The Democrats now count three new radical left-wing women — Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — as full members of Congress. The first two managed to fool voters by claiming to have moderate views. In an August speech at a Minnesota synagogue, Omar called the BDS movement “unhelpful” in the effort to reach a two-state solution, while in Michigan, Tlaib chose to focus on social justice. The two seemed to give the impression they would come to Congress raring to go to improve the lot of their constituents.

Not 24 hours after they were sworn into office, they showed their true colors. Omar clarified that she actually does support BDS. Voters who had been reassured by her statement that she favored criticism of Israel, but not a boycott, could be forgiven for now having second thoughts. Tlaib stooped far lower, broadcast spewing profanities at the president and calling for his impeachment. She later tweeted that she was “unapologetic.” But if so, why did she beat such a hasty exit when reporters asked to speak to her?

Then there’s Bronx rebel Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The 28-year-old phenom has stated she will oppose new House speaker Nancy Pelosi’s “pay as you go” rule, a budget mechanism meant to restrain growth of the federal deficit. Why? The young Democratic Socialist hopes to be able to fund universal free college education and health insurance by slapping the rich with a 70% income tax…

While the Democratic old guard should grant the three congresswomen their right to their opinions, it should be worried that they, along with several other representatives, appear to have no intention of submitting to party discipline. That’s bad news for the Democratic leadership. All the efforts invested by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Pelosi during the midterm campaign to portray the party as responsible go down the drain.

One way or the other, we’re sure to be hearing plenty from this faction.

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 743)