A Benefit Of Mary Robinson's Award?

Laugh about it, shout about it
When you've got to choose
Ev'ry way you look at it, you lose
Mrs. Robinson, by Simon & Garfunkel


Yes, Mary Robinson has her Medal of Freedom Award with all the recognition that goes with it. But maybe--just maybe--there a real benefit from her receiving this kind of recognition from Obama:

Whether it becomes a “tipping point” for the American Jewish community in political allegiance is not yet clear. But it marked a sharp departure in the behavior and, I think, perception of mainstream Jewish organizations. A combination of support for Obama’s liberal domestic agenda, a desire to maintain access to the White House, and a heavy dose of wishful thinking had contributed to an almost total absence of sharp public criticism of the White House’s increasingly hostile stance toward Israel.

No more. The inhibition has been broken with the recognition now dawning on Jewish Democrats that this is a president lacking in affection and respect for Israel and for the sensibilities of pro-Israel voters. The aversion to conflict with the administration has been overcome, and I suspect the administration won’t face as pliant a Jewish community in the future.

And for those Democratic lawmakers who present themselves as friends of Israel but remain mute when outrage is piled upon outrage, they will find themselves in an increasingly perilous spot. If they claim to be friends and defenders of the Jewish state, they too will be expected to speak up. And if not, supporters of Israel will look to others who don’t place partisan politics above principle.

As for the president, he shows no sign of self-reflection. His worldview is certain and his determination to create that “daylight” between Israel and the U.S. won’t be lessened by this episode. But thanks to Mary Robinson, there is also daylight between Israel’s supporters and the White House. [emphasis added]

The fact that Jennifer Rubin has to draw such a distinction between perception on the one hand and political allegiance on the other is a testimony to the difficulty the Jewish community has in going beyond the usual rhetoric of those who claim to be a "friend of Israel." Unfortunately, actions do not always speak louder than words.

In the short term, we will see whether any liberal Jewish groups have learned anything at all from this experience--and have the wherewithal to act upon it.

Crossposted on Soccer Dad

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