…
I firmly believe that people should take responsibility for their actions. And I believe law and order applies to everyone …

What’s your opinion about the so-called war on drugs? Would you suggest more spending, more foreign intervention or some other changes to our policy?

…
As an American, as a religious leader, and as the grandchild of immigrants, I am deeply disturbed by the hateful rhetoric that is becoming all too common. We need a common sense solution — Lou Dobbs’ rhetoric that is contemptuous toward immigranst and immigration is not my style.

Did you know rabbi Meir Kahane? How do you feel about Muslims and especially those who have emigrated to America? Do your feelings shape your ideas of how immigration policy in America should work?

What would you suggest for an immigration policy?

Thom @ 16

…
What steps do you believe the US needs to take to ensure a just and stable peace in the region? I’m particularly interested in your views regarding Israel and Palestinians. …

Here are my principles —

1. The Iraq War has destabilized the entire Middle east, including israel.
2. Israel is a critical ally of America, and very close to my heart — I just returned from my third visit a week ago.
3. I believe in a two state solution and an America committed to helping bring that to pass in a way that doesn’t endanger Israel and improves the lives of Palestinians.

These are not principles. these are facts and goals.

Do you believe Israel can live in peace with the other non-Jewish people of the Middle East?

Do you believe the Palestinians would ever settle for the two-state solution?

Do you believe in using war (or other militant behavior) to achieve the result or is peaceful negotiations the only way you would accept?

What do you think of Russia and it’s relationship to Israel, Iran and America?

Hopeful in NJ @ 10

… How can Congress change this dynamic and encourage a better foreign policy?

In general, we need Congress to demand sustained, artful, and subtle diplomacy — and to oversee implementation.

Specifically, there is no perfect solution — we need to demand more of this administration than reckless saber rattling.

And am I the only one out there who remembers that Osama bin Laden remains at large? Bush’s Pakistan policy has clearly failed us all.

Are you one to ‘demand of Congress’ or are you one to be a member of Congress, and serve the public?

Dennis Shulman @ 14

I am running to bring my ethical values to government; I would ask you to judge me by my values, character, and ideas, which are certainly deeply informed by my Judaism, but not exclusive of the concerns or insight of others.

Anyone wondering how that works might want to take a look at the piece about Dennis at Crooks & Liars this morning, where he talks about how he reads the Torah to how he listens to Duke Ellington & Ella Fitzgerald!

The Truth is a constant. It is each of us which changes with the winds of time.

I wonder rabbi, did you want to be a congressperson or did you sort of ease into this position in recent years without trying. Did it come to you or did you seek it?

Where is this path taking you?

welcome rabbi

the constitution has been thrown overboard. this country is currently being held hostage by the same families and corporations that were involved in the attempted coup of 1933. what do you think you can do to stop the “train”? the congress has been bought and paid for. fascism is here.

Coyne, I gotta pay tribute and respect to the most cleanest, simplest and starkly horrifying single statement of our predicament I’ve ever seen. Same families, corps and the ghosts of Leo Strauss and Prescott Bush haunt us still, as they did in ‘33 while funding, supporting and working for the Facist German War Machine.

I bow to your wow Coyne, and THIS question should be at the top of any candidate’s list to answer. Cuz this is where it’s all about, our past, present, and our future and survival as a republic which is great at risk in these times.

Rabbi, know you’ve long gone by the time I’ve posted this, but good luck in your endeavors.

I wish you’d not run though, I think it detracts from the qualified dem’s as TSanFran has pointed out.

But first and foremost, I too am in complete opposition of ANY cleric of any religon serving in public office in our so far secular government.

It opens the door for radical hate based proponents to also run. Those like Rev. Phelps and his ilk.

For the record, although I’ve long admired SOME of the words, deeds and actions of Rev. Jesse Jackson I’ve NEVER forgiven him for seeking to politicize and benefit and politicize for running of office the ideals of MLK. And that goes for Rev. Sharpton, too . . . NO PERSON OF CLERGY in my secular government.

People of faith, well, that’s a freedom we enjoy and I’d die for, whethere I agree with the faith or the doctrine or not.

But for political officce and elected representation, no.

In closing, Rabbi Shulman, thank you for doing better thruout your life for yourself and others, it is an inspiration to all!

I absolutly agree with you on this:

“This past week, in the speech of his career, John Edwards talked about the America that is not George Bush America; he talked about the “can do” America, the country that has inspired men and women the world over with its attitude and values.”

His speech inspired me to send him $100. This is what I’ve been waiting for someone to say. I’ve long said that until someone stands up there and speaks the truth, we’re lost. John Edwards is leading the way in the direction we need to go. I THOUGHT that would be Congress…. I was wrong. We need people in Congress to reflect this direction of truth, accountablity, responsibily, and truly take our country and Constitution back. It won’t be pretty, but it must be done.

Thanks Howie!!!

Dennis, thank you so much for coming by today and answering our questions so forthrightly. Let’s make sure you come visit us again early next year. I think I can speak for our whole community when I say one way to start cleaning up the mess made by the Bush Regime is to end the political careers of extremist loons like Scott Garrett. I know that the team you’ve assembled will help keep us abreast of developments in the campaign. Please feel free to pop over to FDL whenever you feel like it and chime in on the conversation. We’re at it 24/7.

And by the way, I’m extending that matching offer until midnight Hawaii time. I’ll match every $5 contribution to Dennis’ campaign thru our Blue America page until midnite.

I want to thank FDL, Blue America, Jane, Pach, and of course the commenters who spent the afternoon with me and let me hear their concerns.

And of course I want to thank Howie for making this all possible. I am overwhelmed by your support for my candidacy and feel that with your support and that of the entire netroots, Garrett will finally appreciate the difficulties facing Sussex County jobseekers.

I look forward to continuing this conversation.

Thank you all!

*shaking your hand*

Right awwwwn with the direct and clear answer! Thank you, sir! Very refreshing. That’s what we need right now. All the best to you!
:-)

Myrtle June @ 76

Rabbi Shulman, good to see you here :-)

My question concerns what your take on bush’s Office of Faith Based initiatives and the extreme religiosity in govnerment in all countries. It is the reason for so many wars and I’m against war. I believe it is unconstitutional for the US to be pointed in this direction. Seems to violate religious freedom, sends a mixed message. What is your position on that?

Thanks again for being here!

Great to be here!

I am very deeply committed to the separation of church and state.

I am as well. President Bush set up the Faith Based Initiative by an Executive order. He has authorized billions of dollars with NO oversight. I think this Office (there is talk of making it a Cabinet level office) must be abolished.

What do you think?