Isreali Prime Minister attempting to undermine U.S. President?

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 11:41:29 -0500

Apparently Speaker of the House John Boehner (without informing the White House) has extended an invitation to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress in order to support the case for sanctions against Iran...in direct conflict with the POTUS's decision to put off further sanctions in an attempt to negotiate with Iran on their nuclear policy.

Personally I get very upset when a non-U.S. national tries to directly influence U.S. politics...I was upset when certain English citizens were pouring money and public influence into Democratic presidential campaigns, and I'm equally upset about this. What makes it worse is that now we have a U.S. political party that is actively working with a foreign power to undermine the elected U.S. President. I don't care if you support the guy or not, this is a serious issue.

What are everyone else's thoughts on this?

http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/23/politics/netanyahu-obama-snub-sours-relations/index.html

http://www.vox.com/2015/1/21/7866089/netanyahu-boehner-congress

Netanyahu snub takes relations to a new low - CNNPolitics.com

President Barack Obama and U.S. officials were completely blindsided by the announcement that Israeli leader will come to Washington to address Congress.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Jan 27 at 2015 12:12 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 12:12:44 -0500

I think extending the invitation as a jab at the President was a childish move, then again "I won both of them...yeah" on national TV is fairly childish too.

Can we please get some adult leaders in Washington?

As for the Israeli Prime minister addressing Congress, I do not see the reason for him being here if not to take a jab at the President. Is it to talk about imposing more sanctions on Iran? If that is the case, we know that our President has stated that sanctions do not work (in respect to Cuba) but has proposed more sanctions for Russia...

Oh crap, adult leaders please?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2015 12:19 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 12:19:23 -0500

I really don't care if he did or not. Funny these sleights seem not to go both ways but only one side gets to say what is bad and what is not.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2015 1:08 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 13:08:10 -0500

Peer to peer is how this should work. I've never had the CO of a ship come and ask to talk to a department head of another ship, it's just not how it is done! Most government responses are the same way. Just childish posturing to extend the invitation. It is equally childish that the invitation was accepted.... good job kids, now drink your milk and take a nap.

Response by TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn made Jan 27 at 2015 1:09 PM

TSgt Tim (lj) Littlejohn — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 13:09:45 -0500

After 6 years of showing how little he really cares about the American people and their way of life, I feel he lost all respect with the people. In the Nov. elections the American people said enough. With Obama saying he would veto any changes and use E.O.'s to continue his ways, Boehner/congress is saying. we heard the people and are trying get thing's going better. In direct conflict with the POTUS's decision to put off further sanctions in an attempt to negotiate with Iran on their nuclear policy. Negotiate with a country that supports terrorists all over the world, and has stated that when they get a nuclear bomb they would use it to wipe Israel off the face of the earth!! That my friends would get WW111 of to a great start!

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jan 27 at 2015 1:30 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 13:30:27 -0500

Although I think it probably should not have been done, the President reaps what he sows. His contempt for Congress is evident and has clearly demonstrated that he plans to do whatever he wants to, regardless of what the will of Congress or the people want.

He has clearly stepped over the line of separation of powers and, in doing so, has violated the Constitution of the United States. He has demonstrated that he does not agree with the separation of powers so, now, why should he be upset if Congress displays the same disregard?

The big difference, as I see it, is that President Obama violated the Constitution. John Boehner violated established protocol.

I agree with everyone who have pointed out that all of this is childish and needs to stop.

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Jan 27 at 2015 1:36 PM

SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 13:36:06 -0500

Just another example of how our Government is putting on shows to distract the people from reality, this is not what it looks like, there is something going on. No one would ever break such protocol and if they did, it would be known way before he was invited and blocked.
I am very curious as to what this is the beginning of or what we are being diverted from.

Response by Sgt Adam Jennings made Jan 27 at 2015 2:38 PM

Sgt Adam Jennings — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 14:38:04 -0500

So from what I'm reading here none of you have ever had that officer or SNCO that you had to work "around" to get what needed to be done done. This POTUS has demonstrated time and time again that he isn't will one to work with Congress or our allies. He has pushed all of our allies so far away that we're basically on our own at this point. Whatever it takes to rebuild those relationships with our allies. If that means keeping the empty chair POTUS out of the loop, then so be it.

Ideally I'd love to have leadership that acted like adults and less like middle school clicks.

Response by Cpl Richard Hendrickson made Jan 27 at 2015 4:06 PM

Cpl Richard Hendrickson — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:06:59 -0500

I believe this POTUS is borderline treasonous if not full blown. The GITMO warriors are trickling back to the battlefield to kill and mane those who disagree with freedom of speech, freedom of association, and that women are nothing more than property. The Israeli Prime Minister is our Allie period ! I took an oath to defend this country from enemies both foreign and domestic. At this point in time, I cannot understand WHY the Commandant of my Marine Corps has not sent in the moving van & shipped this false president back to Illinois. The Vice President Biden is COOL by ME as his replacement....hear me now listen later............Cpl. Hendrickson

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2015 4:10 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 16:10:08 -0500

