Rebecca Sterling, Contributing Writer
In a time when political grandstanding, harsh rhetoric and partisan aggression all characterize our political process, it is easy to lose faith in the possibility of bipartisan compromise and progress over our country’s future political challenges.
However, there appears to be at least one issue over which even the most bitterly opposed U.S. politicians do unite. It’s so apparent that the whole world can see it.
For what issue have President Barack Obama and House Speaker John Boehner both pledged full support, cutting past their heavy political differences? What is it that our often-at-odds South Florida representatives have worked so hard together to strengthen?
Members of the student organizations, College Democrats and College Republicans, know that the answer to these questions is the U.S.-Israel relationship.
They recognize that Americans, Israelis and the rest of the free world need to work together to stop the threats posed by rogue dictators, fundamentalist terrorist groups and those who violently oppose free and open societies. They understand that the U.S. position on this issue is united, with the clear example of the House of Representative’s impressive bipartisan action to sanction Iran with H.R. 1905, and the Senate’s unanimous vote for the bill, which Obama signed into law.
That is why the students of the College Democrats and College Republicans have come together in a statement of support. This unity demonstrates that it is possible to reach across the aisle in a bipartisan effort to accomplish what is good for our country, our friends around the world, and for those who seek free democratic governments.
FIU’s Student Government Council recognizes Israel as a country that shares our values of democracy, women’s rights and freedom of religion. They rose to the occasion by passing student resolution 1343 affirming their recognition. Well Done!
At FIU, we have a community of student leaders who care enough about these shared values to stand with Israel. They are constantly seeking to enhance their knowledge about our ally and the region in order to make a positive difference when the opportunity arises.
I can say with confidence that there is a diverse nationwide community of student leaders, representing every campus in the country, which embraces this positive and proactive outlook.
With events on campus like Israel Peace Week and with Obama’s momentous trip to Israel, there are plenty of opportunities to learn more.
All my friends across the political spectrum have come together to understand the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Despite vast possible differences, there is hope that our future political concerns will be met with the same model of progress which students are employing to reach this common understanding today.
