The Land of the Free

The Land of the Free

Just Don’t Criticize Israel

There are currently 39 states in the so-called “land of the free” that now either have laws on the books or pending legislation that make it illegal to boycott or criticize Israel.

Twenty-six of those states already enforce loyalty oaths, loyalty oaths where contractors, teachers, and ordinary workers have to promise not to support a boycott of Israel if they want a paycheck. The other thirteen are lining up to pass the same laws.

That leaves just eleven states where you can openly support a boycott without being punished by the government.

Eleven. Out of fifty.

There’s no equivalent law that stops you from criticizing the United States, or boycotting American companies, or telling your governor to shove it.

You can burn an American flag in the middle of Main Street and, at least in theory, the Constitution protects it. But criticizing Israel is grounds for unemployment, blacklisting, or worse.