Texas Gov. Greg Abbott: "Israel Has No Stronger Ally Than the State of Texas"

Ironically, the man with backbone (he just told Obama to take a hike re a presidential request that his state lift sanctions on Iran) is a paraplegic. Meanwhile, the spineless wonder in the White House is fully abled, as they say:

“I strongly oppose the Iran deal because it undermines the national security of the United States and its strategic allies abroad – especially our most important Middle East ally, Israel,” Abbott wrote to Obama. “Entering into an agreement with a country that consistently calls for ‘death to America,’ and repeatedly articulates antisemitic policies is short-sighted and ignores geopolitical realities.” 

Asserting that the nuclear deal poses an existential threat to the Jewish state, Abbott stressed Texas’ steadfast support for Israel – where he had just returned from a trip sponsored by casino magnate Sheldon and Dr. Miriam Adelson. He then described why he sees a parallel between Israel and his own life story. 

Wheelchair-bound since the age of 26, when a tree fell on his back and paralyzed him, Abbott – author of Broken but Unbowed — said, “Israel faces enormous challenges on a daily basis, but it remains unbowed. It remains vigilant and strong. And what I learned in my life is that our lives aren’t defined by our challenges; instead, they’re defined by how we respond to the challenges we face. Probably no country in the world epitomizes that more than Israel.” 

Abbott went on to present the similarities that he sees between Texas and Israel, pointing to the Jewish state’s being a “startup nation” and to his own state’s being “probably the most entrepreneurial in the US.” 

He then quipped, “But when I draw parallels between Israel and Texas, don’t take my word for it; take the word of Bibi Netanyahu. The thing he seemed proudest to talk about was the trip that his son took to the state of Texas. His son came back and told his father, ‘Dad, Texans are just like us.’ And it’s stunningly true.” 

To illustrate, Abbott returned to the analogy of his injury, due to which he has steel rods in his spine to keep his back in place. “The impression I got and get from Israel is that it is a nation with a spine of steel,” he said.

Right back atcha, Mr. Governor.