What will it take to change US policy in the Middle East? Former U.S. congresswoman Cynthia McKinney says that little will change as long as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee continues to influence US policy makers. The fact that Israel is violating US law by continuing to supply weapons to a country targeting civilians could be addressed by congress. The likelihood is slim.

On Capitol Hill last week both the US Senate and House passed resolutions, "recognizing Israel’s Right to Defend Itself Against Attacks from Gaza, and Reaffirming the United States’ Strong Support for Israel." The Senate voted unanimously and the House by a vote of 390 for and five against. Twenty-two representatives voted “present.” Republican Ron Paul, Democrat Dennis Kucinich, Democrat Maxine Waters, Democrat Gwen Moore and Democrat Nick Rahall voted against the resolution. 

Chris Hedges, a Senior Fellow at The Nation Institute, Cynthia McKinney, former Congresswoman and the 2008 Green Party Presidential candidate, and MJ Rosenberg, Director of Israel Policy Forum’s Washington Policy Center discuss how we can change U.S. policy in the region. 

Then, workers in the Bronx confront a hostile takeover. When Brynwood Partners took over the Stella D’Oro cookie factory last year it didn’t take long for them to announce wage cuts (one dollar an hour over a five year period), a reduction in vacation, and a plan to require that workers pay for their own health insurance. The workers fought back and have been on strike since August. GRITtv speaks to Joyce Alston, President of the Bakery, Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Union Local 50, Michael Filipou a Shop Steward at the factory, and Ed Marrero member of BCTGM, Local 50.

Thanks to The Real News Network and Tim Harrington for video in tonight’s show.