Dissing an ally

The News-Press
Ft. Myers, FL
March 3, 2010

The United States is currently confronted with a daunting number of challenges in our nation’s foreign relations, including dual wars, meeting energy needs, and preventing the growth of terrorist networks. In all these areas, we have an ally in Turkey.

In a bizarre move during such turbulent times, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, including U.S. Rep. Connie Mack, is preparing to vote Thursday on House Resolution 252, which will recognize as “genocide” tragic events that took place nearly 100 years ago in the defunct Ottoman Empire, despite holes in the historical argument.

This begs the question: why is the committee squandering its time on an issue that has no relevance to America’s foreign relations and interests? The answer is simple: Lobbying.

Despite much bravado about limiting the influence of special interests, money and manpower still control Washington’s agenda. The Armenian-American lobby spends an estimated $40 million annually on its agenda, which revolves around recognition of an “Armenian Genocide.”

This issue, ultimately, should not be on the docket of Congress.

It’s time to put an end to a dangerous game, but it will only end when Americans raise their voice and tell Rep. Mack to oppose this resolution on Thursday.

LINCOLN MCCURDY
President, Turkish
Coalition of America

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