A virulent new round of anti-Obama emails has begun to circulate within the Jewish community.
Email is as much a part of our daily lives these days as the (land line) phone and television were a generation ago. Your BlackBerry buzzes and your email is instantly at your hip; blogs, websites, list servers, and forums abound. News travels warp drive fast through the wildfire ether of the “interweb.” And it's never too much farther away than the cell phone in your pocket or bag.…
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26 - Barbara Barnett
Andrew E.--Georgio's comment was exactly the sort of thing to which I was referring. An easily checked lie (or, to be kinder, unwittingly told falsehood) with which these emails have been filled. To a non-informed, or already skittish voter, these contentions make people think twice. All it takes is a little bit of reading to know they're not true, yet many people won't look beyond the myth.
Dave-You're so right. I cringed when I heard that endorsement. Obama does not need that sort of backing in the midst of this malestrom.
In a way, this all is but a taste of the sort of stuff that will hit Obama in the fall, should he get the nomination. How he handles it will be important and steel him for the fight against McCain. If he makes it.
27 - georgio
Before you all jump on me for my comment let me explain because I do check things out and have backed O bama from the start because I am from Chicago ..I happened to be listening to Hanraty on talk radio and he is the one who said it..Now I think most talk radio hosts are scumbags but so when he said that I was shocked and told you what I heard..thats why I put it on here because I knew I would hear more about it..well I have checked out facts and I am not at all happy with what Michell has been saying and Baracks involvement with Farrakhan and his land deal next to his house will cause me to REALLY check him out..I first began to like him when he became a Senator which was handed to him on a plater due to the opposition screw ups..but he fought hard for Veterans like me who where getting screwed by the veterans committee in Illinois compared to other states but he really did not change anything but he at least tried..
28 - Doug DeLong
I am not at all happy with what Michell has been saying and Baracks involvement with Farrakhan
Georgio...there is no "involvement" with Farrakhan by Obama. He has made that point clear and emphasized it again in today's debate. He not only "denounced" Farrakhan and his views, he also "rejected" them (to make Hillary happy). Just because Farrakhan has nice things to say about Obama does not create a link between the two.
But, of course, the GOP smear machine will work full-time trying to convince people that there is a link. They'll do their best to convince you that Obama is a anti-semitic communist Muslim who loves to torture cats. People with even a modicum of intelligence will see through these lies.
29 - Barbara Barnett
I listened carefully last night to Obama's words about Wright, Farrakhan, Jews and Israel. I have no doubt as to his sincerity. I think calling attention to the rift between Jews and Blacks as something he'd like to see repaired was important, and I've not heard many African-American leaders refer to it for a while.
More than ever, I'm convinced that Obama should be the democratic nominee and the president.
30 - Bob
Two days ago, I published a post about the WND news release and info from Aaron Klein. Soon after, I contacted Deborah Harrington, president of the Woods Fund, and asked her to confirm or deny whether Barack Obama, then acting in his capacity as a Woods Fund director/board member, cast any votes in favor of providing grants for the Arab American Action Network.
Though more than 40 hours having passed since I asked the question, I have yet to received an answer to this question which could be obtained simply by reviewing the board's meeting minutes from meetings during which AAAN-funding votes were cast.
31 - Dr Dreadful
Don't you hate it when corporations won't return your calls?
BTW, Bob, the banner at the top of your blog: just... scary.
32 - Doug DeLong
Bob said: Though more than 40 hours having passed since I asked the question, I have yet to receive an answer.
Hang in there, Bob. Thank God we have muckrakers like you and the fine folks at WorldNet Daily (whose motto "If we don't have the facts, we make 'em up" is an inspiration to journalists everywhere) staying up late every night digging through the garbage cans in the alley trying to find that one little delicious piece of evidence that will prove once and for all that Obama is a Muslim terrorist. I rest easier knowing that you're on the scent. God bless you, sir!
33 - Anon
I listened carefully last night to Obama's words about Wright, Farrakhan, Jews and Israel. I have no doubt as to his sincerity
Are you serious? He looked like deer caught in headlights!
Guess I'd be uncomfortable too if one of my church's talking points is:
'To have a church whose theological perspective starts from the vantage point of Black liberation theology being its center'
If I didnt know where this came from, I'd say it was from some black panther sympathizers.
I think I saw the word 'black' more than I saw the word God on that church's website! Scary.
Wonder if a white candidate can get away with attending a Church that is 'unashamedly white' and 'dedicated to the white cause'.
34 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
This comment, originally posted elsewhere, belonged here.
If this is an example of Barack Obama's "support" for Israel, you can take the son of a bitch and shove him where the sun don't shine.
He's just drek, as I have been telling you over and over again.
If you want this pile of shit for your president, Barbara, you are welcome to the asshole. Just keep the son of a bitch away from here, lest some of us decide his fate for him.
A sample of the shit shining in the sun speaking in Cleveland.
...according to Obama, backing the Jews' biblical, historical and legal claim to all of the land in question "can't be the measure of our friendship with Israel."
Nor can supporting the view that only by defeating its Islamic foes can Israel enjoy any semblance of peace and security, continued the Democratic frontrunner.
35 - Doug DeLong
Ruvy said: "If you want this pile of shit for your president, Barbara, you are welcome to the asshole. Just keep the son of a bitch away from here, lest some of us decide his fate for him."
