Rashida Tlaib - Amazing, Wonderful, Important Hero of Mine

 

Rashida Tlaib, George Bisharat, George Marx (me) – December 9, 2023

Last Saturday afternoon I had one of the most amazing experiences of my life!   I was privileged to attend a fundraiser for Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib in the greater San Francisco Area.   Rashida Tlaib is one of the most amazing people I have ever seen and listened to in my 72+ years of life!

It is horrible and inane – that I had to Not – allow her visit to be noted until she left the Bay Area!   There are Far Too Many Threats on her Life – for her to be visible – where possible!

Rashida Tlaib has so many extremely positive attributes!   She is a warm and caring person.   She is highly intelligent, and well educated.   She is strategic.  Tlaib is both a “dreamer” and a realist.    Rashida Tlaib has a wonderful sense of humor.   She has much more than I could possibly perceive!

With Her Devoted Financial/Fundraising Assistant

Rashida Tlaib’s story is a most touching personal history!  

I Really Hope that readers who can afford to will donate to her re-election campaign in December, 2023 and again in 2024 (and beyond for future campaigns)!   It is most IMPORTANT that we support the relatively future politicians who are incredible legislators and who do not take money from corporations, PACS, and other special interests.

Tlaib is the oldest of 14 children.   She spoke of being asked how she had straight teeth – coming from a non-wealthy – very large family.   She noted that the dental insurance came from her father’s work as a Ford assembly line worker – through their Union Contract.

Rashida Tlaib’s pride in being a caring Palestinian-American is self-evident in her words.   She has every right to be bitter and negative, but that is not who she is.  

August 17, 2019 – CNN noted:

05:02 - Source: CNN

WashingtonCNN — 

Rep. Rashida Tlaib got emotional Friday following her announcement that she would not visit the West Bank to see her 90-year-old grandmother “potentially for the last time” after Israel ultimately reversed its decision to bar the congresswoman from the country.

“I should be on a plane to see her,” Tlaib said, as she choked back tears during a Shabbat service in her hometown of Detroit, according to video from the Jewish Voice for Peace Action, the group that organized the event. “But you all gave me even more love today as much I try to replace as much of what I would have been able to get when I got there.”

The Israeli government barred Tlaib and Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota from entry over their support for a boycott of Israel shortly after President Donald Trump said Israel would be showing “great weakness” by allowing the two Democratic congresswomen to enter the country.

https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/17/politics/rashida-tlaib-israel-grandmother-visit-west-bank/index.html#:~:text=Rep.,the%20congresswoman%20from%20the%20country.

Rashida Tlaib speaks with passion about the importance of an immediate Ceasefire in Gaza.  She also talks about the importance of justice and a lasting peace for Palestine.   She clearly distinguishes between Anti-Zionism and Anti-Semitism!  Tlaib speaks of the pain and hurt of so much – that comes from within her both as a Palestinian-American and simply as a caring, loving human being!

Congresswoman Tlaib explicitly spoke of the challenges of working in Congress!   She noted – that she can breathe – when leaving the Capitol – momentarily at least being free of personal attacks.   It is difficult being ignored and hearing minimalization and denial by others of the basic facts.    She is very alone as the sole Palestinian in Congress!   It is next to impossible to try to reach most Democratic Politicians (while the Republicans are beyond the pale)!

Our protective - "Guard Dog" - as Our Host Sought Our Donations

Humor and Seriousness were both present.   The host dog defended us barking interrupting our host – as he sought to raise as much money as possible.   He held her – finally.

Rashida Tlaib spoke both seriously and humorously, most notably about her mother.   Rashida is clearly “The Troublemaker” of the family – especially for her mother – who tries not to “rock the boat”.   Her mother is also a most caring parent and ally for her.

She noted explaining to her mother that her House Censure – did not result in her having to pay money.   Here is a quote related to it from November 10, 2023:

On Tuesday evening, the House voted to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), the only Palestinian American lawmaker in Congress, over the rhetoric she’s used in response to the Israel-Hamas war.

The censure resolution, introduced by Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA), accuses Tlaib of “promoting false narratives” about Hamas’s brutal October 7 attack on Israel and “calling for the destruction of the state of Israel.” One of the flashpoints was a slogan used in a video she shared on social media — calling for freedom “from the river to the sea” — which critics say calls for the abolition of Israel as a Jewish state and which advocates say calls for Palestinian freedom. Tlaib has said the resolution distorts her positions, attempts to police her speech, and is filled with “obvious lies.”

“My criticism has always been of the Israeli government and Netanyahu’s actions. It is important to separate people and governments,” Tlaib said in a floor speech on Tuesday. “I can’t believe I have to say this, but Palestinian people are not disposable. We are human beings just like anyone else.”

_{https://www.vox.com/politics/2023/11/9/23953902/rashida-tlaib-censure-palestine-statement}

Congresswoman Tlaib described how her mother spoke negatively about her speaking out at one point.   Then her mother went to the Mosque on Friday for prayer (and perhaps more importantly to be with “her girls”).   Her friends spoke admiringly of her daughter’s words, and then her mother spoke of how proud she was of her daughter.

Rashida Tlaib is “the real thing” – is so many important ways!   She speaks of systemic oppression related to arms profiteering and Settler Colonialism.   She talks of how Palestinians and others are oppressed and the importance of the inter-related issues.

Congresswoman Tlaib also talks of the importance of Constituent Services and supporting the People of her District.  She has the support of local Black People in part because she’s “there” on Black Lives Matter and grew up opposing Racism in Detroit.   I would note that when I talked with my Ex-Partner – yesterday – indicating that I thought that her (late) parents’ home had been in Tlaib’s Congressional District.   She spoke positively of how a childhood friend (I have met) lives in Rashida Tlaib’s neighborhood and knows her.

Rashida Tlaib is a Hero of Mine - as I have previously stated!

Powerful People - opposed to her - will be seriously looking at how much money her campaign raises in December, 2023.   

They are prepared to donate $20,000,000 - or more - to try to defeat her in the 2024 Democratic Primary which is not that far way as I write this writing.

If you can afford to, please donate to her campaign.   You can easily do this at:

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ads_ms_gs_202311_rashidacensure?refcode=20231114-DD-GS-Rashidacensure_brandedkw-Natl-1865U-MF-rtname_resp&gclid=CjwKCAiAg9urBhB_EiwAgw88mR36uiXaZUNJTZ51MsTId8RjB5rdWbPp1ETfcO_jra8mXvUfueRIdhoCs2gQAvD_BwE

Equally importantly, as Rashida Tlaib stated to all of us is that while our demonstrations calling for a Ceasefire – are IMPORTANT – it is also Very IMPORTANT – that we organize to work for Justice – Lasting Peace – for all oppressed People in our Country and the World!    As a Jewish American – this resonates deeply with me!

Addition:  July 2, 2024 - Interview: 

https://www.facebook.com/peaceaction/videos/1193440291789916