FCD Statement to CADEM E-board regarding Foreign Policy Matters
The Board of the Foothill Community Democrats (FCD) applauds and thanks the CADEM delegates for raising their voices and making it clear that the amendment would not pass as it would tie the hands of CADEM, and its affiliates, including FCD, from taking stances on foreign policy issues.
The Foothill Community Democrats voted unanimously to oppose the proposed amendment by Andrew Lachman to limit the CA Democrats’ capacity to take foreign policy positions. By attempting to tie the California Democratic Party’s foreign policy platform with the Democratic National Committee’s foreign policy platform, Andrew Lachman sought to prevent the necessary democratic deliberation and discussion required to adapt our foreign policy platform in the presence of new evidence. Attempting to limit our capacity to do so jeopardizes the namesake of our Party. It tarnishes our reputation amongst independent voters who are seeking an opposition to the current Christian Nationalist administration. This proposal reflects the kind of decision-making that violates our Democratic principles and continues to turn voters away from the Democratic Party. When party leaders fear grassroots discussions on foreign policy matters, it demonstrates their lack of conviction to stand up to foreign interest lobbyists and organizations. Andrew Lachman has previously graduated from the Anti-Defamation League's Glass Leadership Program. He has been endorsed by the Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN) for his steadfast support of Israel and his ongoing efforts to distort public education under the guise of “combating antisemitism”.
We must call this proposal what it is: An attempt by Lachman to prevent the California Democratic Party from adopting a foreign policy position that threatens our alliance with Israel’s perpetration of the genocide in Gaza. Our agreement on Ukraine stems from the recognition that conquest and collective punishment are unjustifiable war crimes in the 21st century, but the party’s reluctance to hold our ally Israel accountable for similar war crimes and genocide reflects either ignorance or maliciousness behind this amendment.
Again, the Foothill Community Democrats thanks the Delegates of the party for creating the energy needed to remove this amendment. Thank you, party leaders, for listening to the voice of the people for what is right and not seeking ways to escape denouncing this genocide through anti-democratic measures.
