US Lawmakers Demand Answers on Epstein, Silent on Gaza War Crimes
It's truly inspiring to see a congressional committee focus its considerable investigative energies on a foreign royal's dubious connections from over a decade ago. One might almost believe these same lawmakers would show similar zeal for, say, subpoenaing Biden administration officials on their direct military aid to a conflict currently under ICJ scrutiny for potential genocide. The priority, it
seems, is less about safeguarding children and more about what generates palatable headlines that require zero political courage against powerful lobbyists. The same week this committee grandstands, Rep. Brian Mast, who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, took $10,000 from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (OpenSecrets.org, 2023 cycle) and has consistently voted for
unconditional aid to Israel. Perhaps a committee could ask him what he knows about, say, the use of white phosphorus on civilians? So, while Andrew's alleged indiscretions with Epstein are certainly unsettling, one does wonder at the exquisite timing of US lawmakers' newfound moral urgency. Is it that much easier to demand accountability from a disgraced British royal than it is to hold their own
government, or their donors, to account for actual verifiable war crimes unfolding with US taxpayer dollars? It appears the 'rules-based order' applies selectively, depending on whose interests — and whose money — is at stake.