Brilliant. Remember Michigan. It’s where we all live….so prioritize. People who selfishly consider a single issue are a problem for a lot of reasons. Cutting off your nose to spite your face is the old cliche. Remember voters who voted for Jill Stein instead of Al Gore? They said they wanted to send a message. Remember your vote is not a Valentine.
D**n right,I know anti-Semistism when I see (or hear,read,etc.) it. On the weekend,there was a fatal anti-Semitic attack in San Diego,and an intimidating drop of anti-Semitic "literature" (read: Filth) in the Detroit suburbs.
Thank you for writing this. I am growing so weary of seeing others tell me what is and what is not Jew hatred, as if someone would tell any other minority (black, Latino, gay, etc.) what hatred towards their community should be defined. Any candidate obsessing and centralizing their campaign around AIPAC should be avoided. The American people have been brainwashed into thinking that Israel is the enemy instead of one of our greatest allies. Plus, we have a lot to fix right here in Michigan, and that is what any decent candidate should be focusing upon.
Jack, I'm puzzled by your argument that when choosing our two US Senators and one US Representative we should be focusing mainly on Michigan issues. These three people are our only voices on federal issues such as whether our public lands are sold or destroyed, whether the federal government will address climate change issues, and (in an administration that follows the Constitution) whether or not we will send our sons and daughters to war. Whether our hundreds of billions of tax dollars will go healthcare and education or to dropping bombs in unnecessary wars. Whether a woman has to live in a certain state to be able to get reproductive health services. And whether we should remain a democracy or become an autocratic country. None of these issues so crucial to our lives pertain only to Michigan. I expect my federal Congressional representatives to devote their attention to international, national, AND Michigan issues. And when I vote, I consider their viewpoints on the full spectrum of those issues.
Your emphasis on remembering where we live brought back memories of all the Jill Stein voters in 2024 that may have cost us that election and created this hellscape we are currently living in.
As for not "virulent", historically that statement is non sensical. "Non virulent" antisemites get plenty virulent when the opportunity arises. Every. Single. Time.
I'm sorry to hear that. In addition to hating Israel, El Sayed will enable and promote the continued Islamization of the US. As is now happening to a greater extent in Europe.
Since 10/7, I haven't tired of correcting others that, because I regularly call out Bibi as you have, I am not anti Semitic.
Those moments feel like days gone by when we’ve heard the trope, “Some of my best friends are (fill in the blank.)
I grew up Catholic in the second largest Jewish neighborhood in the world (NYC). My domestic partner is Jewish. I managed a food and beverage operation in an Oakland County synagogue for years. I ascribe myself as a culturally ascendant Jew. But, defending myself against charges of anti Semitism because I’m screaming the truth about Netanyahu feels like I’ve already lost an argument I shouldn’t be participating in the first place.
Like you Jack, my naiveté was nearly utopian. Toni Morrison’s biographer Namwali Serpell points out that Black artists, thinkers, and citizens spend too much energy trying to defend their humanity, culture, or civilization against shifting goalposts. Right. Rabbi Danny Syme told me ten years ago that once I participate in this dynamic, I’ve lost the argument - if I had any argument at all.
About Zionism? Conversing about it is akin to American civics. The population (largely) isn’t savvy enough to have respectful discourse. I was once accused of “elitism” for making this observation. Again, must I defend myself? Well, I guess so. Just because I may be smarter (or dumber) or more (not necessarily better) educated doesn’t make me better or worse than you. I know a few really smart people who are also pure evil. I know more about the U.S. Constitution (and most voting Americans) than I do about Zionism. Your simplicity in this regard helps.
Thank you for your brave clarity on this issue, Jack. The Jewish community appreciates your analysis and honesty.
I'm not brave. I just tell what's really happening
That IS the job of the Free Press! And we are in danger of losing that, too.
yup. scary
You're doing the Lord's work,Professor.
You are too kind
Brilliant. Remember Michigan. It’s where we all live….so prioritize. People who selfishly consider a single issue are a problem for a lot of reasons. Cutting off your nose to spite your face is the old cliche. Remember voters who voted for Jill Stein instead of Al Gore? They said they wanted to send a message. Remember your vote is not a Valentine.
Agreed my bad how soon we forget
Come help me find my keys ...
Right on target, as usual! (Except Nader was the problem then, not Stein.)
