So the few thousand people who support the BDS movement in the U.S. are
> going to do through private action what they can't do through public action?
>
I think you've nearly transitioned to a different discussion. I'll be the first to agree with you that the "sanctions" leg of "boycott, divestment, and sanctions" is the one where Americans can have the most effect; in fact, I've been saying that for some time. (I also happen to think it would help us get there to pick one or two large companies with major Israeli interests and hammer them with everything we've got.) But Chomsky's position is far removed from our points of agreement and, I think, dispute. We're discussing the proper focus within the BDS framework; he opposes the whole concept. (I gather from your two most recent posts that you don't have any principled opposition to the "boycott" leg; let me know if I'm wrong.)
-- "Hige sceal þe heardra, heorte þe cenre, mod sceal þe mare, þe ure mægen lytlað."