In the NYTimes today it was reported that Robert L. Livingston(R), a former Louisiana congressman, lobbied many to change his/her vote regarding the Armenian genocide resolution.
One of the lawmakers mentioned was Bobby Jindal. One day after first backing the resolution, Mr. Jindal reportedly received a call from Mr. Livingston. He immediately withdrew his name from the resolution.
The Times also reported that the Livingston's Firm contributed $10,000 to his campaign.
This news is disturbing. I have no choice now but to no longer back Mr. Jindal as a candidate. This is another example of politicians folding to lobbyists without regard to moral obligations.
The genocide of the Armenians in 1915 should be acknowledged officially by the U.S. It does not matter that the resolution may create tension between the Unites States and Turkey. The only reason to not acknowledge this fact is to maintain a conduit (Turkey's air base) to Iraq. The opposition to the resolution is claiming a matter of convenience as the reason to withhold acknowledging the systematic murder of 1.5 million Armenians.
Lawmakers should look beyond their infatuation with Iraq to do the right thing. The right thing being to recognize the murders as genocide regardless of the selfish consequences.
[photo via CNN]
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