I am not a Republican, but permit me to make a few observations:
1. Charliehall’s comment beginning: ” ‘do you take every piece ….” As usual, Charliehall’s comment is right.
2. As Israel’s major and most reliable supporter in the world, the United States can advance Israel’s interest only through US economic and military strength. Misplaced wars, such the the Iraq invasion and the war in Afghanistan, weaken the US militarily AND economically, and that can seriously threaten Israel. The US should not support every bad idea that an Israeli government can pull out of its ear, such as aggressive settlements in the region that the world calls the “Occupied Territories”. Any policy that weakens the US economy, such as the Republican ideas of tax cuts for the rich and less government spending in a weak economy, compromises the US’s ability to be a helpful to Israel. Republican tough talk about support for Israel is worthless if the US is not strong economically and militarily.
3. It is important for the US to play a role in relieving the humanitarian disaster in Syria. Whether we take in 10,000 or 100,000 Syrian refugees, or provide economic aid to European countries who absorb these refugees, it is essential that the US play a constructive role. I see Syrian refugee children wearing the same backpacks as I see on the kids going to yeshivas in New York neighborhoods. We must recognize the humanity and make a positive contribution to this disaster. I have not heard any Republican say anything encouraging on this issue. (Democrats – both of them – have not to date focused on this issue either, but I expect the Democratic nominee to get it more right than any Republican candidate.)
4. Trump is running on his “brand” as a business genius who has lots and lots of money. His supporters say that is what they like about him. He therefore owes it to the public to disclose his tax returns and audited financial statements that support his claims to business expertise. He also owes his supporters an explanation of his bankruptcies. It is not enough to assure us that he did not go bankrupt, his casinos did. How did he manage those businesses into their financial ruin, and what assurance can he give US citizens that he can properly shepherd the fiscal policy of the federal government and the US economy. To date, all he’s told us is that he’s really, really rich and really, really great. And all Rubio has told us about Trump is that he has small hands. Has US political discourse sunk so low?
5. If Trump continues to perform strongly in the primaries, and the “Republican establishment” decides to improperly undermine his electoral success and deny him the Republican nomination, I am sure he will run as an independent. That will surely pave the way for the Democratic nominee. So, dear Republican brothers and sisters, be careful what you wish for.