Washington – With the confirmation of former Senator Chuck Hagel for the Secretary of Defense post on hold, some Jewish groups are calling for a more comprehensive review of Hagel’s record.
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In a statement (http://bit.ly/12uHwe1) issued on Friday, the American Jewish Committee said, “Chuck Hagel has served this country, and his state, with distinction, as we have had the privilege to tell him in person. But in light of his complex record in the Senate and controversial statements he has made since his public service on strategic and political affairs – notably grappling with the range of pressing Middle East issues – AJC believes that further Senate deliberation is called for before any final vote is taken.”
Of particular concern is the recent revelation of a 2007 speech Hagel gave at Rutger’s University where he was quoted as saying, “The State Department has become adjunct to the Israeli Foreign Minister’s office.”
The Anti-Defamation League has also waded into the controversy according to the JTA (http://bit.ly/XQrVl5) and has called on Hagel to explain his derisive comment. “If it’s true, it is very disturbing,” said ADL National Director Abraham Foxman. “If he didn’t say it, it behooves him to tell friends and detractors that he didn’t say it.”
All his comments regarding middle east and Jews, Israel are a disgrace. 3 reasons- either hatred or complete misundestanding or without any principles( he knew where he was making these comments and knew that they would please his audience and was well paid). Most likely a combination of all three reasons. Even one of them would disqualify him from becoming a Defense Secretary.
He said this AM that he never made such a comment….
Reply to 2
Yes and morsi never intended to offend jews.
Unfortunately these things are on tape and readily available for review. Nowadays it is difficult to revise your past
To #2 - Hagell didn’t definitively state that he never made that comment. He stated that “he couldn’t RECALL making such a comment”. In other words, he may have indeed made that comment, but he didn’t flatly rule out making that ridiculous statement. Incidentally, his alleged statement is similar to one made in 1974, by the then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General George Brown.