of her district and the financial strain on our country.
The "Success Sequence" and Opposition from the Left
In 2020, during the riots following George Floyd's death, my organization launched a campaign promoting the "success sequence" in low-income neighborhoods. This sequence, based on policy research, suggests that finishing high school, getting married, and taking any job significantly increases the chances of moving from low-income status to middle class. However, when we posted billboards with this message, Black Lives Matter demanded their removal.
Understanding the Opposition
The opposition to our message stems from a rejection of values based on personal responsibility. The left, including Black Lives Matter, embraces a culture of victimhood and blame. They attribute achievement to exploitation, which is their explanation for the success of Israelis and those who have achieved wealth in our own country.
Shifting Sympathies and the Culture of Blame
In the Gallup annual survey asking about sympathy for Israelis compared to Palestinians, Democrats and our youth expressed more sympathy for Palestinians than Israelis for the first time this year. This shift reflects the culture of blame and victimhood that has captured the Left and our youth. These values are incompatible with those of a free country, which can only exist when individuals take personal responsibility.
Conclusion
It should be clear that those expressing opposition to Israel are also voices antipathetic to America’s future as a free country. Our shared values with Israel go beyond democracy. They are about the most basic ingredient of a free society: personal responsibility. This is the value that the Left so deeply opposes.
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Impact of Political Values on New Businesses
The political values held by lawmakers like Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., and their implications for America's future could significantly impact new businesses. These values, which favor a culture of victimhood and blame over personal responsibility, could shape the business landscape in ways that both challenge and create opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Understanding the Political Climate
For new businesses, understanding the political climate is crucial. The values espoused by lawmakers like Tlaib, which include support for expanding the welfare state and opposition to lower taxes and spending, could influence economic policy and regulatory environments.
Navigating the Culture of Victimhood and Blame
New businesses may need to navigate the culture of victimhood and blame that is prevalent among some political factions. This could impact their relationships with customers, employees, and other stakeholders, and may influence their corporate social responsibility strategies.
Embracing Personal Responsibility
In conclusion, the political values held by lawmakers like Tlaib serve as a reminder of the importance of personal responsibility in a free society. New businesses can embrace this value by promoting a culture of accountability, innovation, and self-reliance, thereby contributing to the prosperity and freedom of the communities they serve.
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