Every time I conclude that nothing on TNR generates as much consensus betwixt the bloggers as their shared vitriolic hatred towards Hillary, the subject of Jimmy Carter pops up to prove me wrong. If Carter just does not get it and this fact is a widespread knowledge, why do you, Marty, fume about it so? What mischief can his actions possibly cause if his incompetence has been determined decades ago? Who cares what he does if all consider him an idiot?

What Carter does, alas, matters. A former U.S. president cheek-kissing Hamas leaders and laying wreaths on terrorists dictators' tombs  carries a lot of symbolism. The only thing worse than Carter's doing this would be President Barack Obama doing it.

One very strong reason Obama won't get my vote in November.  

Say what you will about Arafat (and you will), and while he is responsible for his nation not having a state, he is also far and away most responsible for the fact that anyone even is aware of his nation's exists.

dkrieger-

So...because it would be worse if it was Obama- who has stated he WOULDN'T neogitiate with Hamas- you won't vote for him?  Based on a hypothetical that you made up, which he has said WOULDN'T happen?

I'm putting a few words in caps.  For effect.

Obama Supporters:

Farrakhan, Khalid, Wright, Ayers, Carter (might as well endorse already), Malley, Brzezinski... these are just a few of the honest men attracted to the notion of an Obama presidency.  Yeah, and Obama's going to be a defender of Israel when the rubber meets the road and the going gets tough...

I was/am as repelled by Arafat as anyone, but I think the title of this Spine entry's in bad taste.

President Carter is such a FIdiot he doesn't ask where all of Arafat's Money went, he lays a wreath at the tomb of a liar and thief.

For all President Bush's flaws, he recognized Arafat as the Liar he was and cut off all communication and aid.

Nothing made me feel better about American Foreign Policy than to see Arafat holed up in his Ramallah Compound in ruins still running his mouth.  The President of the crumbling, shrinking Paestine Nation.

President Carter doesn't realize he would do the Palestinians much better service by giving them the truth.  Tell them how many millions Arafat stole.  Tell them how many people he killed.  Tell them why they have to live in squalor.

I remember a story that Carter was actually an unofficial advisor to Yasser in 2,000 and advised him to reject Barack's offer.  Never knew whether there was anything to it.

CRS - billions, not millions. Decades of skimming several % of an annual $10b or so influx from Europe, Saudi etc will get you up to a billion; factor in all of Arafat's investments in corrupt oloigopolistic or monopolistic enterprises -- I'll bet eh earned handsome returns on his 10% stake in a leading Palestinian _concrete manufacturer_ (imagine hoe many sales were rung up due to rebuilding efforts after the IDF retaliated against Arafat's provocations and attacks!),

Forget NATO, forget the neocons' League of (Anglosphere) Democracies. THe biggest gap is between states rule in accordance with law and those in which thuggery mixed with confusion and grand larceny are the order of the day.

There's no fool like an old fool...

perhaps we should be worried just as much about another expresident who made tons of money selling his influence in the world.  darfur?  what was that about? the stans.  this guy, bill, is as big a threat as carter as far as i am concerned and that is another reason i will not ever vote for that family of borgias.  as far as the little lady is concerned, hillary gave a great speech yesterday  to editors about access and such, then denies all sorts of access to her own campaign , her precious daughter.  she was well known in new york for not allowing reporters to ask her anything after one of her appearances in town.  i dont especially like carter but he is miles above the clintons and their double dealing.

"Obama- who has stated he WOULDN'T neogitiate with Hamas"

He won't meet with Hamas, but he'll meet with Ahmedinajad and Assad (i.e. Hizbollah's enablers). Don't make me laugh!

"the little lady" - cute. Never underestimate the smugness and arrogance of the Obama-worshippers.

It is against federal law for a private citizen to engage in any activity interfering with US foreign policy.  Even the best of intentions, anyone not fully briefed on the issues, can do considerable harm.

oxheadone writes:

-- Even with the best of intentions, anyone not fully briefed on the issues, can do considerable harm.

I think we have all seen the considerable harm done over the last seven years by those who supposedly were "fully briefed on the issues."