New York governor Andrew Cuomo has signed an executive order requiring state agencies to divest themselves of businesses and individuals participating in the BDS (Boycott, Divest, and Sanctions) movement against the Israeli government over their dealings with the Palestinians.
Regardless of what one believes about the conflict itself, this is a massive over reach by a government official. This isn't about a state official standing up to another state official for a perceived violation of civil rights, as is the case with his call t boycott North Carolina and other states passing anti-LGBT legislation.
This is an attempt to freeze political speech. Andrew Cuomo is using his position as governor to prevent individuals and private groups from criticizing a foreign government in a way he finds offensive.
Just look at some of the quotes from the times article
this isn't even targeting specific groups. It is targeting the mere act of refusing to do business with another country.
If he believes the organized BDS movement is a criminal enterprise, then prosecute it as such. That would in fact be his job. Do not try to intimidate people for expressing their opinions.
And he didn't even need an executive order. The bill passed the state senate. This is nothing but posturing.
Regardless of what one believes about the conflict itself, this is a massive over reach by a government official. This isn't about a state official standing up to another state official for a perceived violation of civil rights, as is the case with his call t boycott North Carolina and other states passing anti-LGBT legislation.
This is an attempt to freeze political speech. Andrew Cuomo is using his position as governor to prevent individuals and private groups from criticizing a foreign government in a way he finds offensive.
Just look at some of the quotes from the times article
Quote:
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Alphonso David, the counsel to the governor, said that the executive order was specifically aimed at the B.D.S. movement launched in 2005, but that it would apply to any boycott targeting Israel. |
Quote:
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According to the executive order, Mr. Cuomo will command the commissioner of the Office of General Services to devise a list over the next six months of businesses and groups engaged in any “boycott, divestment or sanctions activity targeting Israel, either directly or through a parent or subsidiary.” |
If he believes the organized BDS movement is a criminal enterprise, then prosecute it as such. That would in fact be his job. Do not try to intimidate people for expressing their opinions.
And he didn't even need an executive order. The bill passed the state senate. This is nothing but posturing.
via International Skeptics Forum http://ift.tt/1XCfDxw
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