Who The Hell Is George Galloway?

For those of us who remember Mr. Galloway and his testimony on the Iraqi War before the US Senate back in 2005 we already know how powerful a speaker, writer and activist he is.  But for the rest of us, I'll state a little about what I know and why we need to listen carefully to this Brit.

Born in Scotland and former Member of Parliament for the Labour Party and the Respect Party, he is a fierce critic of US foreign policy, particulary in the Israeli-Palenstinian struggle over land rights.  He is adept, unflinching and fierce with any opponent without falling back on ad-hominum attacks and comedy. 

It feels like the left in this country is so damnnnn weak.  I mean really weak.  We allow Glen Beck and the rest on Fox and "mainstream" media to talk so much shit and set the agenda for politics in this nation. Not just in terms of media, but our elected Democrats don't do a strong job of setting shit straight and unifying with a clear strong message.  I need to emphasize the word strong.  Here, I'll highlight and italicize:  STRONG.   They (the left) let the right and the middle (really the right) take the healthcare debate hostage, and anyone who differed in opinion was "Un-American".  Then across the pond is a liberal who's not afraid to give a strong voice to important political matters.  Mr. Galloway has that British "in your face" political approach, but I like it and wish we had more of it in American politics.  A quick, smart, aggressive politician with a clear opinion that doesn't waiver based on the polls is sorely needed on this side of the Atlantic. 

Has anyone ever noticed that the stronger voices from the "left" that are on national television are from comedians, albeit smart people, but still comedians like Jeaneanne Garofalo, John Stewart and Bill Maher.  So is anyone taking what they say seriously in a real political sense?  What happens to their point when it's wrapped in witticisms and jokes.  Now they are comedians so that's what they do.  But my question is: why are their voices the loudest "left" voices in the public sphere?

But back to George.  I practically wish we could clone him to step up the game here in the U.S.  He's unapologetic and doesn't allow his detractors to flip shit and change the discussion.  He asks questions of the questions and deconstructs our assumptions.  His opinions and unwaivering support for Palestinians in their fight for land could probably never survive on a national level in the media in this country.  He, afterall, calls out Islamophobia for what it really is, racism by another name.  And as an outspoken critic of Israel's policies in The Gaza his views would run counter to our nation's foreign policy in this region, as our country is the largest benefactor of foreign aid to Israel.  Which is more the reason that people need to hear what he has to say.  Not necessarily agree or believe him, but just listen.  In general, alternative views on the Mid-East aren't highly tolerated and tend to get shut down immediately.  So who the hell is George Galloway?  Someone we need to hear and form our own opinions about.  But luckily he's on every Wednesday on WBAI in NYC from 9am to 10am.  For anyone out of town you can stream live on http://www.wbai.org/ or check him out here in NYC at 99.5 FM.