$3 billion dollars.

The USA had surrendered this amount to Israel every year without ever really questioning the cost of this support. Israel is a victim. Palestine the outlaw terrorist state. Anyone questioning this reality is lambasted as an anti-Zionist and the pro-Israel lobby showed its power with a letter signed by 76 senators strongly urging President Obama to consider the dangers of finding peace in the Middle East.

Senators Christopher Dodd, Arlen Specter and Republican Senators Johnny Isakson and John Thune wrote the epistle as an addendum to Obama’s meeting with the right-wing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose aide called the two-state solution ‘childish and stupid’.

Beggars should be more choosy with their words no matter how powerful their allies, although the media has deflected the public’s attention to this topic by publicizing the threat of Iran to the 60 year-old nation.

I only have thing to say.

“Free Palestine.”

Not in this lifetime, but some time soon.

One more thing.

Cut off the aid and see how fast Israel accepts Palestine as a partner in the Levant.

“Anytime anyone says it isn’t about the money,it’s about the money.”

My boss Manny Winick taught me that rule and he’s 100% right 3% of the time, which is more than most people.

Here’s the AIPAC letter.

Dear Mr. President:

We are writing out of our shared concern over 60 years of conflict in the Middle East, and a mutual desire to see peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors. While the obstacles are formidable, we agree with you that every effort should be made to realize that peace.

Many years of strong, principled US engagement led to historic peace treaties between Israel and both Egypt and Jordan. We believe that achievement of a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians requires adherence to some key principles. These include an understanding that while the United States has an important role to play, the parties themselves are the ones who will need to negotiate and live with whatever agreement is reached. As we work closely with our democratic ally, Israel, we must take into account the risks it will face in any peace agreement. Without a doubt, our two governments will agree on some issues and disagree on others, but the United States friendship with Israel requires that we work closely together as we recommit ourselves to our historic role of a trusted friend and active mediator.

We must also continue to insist on the absolute Palestinian commitment to ending terrorist violence and to building the institutions necessary for a viable Palestinian state living side-by-side, in peace with the Jewish state of Israel. The more capable and responsible Palestinian forces became, the more they demonstrate the ability to govern and to maintain security, the easier it will be for them to reach an accord with Israel. We encourage you to continue programs similar to the promising security assistance and training program led by Lieutenant General Keith Dayton, and hope that you will look for other ways to improve Palestinian security and civilian infrastructure.

Finally, we hope that you will promote far greater involvement and participation by the Arab states both in moving toward normal ties with Israel and in encouraging moderate Palestinian elements. Everyone in the region has a stake in the success of these negotiations and should contribute to a lasting and comprehensive resolution.

We look forward to working closely with you on these critical issues.

Ted Kennedy did not sign, thereby winning my vote for most senile senator next election.