Strathmore, Alta. -- Harper's Magazine publisher John MacArthur notes in passing that the more powerful "Saudi lobby usually trumps the Israel lobby" in its influence over U.S. foreign policy. His use of the adverb "usually" suggests that, now and then, the presumably less powerful Israel lobby trumps its Saudi rival.

Between these two lobbies, and all the others lined up behind them, you have to wonder how often purely U.S. interests are served; or, far more ominously, how often the interests of ordinary Americans are either intentionally ill-served or even harmed to please a foreign power.

Although generously supporting the State Department piper with their tax dollars, how often do they still get to call a tune that serves their interests?

Orest Slepokura
Strathmore, AB