In a recent meeting of the Middletown Common Council, a passionate discussion unfolded regarding the United States' foreign policy, particularly its military support to countries accused of human rights violations. The atmosphere in the room was charged as council members voiced their concerns about the implications of sending arms to nations like Syria and Israel, which they argue contravenes established laws and ethical standards.

One council member highlighted the contradiction in U.S. policy, stating, "We don't fund what's going on in Sudan. We don't send arms to Syria," while emphasizing the significant financial support—amounting to one billion dollars—allocated to arms for Israel. This member pointed out that such actions violate the Leahy Law and the Arms Control Act, which prohibit military assistance to countries that are known to violate human rights.

The discussion took a broader turn as the council member lamented the lack of international aid reaching those in need due to these policies, asserting that the U.S. is "living outside the Geneva Convention" and ignoring fundamental human rights. They noted that other cities have taken a stand by passing ceasefire resolutions, urging Middletown to consider similar actions.

The conversation also touched on the potential appointment of Mike Huckabee as the ambassador to Israel, with concerns raised about his controversial views, including his support for apocalyptic beliefs. This led to a call for local representatives, such as Congressman Ryan and Senators Gillibrand and Schumer, to take more decisive action on these pressing issues.

As the meeting concluded, the council's discussions reflected a growing awareness and concern among local leaders about the ethical implications of U.S. foreign policy, leaving attendees pondering the role of local governance in addressing global human rights issues.