Why Arab Americans May Not Vote for Mitt Romney in the Presidential Election

posted on: Aug 1, 2012

Chicago’s Palestinian Americans, as well as Palestinians from all over, may very well not vote for Mitt Romney this upcoming presidential election in November, 2012. Romney has been causing a buzz, throughout the globe seemingly, over his rude comment during his previous visit to London, England. Although the rude remark has aggitated not only the residents of London, but U.S. citizens as well, Romney has out done himself with his recent choice of words during his stay in Israel. Romney has Palestinians angered over the interpreted, ‘racist’ remark.

Although the presidential candidate, Mitt Romney, has won brownie points with Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, Romney has seemingly lost some Palestinian’s respect. Romney stated, ‘If you could learn anything from the economic history of the world it’s this: culture makes all the difference. And as I come here and I look out over this city and consider the accomplishments of the people of this nation, I recognise the power of at least culture and a few other things.’ He goes on to say that he acknowledges ‘hand of providence in selecting Israel.’ Palestinian officials reacted almost immediately. Saeb Erakat, a Palestinian Authority’s aide, stated, ‘It is a racist statement and this man doesn’t realise that the Palestinian economy cannot reach its potential because there is an Israeli occupation. It seems to me this man lacks information, knowledge, vision and understanding of this region and its people. He also lacks knowledge about the Israelis themselves. I have not heard any Israeli official speak about cultural superiority.’

Nada Tadros
Examiner