Michael Abbate: Suggests Neal jumps on political bandwagon

Suggests Neal jumps on political bandwagon

I read with extreme dismay that Congressman Richard Neal is co-sponsoring the “Israeli Anti-Boycott Act” in part drafted by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

However you feel about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and putting aside for a moment why Israel is so threatened by the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement, this is most importantly a matter of free speech and the ability of U.S. citizens to express political dissent.

The “Israeli Anti-Boycott Act” comes with severe penalties of up to 20 years in prison. What comes next? A bill designed to stifle any scrutiny or boycotts of large corporations because it is deemed un-American and anticapitalist?

Rep. Neal is clearly jumping on the political bandwagon to appease his donors but is turning his back on core principles of our Constitution. While he is not in my district, I firmly stand with our Hilltown neighbors in questioning whether he truly represents our interests in D.C.

Michael Abbate

South Deerfield

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