I’m apparently the only person who feels this way, but to me “don’t give Israel money or free stuff” (I agree) and “refuse to sell stuff to Israel” (I disagree) are two very different ideas and referring to them both as “aid” is very confusing.

Apr 22, 2024 · 9:34 PM UTC

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I think we should have a very strong presumption against giving financial assistance to countries that aren’t poor, but also a strong presumption in favor of selling things to countries that are geopolitically friendly.
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The Columbia protestors, meanwhile, seem to be demanding divestment from companies that do business in Israel plus more NIMBYism in Harlem.
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Replying to @mattyglesias
the age of confusion...thanks progress, our nu god
Replying to @mattyglesias
We restrict weapons sales to lots of countries so that seems reasonable. A lot of people seem to want the US to impose sweeping sanctions (and possibly a naval embargo?) against Israel which doesn't make sense.
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Replying to @mattyglesias
They're protesting at Columbia because the university owns some ETFs that include Microsoft. None of this is meant to make any sense. It's all about the feels.
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Replying to @mattyglesias
You really think it's a bad idea to refuse to sell Israel weapons which they have verifibly used to kill civilians en masse?
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Replying to @mattyglesias
Hi Matt, I'd be happy to chat in private about some examples of the quid pro quo of US mil aid to Israel. It's perfectly reasonable to decide the quo isn't worth the quid, but framing it as charity-like isn't a useful model (I spent a decent amount of US aid $ as an IDF officer)
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Replying to @mattyglesias
There should be sanctions put on Israel until it ends the occupation.
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Replying to @mattyglesias
What is the case for selling Israel weapons? Didn’t realize you supported that. I do not see how selling Israel weapons is compatible with pushing for a 2SS
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