SPECIAL COMMENTARY

Vote Bush/Cheney

Vote Gore/Lieberman

Wash. in ton
ty, Israel's security will remain a priori-
United States and Israel on economic,
Washington
he clear choice for president
ty, and the United States will recog-
trade, military and scientific endeav-
ever in American history
of the United States for the
nize the city Israel has chosen as its
ors, and support realistic proposals for
has the choice for American
American Jewish communi-
capital by moving the U.S. Ambas-
peace in the region.
Jews in a presidential elec-
ty is Gov. George W. Bush
sador to Jerusalem.
His record on opposing arms sales
tion been as clear and obvi-
of Texas.
to Israel's enemies and supporting
ous as it is this year. Never.
Now is a time when all Americans
Projecting Morality
closer ties between the U.S. and Israel
Amazingly, this was true even
are yearning for a bold new leader
But there is more to this election for
is so consistent that it is hard to single
before the vice-presidential candidates
with the courage of his con-
the American Jewish voter
out only a few examples, so
were named. Obviously,
victions and a positive vision
than the candidate's views
two will have to suffice.
there are major distinctions
to guide our nation. In this
and actions regarding Israel.
First, both Senators Gore
between George W. Bush's
race for president, voters have
The policies and programs
and Lieberman understood
running mate Dick Cheney,
a clear choice. Gov. Bush has
that will be implemented by
the threats posed by Iraq's
and the man selected by Al
offered a compelling vision
our next president, and the
Saddam Hussein. They
Gore, Joe Lieberman.
for America's future and has
overall image projected by
broke with the majority of
During his Congressional
proposed concrete, specific
the White House over the
their party and voted to
career, Cheney supported
reforms for making our coun-
next four years, will deter-
authorize the use of force in
virtually every proposed sale
try a better place to live.
mine the health and vibran-
1991.
of weapons to nations at war
Like all Americans, we are
cy of our country and its
Second, that same year,
with
Israel,
including
the
DAN COHEN
RAL PH
concerned about tax policy
ability to project morality
both senators opposed the
1981
sale
of
AWACs
to
Sp ecial to
NURN BERGER
and the new economy, health
and dignity at home and
Bush Administration's effort
Saudi Arabia. This stands in
the
Je
wish
News
Spec ial to
care and defense policy, Social
abroad.
to use loan guarantees to
sharp contrast with Lieber-
the Jew ish News
Security and education. As
Gov. Bush believes that
pressure Israel.
man's clear understanding
American Jews, there is the additional
roughly one-quarter of the surplus bud-
Gore has been active in
and support on issues related
question of where the candidates stand
get should be returned to the people
the peace process, stressing that any
to good U.S.-Israeli relations.
on our country's special relationship
who earned it through broad tax cuts.
agreement must be reached by the par-
Throughout his career, Vice Presi-
with the State of Israel.
ties themselves. Over the course of
The special relationship between
many years of direct involvement, he
America and Israel has been described
developed good relationships with
by Gov. Bush as "...more than a friend-
Prime Ministers Menachem Begin,
ship. America and Israel are brothers
Yitzhak Shamir, Yitzhak Rabin, Shimon
and sisters in the family of democracy,
Peres, Binyamin Netanyahu and Ehud
natural allies in the cause of peace."
Barak, as well as with numerous other
During an address this spring, Bush ''
leaders in Israel and the Arab world.
stated, "America and Israel share a
He was among the first to under-
national ideal anchored by the God-
stand that improving the economic
given right of our people to life, liber-
conditions for the Palestinians would
ty and the pursuit of happiness." Bush
enhance the potential for peace. He
recognizes that this ideal cannot be
has also worked to encourage Arab
fulfilled in a country that lives in a
states to make peace with Israel and to
perpetual state of war. Israel wants
promote greater economic develop-
peace, and Gov. Bush wants peace for
ment in the entire region.
Israel and the Middle East.
Yet his support for Israel is not con-
Domestic Issues
ditional on the outcome of the peace
While many Jewish voters focus on a
process.
candidate's record on Israel, it is
In recent times, the Clinton
important to stress that Jews, like all
Administration has tried to make
Americans, are directly affected by
Shefil Zisser (with sample voter ballot) of Southfield and Yakov Navlo of Oak Park
Israel conform to its own plans and
domestic policies. In fact, it is his
on Oct. 19 at a "New Americans Look at Election 2000" program sponsored by the
timetables in the peace process, but
experience, intelligence, values and
Jewish Community Center in Oak Park and Ferndale Public Schools' English as a
Gov. Bush does not believe that this is
Second Language program.
priorities that should convince a
the path to peace. When George W.
majority of all Americans, regardless
Bush is president, America will not
of religion or ethnic background, to
interfere in Israel's democratic process.
His plan will promote economic
support Al Gore for president.
dent Al Gore has established a record
Contrast this view with the current
growth by cutting high marginal tax
Gore has been an integral part of the
of leadership on issues of the greatest
administration's campaign taking sides
rates for all taxpayers, doubling the
administration that has presided over
concern to the Jewish community,
in the most recent Israeli election.
child credit, eliminating the death tax,
the greatest economic growth in Ameri-
both in foreign and domestic policy.
Under President George W. Bush,
reducing the marriage penalty, and
can history. Individual wealth and per-
Gore has worked to strengthen
the peace process will remain a priori-
expanding Educational Savings
sonal stock portfolios have gained in
Israel's defense capabilities, enhance
Accounts and charitable deductibility.
value, inflation was held under control,
bilateral cooperation between the
Dan Cohen is a principal and lobbyist
The largest percentage of tax cuts will
22 million jobs were added, two-mil-
at Arter Hadden, LLP, a national
Ralph Nurnberger served for eight
go to the lowest-income earners. As a
lion nee' businesses got their starts, the
law firm. He is a former senior legisla-
years as a legislative liaison at AIPAC
result, no one earning $35,000 a year
welfare roles were reduced and unem-
tive liaison for the America Israel Public
He is a government affairs counselor at
will pay federal income taxes.
ployment reached record lows.
Affairs Committee (AIPAC), and was a
Preston Gates Ellis & Rouvelas Meals,
Under George Bush's leadership, we
Gore has outlined specific policies
former managing director for Empower
and teaches graduate courses on interna-
America, a major political organization.
tional relations at Georgetown University
BUSH/CHENEY on page 40
GORE/LIEBERMAN on page 40

11/3
2000

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