Your editorial "Mr. Obama's case for peace," March 29, stated President Barack Obama got it "right" in saying Palestinians deserve a state of their own, and that the steps to peace also include an end to Israel's expansion of settlements in the West Bank. In writing that editorial, the Times Union also "got it right."
As President Obama said, the "easiest political path" would have been for him to "just express unconditional support for whatever Israel decides to do." That "unconditional support" is what a hawkish American Israel Public Affairs Committee-generated letter, signed by Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, wanted him to express.
Another letter, written by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., offered support for a "sustained, U.S. diplomatic initiative to help both parties conclude an agreement." Sens. Schumer's and Gillibrand's signatures were noticeably missing from the Sen. Feinstein letter.
Israel will never be motivated to work for a just peace while leaders like Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand continually undermine President Obama's message by parroting AIPAC's dictates.
President Obama also stated in the Jerusalem speech that, "Political leaders will never take risks if people do not push them." Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand obviously need that push.
Mary C. Folsom
Rensselaer