David Trone - the congressman who peddles Israhell's wine

[yankeedoodle]

The co-owner of Total Wine is an anti-BDS, Democratic congressman who donates at least $100,000 to AIPAC every year
https://mondoweiss.net/2020/06/the-co-owner-of-total-wine-is-an-anti-bds-democratic-congressman-who-donates-at-least-100000-to-aipac-every-year/?utm_source=mailpoet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-email-mailpoet

Jewish Insider has an article on Rep. David Trone (D-MD) up today. Trone represents Maryland's 6th district and he's the co-founder/co-owner of Total Wine & More, which operates 208 stores across 24 states and in 2017 had reportedly around $3 billion in revenue. Total Wine & More is also the largest retailer of Israeli wines in the United States.

The piece explains how Trone has donated to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) for many years, but has seemingly stopped supporting the ACLU on account of their opposition to anti-BDS laws. "We're categorically opposed to BDS. A company shouldn't be coerced into boycotting Israel," he told Jewish Insider. Trone voted for the 2019 resolution that condemned the BDS movement.

Today I was proud to support H. Res. 246 which opposes BDS, reaffirms our commitment to Israel as an ally, and emphasizes the importance of a two-state solution. I'm glad to see Congress unite around our bipartisan support for Israel and our close, continued partnership.

— Rep. David Trone (@RepDavidTrone) July 24, 2019

Trone is an AIPAC "minyan donor", which means that he gifts the lobbying organization at least $100,000 every year. There's perks for this level of financial commitment, which are listed on the group's website: Minyan members are part of an elite circle who participate in exclusive events and travel opportunities. They have engaged in intimate conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former President Bill Clinton, former Prime Minister Tony Blair, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel and many others.

Trone's foreign policy positions are listed on his website and Israel takes up more than half of the page. He calls it the "only liberal democracy in the Middle East" and a place that is "firmly anchored in freedom and justice." Four paragraphs are devoted to his support for unfettered military aid to the country: "American military assistance to Israel has historically served as Israel's lifeline, bolstering its defense capabilities and enabling Israel to purchase state-of-the-art systems to defend itself in a very hostile neighborhood...Not only is foreign assistance vitally important for Israel, it is a smart investment that will continue to pay dividends into the future."

The congressman has also declared that, "Israel is one of the most progressive countries if not the most progressive country in the world."

You can read the entire article at Jewish Insider's website. https://jewishinsider.com/2020/06/the-millionaire-wine-magnate-fighting-bds-in-congress-and-in-wine-shops-across-the-country/?utm_source=Jewish+Insider+Contacts&utm_campaign=37ad982229-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_06_14_04_44_COPY_03&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_008e75e2f9-37ad982229-92827773