Did Romney just give Israel a Blank Check?

[Anonymous]

jsteele wrote:And, #Romneyshambles continues. Now Romney has managed to insult the Palestinians:

http://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2012/07/30/romney_courts_donors_before_leaving_israel/

"As you come here and you see the GDP per capita, for instance, in Israel which is about $21,000, and compare that with the GDP per capita just across the areas managed by the Palestinian Authority, which is more like $10,000 per capita, you notice such a dramatically stark difference in economic vitality," the Republican presidential candidate told about 40 wealthy donors who ate breakfast at the luxurious King David Hotel.

Romney said some economic histories have theorized that "culture makes all the difference."

"And as I come here and I look out over this city and consider the accomplishments of the people of this nation, I recognize the power of at least culture and a few other things," Romney said, citing an innovative business climate, the Jewish history of thriving in difficult circumstances and the "hand of providence." He said similar disparity exists between neighboring countries, like Mexico and the United States.


So, the fact that the Gaza Strip, which is under economic blockade, and the West Bank, which is under Israeli occupation, don't have as good of a per capital GDP as Israel is because of Jewish culture and God?

Given that Israel is doing so well economically while the US faces a huge national debt, I wonder if Romney feels the over $3 billion in US assistance provided annually to Israel should be reconsidered? After all, even without US assistance, Israel will still have Jewish culture and God, right?

I am actually shocked that there is only an $11,000 per capita GDP difference given how crappy the people in West Bank and Gaza have it. Those Palestinians must be amazing to do that under the blockade, restrictions on trade, restrictions on movement.

[jsteele]

Anonymous wrote:
I am actually shocked that there is only an $11,000 per capita GDP difference given how crappy the people in West Bank and Gaza have it. Those Palestinians must be amazing to do that under the blockade, restrictions on trade, restrictions on movement.

The difference is much greater. Romney got the numbers wrong. The Palestinian per capital GDP is closer to $1,500. Romney may have had $1,000 in his notes (he was low on Israel as well) and missed a decimal point.

[Anonymous]

jsteele wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I am actually shocked that there is only an $11,000 per capita GDP difference given how crappy the people in West Bank and Gaza have it. Those Palestinians must be amazing to do that under the blockade, restrictions on trade, restrictions on movement.

The difference is much greater. Romney got the numbers wrong. The Palestinian per capital GDP is closer to $1,500. Romney may have had $1,000 in his notes (he was low on Israel as well) and missed a decimal point.

Oh OK that totally makes more sense. I suppose the numbers are too small for him to sweat.

[Anonymous]

Remember that Romney thinks that $10,000 is a casual wager.