Don't recall Nader being anti-Semitic.
didn't imply he was. Read Bugenski's comment
D**n right,I know anti-Semistism when I see (or hear,read,etc.) it. On the weekend,there was a fatal anti-Semitic attack in San Diego,and an intimidating drop of anti-Semitic "literature" (read: Filth) in the Detroit suburbs.
Thank you for writing this. I am growing so weary of seeing others tell me what is and what is not Jew hatred, as if someone would tell any other minority (black, Latino, gay, etc.) what hatred towards their community should be defined. Any candidate obsessing and centralizing their campaign around AIPAC should be avoided. The American people have been brainwashed into thinking that Israel is the enemy instead of one of our greatest allies. Plus, we have a lot to fix right here in Michigan, and that is what any decent candidate should be focusing upon.
Very well put. Thank you. I am not Jewish, but my other half is. You are very wise
Thank you! I have always admired your columns and miss them dearly on Michigan Radio. Have you read my Substack about the MDC? If not, check it out: https://gittleman.substack.com/p/the-only-israel-supporters-on-the?r=48kat&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web
I will indeed
Bill Maher closed his show this week with a similar point.
Jack, I'm puzzled by your argument that when choosing our two US Senators and one US Representative we should be focusing mainly on Michigan issues. These three people are our only voices on federal issues such as whether our public lands are sold or destroyed, whether the federal government will address climate change issues, and (in an administration that follows the Constitution) whether or not we will send our sons and daughters to war. Whether our hundreds of billions of tax dollars will go healthcare and education or to dropping bombs in unnecessary wars. Whether a woman has to live in a certain state to be able to get reproductive health services. And whether we should remain a democracy or become an autocratic country. None of these issues so crucial to our lives pertain only to Michigan. I expect my federal Congressional representatives to devote their attention to international, national, AND Michigan issues. And when I vote, I consider their viewpoints on the full spectrum of those issues.
Your emphasis on remembering where we live brought back memories of all the Jill Stein voters in 2024 that may have cost us that election and created this hellscape we are currently living in.
You do realize that you're telling Jews to vote for antismites, right?
I absolutely am not.
Good news. But what are you going to be writing in late October if the senate race is El Sayed v Rogers? And its close?
I shall support El Sayed, because there are multiple issues and the alternative is fascism. And he is not openly and virulently anti-Semitic
Yes, he is mostly quiet about it.
As for not "virulent", historically that statement is non sensical. "Non virulent" antisemites get plenty virulent when the opportunity arises. Every. Single. Time.
I'm sorry to hear that. In addition to hating Israel, El Sayed will enable and promote the continued Islamization of the US. As is now happening to a greater extent in Europe.
Oh, balderdash. He won't have the power to do any such thing m
Z,you much be a Trumpster to believe that nonsense.
or a racist.
I'm not MAGA. more of a RINO. Unfortunately, what I'm saying is true as to demography and polling of Muslims living in the West.
Since 10/7, I haven't tired of correcting others that, because I regularly call out Bibi as you have, I am not anti Semitic.
Those moments feel like days gone by when we’ve heard the trope, “Some of my best friends are (fill in the blank.)
I grew up Catholic in the second largest Jewish neighborhood in the world (NYC). My domestic partner is Jewish. I managed a food and beverage operation in an Oakland County synagogue for years. I ascribe myself as a culturally ascendant Jew. But, defending myself against charges of anti Semitism because I’m screaming the truth about Netanyahu feels like I’ve already lost an argument I shouldn’t be participating in the first place.
Like you Jack, my naiveté was nearly utopian. Toni Morrison’s biographer Namwali Serpell points out that Black artists, thinkers, and citizens spend too much energy trying to defend their humanity, culture, or civilization against shifting goalposts. Right. Rabbi Danny Syme told me ten years ago that once I participate in this dynamic, I’ve lost the argument - if I had any argument at all.
About Zionism? Conversing about it is akin to American civics. The population (largely) isn’t savvy enough to have respectful discourse. I was once accused of “elitism” for making this observation. Again, must I defend myself? Well, I guess so. Just because I may be smarter (or dumber) or more (not necessarily better) educated doesn’t make me better or worse than you. I know a few really smart people who are also pure evil. I know more about the U.S. Constitution (and most voting Americans) than I do about Zionism. Your simplicity in this regard helps.
Thanks, Jack.