Bush had regret, not so much Baker
The article about the legacy of former President George H.W. Bush mentioned that after leaving office, he said that he regretted saying that he was “one lonely guy” who took a position in opposition to the Israel lobby (“Bush had mixed legacy with Jews, Israel,” Dec. 6). It is a shame that the same cannot be said about the late president’s lifelong political partner, James A. Baker III.
In the early 1990s, when the Bush administration was debating Middle East policy, the question came up about a possible negative reaction of the American Jewish community to the administration’s policies. At the time, Secretary of State Baker blurted out “F— the Jews. They don’t vote for us.” Despite numerous witnesses to this outrageous statement, former Secretary of State Baker has never acknowledged saying this and has never apologized for his outburst.
LEE HURWITZ
Rockville
Bush’s record on Israel stands out
While generally not mentioned by the media, George H.W. Bush by his background was definitely a WASP, a term generally considered to be pejorative in this time of political correctness (“Bush had mixed legacy with Jews, Israel,” Dec. 6). Did this influence any of his decisions? It does not appear likely, perhaps except for Israel where he adopted the stance of the Episcopal Church in its generally unfavorable attitude toward the Jewish state.
Certainly, most of his actions that could be considered partial to the Jewish state were taken as vice president under Reagan. As president, he is remembered by his chastisement of supporters of Israel, as well as his probable approval of Secretary of State James Baker’s siding with the Palestinians in front of an AIPAC conference.
Bush was a patriot, a hero and a devout family man, but as far as Israel was concerned, he appeared to have some notable biases.
NELSON MARANS
New York City
Foolish to write off Ali
It is foolish to ignore the anti-Semitic rantings of Saqib Ali (“Elrich adviser raises questions,” Nov. 29). He is more than just a “screamer,” to quote JCRC executive director Ron Halber. His behavior was enough to gather 30 protesters in Annapolis supporting the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement.
How many will it be next time with Ali’s new platform? We should be concerned and we Jews should stop being so indifferent to the rhetoric of hate. Even one voice is too many!
I am stunned that Marc Elrich and others in prominent positions are discounting this Jew-hatred and focusing instead on Ali’s IT experience. Get with it Montgomery County.
SARA KLOMPUS
Lake Worth, Fla.
