This is a guest post by Representative Erik Paulsen (MN-03). He is in Israel this week withAIPAC and will be blogging regularly and exclusively for TC Jewfolk during his trip. Miss yesterday’s post? Read it here.
From the Desk of Erik Paulsen (MN:03):
Rep. Erik Paulsen in Israel
In my short few days here I’ve seen so many situations that demonstrate how Israelis are so resilient in so many ways.
I am also better able to understand the deep, rich history here by spending time in the Old City as well as the smaller City of David by walking through a recently discovered tunnel from only about four and a half months ago.
Ended the evening having dinner with Israelis from different walks of life, including someone who works for Better Place, the electric car company founded in 2008. They’ve teamed up with Renault to create a car with a switch-out battery. Israel has a goal to break its reliance on oil for transport by 2020 and believes that goal is achievable even sooner. These cars are up and running in Israel and I checked one out tonight. They’re also building networks all across Denmark and Australia and are testing it in California and Hawaii. Stay tuned …
Erik Paulsen
Member of Congress
How many of your constituents are out of work? Do not have health insurance? Are losing their homes?
Did your hosts buy you a round trip ticket? Of course they did. After all, how will you represent the Israelis if you remain there?
BTW, perhaps Congressman Paulsen can give us a daily summation of what, exactly, his constituency stands to gain by the activities and itinerary that his tour guides have subjected him to.
For instance, Paulsen says; “I have an even greater appreciation and understanding why the Jewish people are so intent on being able to live in safety and security”
What EXACTLY, has day three done to increase Paulsen’s “appreciation and understanding” of what his OWN CONSTITUENCY is currently experiencing?
POAmerican, where in Minnesota are you from? which temple do you attend?
“POAmerican, where in Minnesota are you from? which temple do you attend?”
Which temple???? I have to be a jew to be qualified or within my rights to comment on Paulsen’s activities??? Tell me, UJ, what percentage of Paulsen’s constituency is jewish? And is he in office to represent jews, or ALL the citizens of Minnesota???
I note the excuse Hophni and you seem to want to bandy forth as a rationale for Paulsen’s presence in Israel has to do with supposed benefits to OUR NATION. Yet, you want the comments to be exclusively from residents of your state.
I’ll bite. What benefits are Minnesotans going to realize by Paulsen’s all expense paid junket to Israel? And where are the POSITIVE comments here from Minnesotans, expressing support for Paulsen’s shameful pandering? I see a known hasbarist, “Hophni”, who IS NOT a Minnesotan, and yourself.
Is it your contention that Paulsen doesn’t need to hear from AMERICANS that are sick and tired of this kind of pandering to lobbyists and special interest groups?
I await your careful, detailed, and specific explanation of how this trip benefits Minnesotans.
POAmerican, you don’t have to be either, just wondering why you are on a website for Jews from the Twin Cities when you are neither Jewish nor from Minnesota. I don’t mind if you troll other political blogs, but please don’t pollute this website with your propaganda.
I’m glad Rep. Paulsen got to see the entrepeneurial side of Israel in addition to the usual focus of security and religion.
This trip seems to be a great excuse for not holding a town meeting in any highly-populated city in the 3rd District. Today I got a “Paulsen Post” from his office, an update on recent activities…There was NO MENTION at all that he’s in Israel this week! And there was NO MENTION of it on his website last week. What’s up with that?
As a constituent I am totally disgusted that you are over there paying attention to the concerns of another nation while your own nation is falling apart.
Lost my vote.
He’s a Republican, not a Dem as the article says.
Thank you, Rep. Erik Paulsen, for visiting and supporting Israel. As one of your constituents, I appreciate the fact that you believe in the importance of a strong US-Israeli relationship and I am happy you have chosen to share your experiences with TC Jewfolk. THANK YOU!
Thank you Representative Paulson, I appreciate what you are doing in Israel. I do live in your district and I know the importance of our relationship with Israel. Israel is our ally among many enemies, we must stand in support and show courage in the times that we find ourselves in. I thank you for standing with Israel.
Zechariah 8:21-23
New King James Version (NKJV)
21 The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying,
“ Let us continue to go and pray before the LORD,
And seek the LORD of hosts.
I myself will go also.”
22 Yes, many peoples and strong nations
Shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem,
And to pray before the LORD.’
23 “Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”’”
It is so good that our Congressman can go to Israel to see first hand the goings on over there and develop a realistic appreciation of what is needed. Good for Congressman Paulsen! Israel, our ally and friend, needs US Congressmen like Congressman Paulsen to stand with it. Thank you Congressman Paulsen.
“It is so good that our Congressman can go to Israel to see first hand the goings on over there and develop a realistic appreciation of what is needed”
Please outline what you mean by “what is needed”.
Needed by whom? His constituency, or the Israelis?
Thank you Representative Paulsen for visiting Israel and meeting the people who live there instead of relying on the opinions of others. Thank you too, for finding the numerous common threads that run through both Israel and the United States.
I am a constituent and appeciate Rep Paulsen’s trip to Israel. I am saddened that he has taken the time to share his thoughts and is getting attacked for his trip. This trip is but only a small portion of what he does for the 3rd district. For example, he has been in a congressional leadership role as co-chair of the bipartisan Medtech caucus. Medtech is a very important issue for Minnesota – both Medtronic and St. Judes are based in Minnesota. This alone is an important reason for his trip.
The issues that are present for our country, by and large, are not the direct result of our relationship with Israel. I don’t see how unemployment, health care costs, foreclosures, poor school performance, earmarks etc. are directly caused by Israel. If our problems were directly caused by Israel, we would have been experiencing all of these problems for all the years of Israel’s existence. Clearly, we have not.
http://original.antiwar.com/giraldi/2011/08/24/whose-congress-and-state-department/