While I have to be careful about what I say about the President- I must say- his foreign policy has been a huge failure. Coddling terrorists and murderers and constantly appeasing them has not made us any safer since he's been in office. The Castro regime is that same as it ever was, Iran- also. The President's treatment of our allies and his dealings with our enemies does not represent the general sentiment of the general public as displayed by this most recent election. (which immigration, obamacare, and other issues apply as well). To release GITMO prisoners to attack us again, to trade a deserter for 5 terrorists and who knows who much money, to coddle Iran and Cuba who have no intent in changing is ignorant and dangerous. (Clinton/North Korea for example...) This President has shown clear disdain for our one true ally in the middle east while coddling murderous dictators and the like. Can't make it to the highest ranking general to be killed in combat since Vietnam- but he can send representatives to Fergeson, MO? Can't meet Netenyahu but he can get interviewed by Glozell? Can't make it to Paris but can change plans in India to attend the Saudi King's funeral (the head of the snake in my opinion funding most islamic terrorism around the world not to mention 19 of the 21 9/11 hijankers were Saudi Nationals). If the Congress elected to represent the people do nothing to reign in the executive branch it will only continue to put us in more danger and further threaten the integrity of the constitution.
I agree with Col Burleson, violating the constitution is a much worse offense that violating protocol.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2015 5:50 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 17:50:14 -0500

I guess the President didn't get his new from the TV this time, just like he said the rest of us do.. WE've known about it for weeks. Every Administration (not just this one) has attempted to directly influence politics in many nations, including Isreal. So does the Isreal Prime Minister coming and speaking to Congress upset me....NO it doesn't! Reason being, I do not believe there is any negotiating with Iran. I don't believe we should attempt to negotiate with Iran over nukes. If they had one, they would use it, against Isreal, the US and any other allied nation who comes to support Isreal's right to exist as a nation. Iran is a supporter of terrorism. Their support to Iraqi insurgents during the War led to many American deaths.

The Republican Congress is not working to undermine the President's policy. They may be working against his policy because they do not agree with. Undermine is behind the back, under the table. The Prime Minister coming to speak to Congress has been public information for weeks now. It's more "in your face" than undermining. The Republican (majority at least) support Isreal, this is and has been a known fact.

We had known terrorist supporters invited to speak at universities around the country since this administration has taken office. Why was there no outrage over this. Isreal is an allie to this country.This Administration has not been a good allie to Isreal.....in my opinion!

This administration has said we don't negotiate with terrorist, but did exactly that with Sgt Bergdhal; This administration drew a line in the sand with Syria killing civilians...that got stomped on. This administration said that it would not Iran to build a nuclear weapon....now instead the administration wants to talk about it and negotiate over it. Can't have it both ways. This administration is willing to negotiate with Iran over nukes, but the President has told the Republican Party that he will negotiate with them ..period. I could go on, but that would take me off this particular topic.

As for the Prime Minister's speech to Congress, I'll be tuned in and watching and most likely agree with most of what he has to say. As for the White House not knowing..BS! The White House was not asked, it was told. And we know this administration don't like being told anything....it does the telling. Just not this time.

As we all have seen for the last six years, that this "non-working together" played by both parties and the President has hurt the nation. It's past time, they get their act together and do the job the people sent them to do and stop playing partisn politics. I'm talking about every last one of them, not just one side or the other.

Response by Cpl Kevin Zimmermann made Jan 27 at 2015 6:24 PM

Cpl Kevin Zimmermann — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 18:24:26 -0500

I am not upset at the idea of

Response by Cpl Kevin Zimmermann made Jan 27 at 2015 6:33 PM

Cpl Kevin Zimmermann — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 18:33:49 -0500

I am not upset at the prospect of Netanyahu speaking politically.... Americans have long understood the importance of speaking (or acting) out against politicians who have decided to deviate from the will of the people. It is well documented that this administration has a strained relationship with Israel (historically our strongest partner in the region). This invitation and visit is simply the residue log that strained relationship.

Response by Cpl Jeff N. made Jan 27 at 2015 8:22 PM

Cpl Jeff N. — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 20:22:29 -0500

Since 1980 we have had 60 world leaders speak to joint sessions of Congress. There were another 50 or so going back to about 1874. The world is still revolving on it's axis. This is not a highly unusual occurrence. What might Netanyahu say that will embarrass Obama? Israel is one of our strongest allies in the region even though the current president doesn't treat them as such. Keep in mind we have separate but equal branches of government. Congress is not negotiating a treaty, they are allowing him to speak, to present his countries view of the situation in the middle east. Any treaty (and I am not aware of one being worked on specifically) would have to be negotiated by the executive branch and approved by 2/3 of the Senate. The president might want to think about how he pushes around a separate and equal branch of our government.

Response by SSG Stephen Arnold made Jan 27 at 2015 10:39 PM

SSG Stephen Arnold — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 22:39:35 -0500

Considering the fact that he is the leader of one of our allies and he has been repeatedly snubbed by the POTUS, I'm glad someone in government is willing to meet with him.

This is not unprecedented, nor is it unconstitutional. Simply hearing a world leader speak usurps no powers.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Jan 28 at 2015 9:36 AM

CSM David Heidke — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 09:36:35 -0500

Congress has equal power to the President, as does the Supreme Court.

Congress is not subordinate to the President, and neither is the Supreme Court.

Hey, he said he wanted Congress to do something, and now they are doing something.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2015 1:28 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 01:28:58 -0500

Isn't Congress supposed to be the true governing body anyway and the President more or less just a figurehead?

Response by MSgt Allan Vrboncic made Mar 23 at 2015 11:09 AM

MSgt Allan Vrboncic — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 11:09:39 -0400

Obama was snubbing Netanyahu and by not involving him in his stupid decision of taking Iran off the Terror Watch List, and wanting to allow this Terrorist Country to have nukes.