Grassroots Advocacy and Lobbying Days: February 1 - 2, 2009 · Washington, DC

by Charles Lenchner · 2009-01-07 08:51:00 UTC
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Interfaith Peace Builders is co-hosting this annual event aimed at Palestinian solidarity activists. Overall, I'm in favor of attending this event, but at the same time I understand why some folks would balk. Within the overall community that favors more Palestinian rights, less Israeli occupation, there are quite a few nuances and divisions.

These folks are, broadly speaking, not as far down the path as ANSWER and the other far left groups. Yet they are not so mainstream as to include any of the larger, two-state supporting Jewish advocacy groups. You might see these folks as solidly part of the radical and moderate left, a range that extends from Barbara Lee to Cynthia McKinney.

I think they are on the right track to focus on what can be done legislatively, in Washington, to complement other forms of activism. Washington has the effect of moderating the extremes in this country, so the more people from the grassroots attending the better. It's hard to argue against the need for more citizen lobbying in favor of a more balanced U.S. foriegn policy.

Full disclosure: I plan on attending, for professional and personal reasons. If you think you might come - send me a note, maybe we can hang out.

Charles Lenchner
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