Well done David Ward - party whip withdrawn from Lib Dem MP

Liberal Democrat MP David Ward has had his party's whip removed after tweeting this comment:

Am I wrong or are am I right? At long last the #Zionists are losing the battle - how long can the #apartheid State of #Israel last?

Am I wrong or am I right in thinking that this is not only perfectly acceptable language, but a legitimate and admirable question to ask?

The term "Zionist/Zionism" is routinely used in discussion of the Israeli state and its supporters. The term "apartheid" is similarly and appropriately employed in describing the discriminatory nature of the Israeli state. 

In a formal letter of reprimand, Alistair Carmichael, the Lib Dem chief whip, said David Ward had 'failed in his promise' to use "proportionate and precise" language.

On the contrary, Mr Ward's words could not have been more proportionate and concise.

If only those at the top of the Lib Dems had the same courage to identify, condemn and take positive action against Israel rather than engage in this kind of political punishment and hand-wringing evasion of the issues. 

Respect and backing to David Ward in refusing to be intimidated and treated like a child in the Lib Dems' 'language class'.

John Ward Hilley