Rep. Bowman Reminds the World of Israel’s Responsibilities
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) recently introduced the Equal Representation for Citizens of Countries Endangered by Conflict Resolution Act (ERCCERCA) to create a clear distinction between Israel’s citizens and its government. On the same day of the bill’s introduction, Rep. Bowman (D-Mo.) echoed Ms. Tlaib’s sentiments and suggested that in order to bridge the gap between conflict resolution and the citizens of Israel, the government must prioritize the needs of their citizens.
Rep. Bowman’s reminder of the country’s responsibilities to its people comes as a direct result of the ongoing tension between Israel and Palestine. He explained, “The lack of boundary between Israel’s citizen’s and its government has been a major factor in the conflict between them and other nations. In order for the country to be successful, all citizens must be taken into account and accounted for fairly.”
In doing so, Israel must ensure that its citizens are not only respected, but also protected from violence and discrimination. To many, these demands seem unfair and unnecessary, but to Rep. Bowman, these duties are vital to ensuring that all of Israel’s citizens, not just its leadership, can live in peace and harmony.
The Congressman continued, “We must reach a place where everyone in Israel can feel safe, and where all citizens are taxed and treated equally according to the law. We cannot allow those in power to create a false perception of security by overwhelming the public voice.”
Rep. Bowman’s reminder applies to all countries dealing with conflict and discrimination based on the actions of their governments. He concluded, “It is the responsibility of the public to make sure that the governments in their respective countries are representing citizens accurately and fairly. This requires a clear distinction between citizens and government, something that is all too often blurred. Without such distinction, achieving true peace and progress will never be achieved.”
In this moment, Rep. Bowman’s message of dignity and fundamental rights is more important than ever. He concluded, “We must stand for the values of democracy and hold our governments accountable for their actions.”