In recent news, Hamas has reportedly rejected a proposed peace plan, citing their refusal to comply with a major condition which involves relinquishing their rule in Gaza and establishing a Palestinian parliament through free elections. This development has brought criticism from many, who question the left's response in advocating for a group classified as a terrorist organization instead of upholding the values they claim to hold dear. Notably, President Biden has remained silent on this matter.
Victor Davis Hanson, a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, weighed in on the situation, denouncing those calling for an immediate ceasefire. He explained that demanding Israel to accept the tragic loss of innocent lives, including women, children, and babies, was not a satisfactory resolution. Hanson went on to claim that the left has drifted away from the ideals of figures like JFK, Bill Clinton, and Hubert Humphrey, becoming hardcore socialists who prioritize mandated equality over concepts like liberty and freedom.
Hanson further expressed his belief that those on the left do not truly believe in democracy. He cited a recent poll that reportedly revealed around 50% of Democrats wanting to curtail free speech, while 75% of Republicans disagreed. According to Hanson, the left projects these same ideas when examining the world beyond the United States. This projection, he argues, is exemplified by their support for open borders and the influx of people from autocratic and illiberal regimes, which he deemed astonishing.
The senior fellow contended that many immigrants who come to the United States eventually seek to dismantle the very freedoms they enjoy, often engaging in activities such as defacing monuments and icons of freedom. Hanson highlighted the irony in championing illiberal regimes overseas while opposing the only constitutional system in the Middle East, which is Israel.
Hanson acknowledged that the liberal media should not be excluded from the discussion. He criticized them for publishing an op-ed written by Gaza's mayor, who is deemed to be handpicked by Hamas. He drew a comparison to how they treated Republican Senator Tom Cotton, whose own op-ed did not meet the media's standards.
Summing up his views, Hanson characterized the liberal media as straying from true liberalism, claiming that they do not value free speech or the exchange of views. Rather, he asserted that they adhere to a progressive socialist agenda, blindly supporting anything that aligns with their ideology.
In conclusion, the rejection of the peace plan by Hamas has brought scrutiny upon the left and has prompted discussions about their stance on democracy and support for illiberal regimes. The liberal media has also faced criticism for its alleged lack of consistency in publishing opinion pieces. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how these dynamics will impact the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.