Two weeks ago I had the pleasure of participating in a breakfast forum hosted by the Asbury Democratic Club that was organized by the Women’s Democratic Club of Montgomery County, Maryland. This was a great opportunity for residents to hear from all the Democrats running for Maryland’s 6th Congressional District.
The forum was designed in round-robin style, with over 100 participants split into rotating groups for the nine participating candidates. One of the groups was composed of local students, activists, and former Maryland state elected officials who peacefully and respectfully came to ask the candidates about their policy approach to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Here is what I had to say to the group:
We need a nuanced and balanced approach to the ongoing conflict in Palestine and Israel that simultaneously recognizes the right of Israel to defend itself against the Hamas terrorists but also holds the Israeli government accountable to upholding the same humanitarian standards and conditions that we place on military aid given to any other country.
According to members of the group only a few of the nine candidates had well-thought out responses, and several of the other candidates refused to even answer their question at all. Among attendees, my approach and policy proposals were ranked the best and garnered the most enthusiasm.
As a candidate and future elected official, I will never shy away from tackling the most challenging or controversial topics, and I will always let voters and constituents know exactly where I stand on the issues.
I will also never turn a blind eye to any actions that violate international humanitarian law— especially when those violations are directly funded and supported by our tax dollars.
If you care about restoring accountability in our democracy at home and abroad, please join us at www.JainForCongress.com.