Watson Coleman’s ‘nay’ vote
I was with Jonathan Feldstein at the office of Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Dist. 12) on July 19, advocating for a strong U.S.-Israel alliance (Opinion, “Un-representative,” Aug. 7). We were hopeful that Watson Coleman would be supportive of the long history and strong benefits that the U.S.-Israel relationship has had for both nations.
Feldstein wrote in his op-ed, and I feel too, that hope was severely diminished with her “nay” vote on the resolution condemning the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement (BDS). Her logic used to justify her vote — “to express her support of the right of people to boycott” — is not only intellectually weak, but makes one question if there may be some hidden anti-Semitic leanings.
Of the 415 votes cast, Watson Coleman’s was one of only 17 opposing the resolution. You have to wonder— if she voted her “conscience,” then that’s no conscience I want representing the 12th Congressional District of New Jersey.
Leonard Neuringer
Scotch Plains
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