You're making a death threat against Obama? My, aren't you the ballsy little anonymous commenter! I guess we do things a little differently in the U.S. We try to debate each other without threatening to kill someone if they happen to disagree with us. But let's make a deal. We'll elect the U.S. president and you can elect the Israeli president. And, oh yeah, we won't send out death threats if we don't like your guy. Geez...
36 - Clavos
"I guess we do things a little differently in the U.S. We try to debate each other without threatening to kill someone if they happen to disagree with us."
But usually we just invade 'em; it's so much more efficient than debate...
37 - Doug DeLong
Touche!
38 - Barbara Barnett
They don't do things like that in Israel either--unless it's from one of the far right lunatics there. People who are so opposed to the notion of negotiation to give up one inch of Biblical Israel, they rather see the Israel not survive at all than give up a centimeter of the West Bank.
Ruvy, you chose to make aliya and now call Israel your home. I will not resort to the sort of language with which you have chosen to defile the comments section of my article. However, to make a not-so-veiled threat against an American citizen (particularly a presidential candidate) is reprehensible to me and to anyone who is a thinking and rational person. I have listened to your personal comments and rants against me in virtually every political article I have posted, but this is the limit.
I have to ask how hard you celebrated when Yitzchak Rabin (z''l) was assassinated? The funny thing about Israeli politicians(except for Bibi) is that when they ascend to PM, they tend to understand a little better that your point of view will only lead to the eventual destruction Israel whether from the inside out or the outside in. Even Ariel Sharon eventually understood that.
39 - Doug DeLong
Barbara said: They don't do things like that in Israel either--unless it's from one of the far right lunatics there.
Good point. I didn't mean to indict an entire country with my comment. I'm wondering, though, why a death threat against a presidential candidate (whether empty or not) is tolerated by the moderator (or are we unmoderated here on BC?)
40 - Barbara Barnett
Doug,
that's an excellent point. I am not sure of the procedure to purge that comment (or that contributor). Never had the cause to know to this point. Dave--are you out there?
41 - Clavos
Talk about overreaction!! Where's the "death threat?"
The exact statement was:
"Just keep the son of a bitch away from here, lest some of us decide his fate for him."
"Decide his fate for him" is ambiguous; it could mean anything, and in any case, involves an action contemplated on the soil of the sovereign nation of Israel, thus is not within the jurisdiction of the USA, much less this blog, which thankfully, has shown a marked reluctance to "purge" anyone or anything heretofore.
And Ruvy's comment is certainly nothing worth violating that policy over.
Understand I'm not defending Ruvy's viewpoint; I rarely agree with him on almost anything; but especially a couple of rabid lefties like you two should understand he has the right to SAY what he did.
42 - Doug DeLong
"Decide his fate for him" is ambiguous; it could mean anything,
Oh, really? For example?
a couple of rabid lefties like you two
Wow, I didn't know I was rabid...better make sure your shots are up-to-date.
43 - Dr Dreadful
Speaking as one of the comments Inquisitors, I concur with Clavos here. The BC comments policy allows you to say pretty much whatever you wish, so long as you don't attack other commenters personally (or if you must, at least do it with some panache (JOM, are you watching?)!).
Anyone who visits the site with any regularity knows what Ruvy is like, and will recognize that the remark was just a typical manifestation of his persona.
Now certain humorless persons in suits in Langley or Tel Aviv may or may not be interested in some of the things Ruvy has to say, but it shouldn't concern us overmuch here.
;-)
44 - Christopher Rose
Yeah, what the Doc said.
45 - Barbara Barnett
Fine by me. But I would appreciate it, Ruvy, if your language did not address me personally in that manner. I'm a wilting flower and do not like to be talked to in obscenity and invective (even if they aren't referring to me, but since the comments were directed to me by name.)
46 - Pablo
google Zbigniew Brezinski AND obama
47 - Barbara Barnett
Pablo--Oy.
Yep. Cat's out of the bag. Zbignew is a foreign policy advisor (one of several, inlcluding Dennis Ross--a big, resepected supporter of Israel). And pssssst....did you know that Brent Scowcroft and Henry Kissinger are McCain foreign policy advisors?
48 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
Barbara,
I would never address you in an insulting manner - whatever I think of your opinions or views, you are a contributor here developing a respectable (in terms of amount) body of work, and you are certainly worthy of my respect as a fellow writer.
Often, I enjoy your articles from the point of view of a writer, even though I may disagree with your views extremely. And in this instance, I do.
Neither Obama, Clinton nor McCain deserve any respect from me at all.
As for your deluded view of "supporters of Israel", if you mean that Zbignew Brerzinski(sp?), Dennis Ross, Brent Scowcroft and Henry Kissinger are like overly tight jock strops squeezing the life out of this country, they are indeed supporters.
Kissinger, for example, tried to welsh (no offense meant, Colin) on the deal that Dayan made for arms replacements in return for waiting for an Arab attack in 1973. Fortunately, Defense Sec'ty Schlesinger filled Nixon in on the details of Kissinger's betrayal and Alex Haig saw to it that Israel got the arms she was supposed to get. Kissinger, ever the loyal servant of the Rockefellers and the CFR, managed to screw this country at the negotiating table after we WON and kicked the Syrians and Egyptians asses.
Brerzinski is just a Carter holdover and supported the Carter policy of selling Israel out to the PLO. Had Carter won in 1980, that is what he would have done. But Reagan won instead, and in spite of the fact that Reagan was a terrible president in many ways, he did manage to sort of support this country. Ironically, he and Nixon turned out to be the only American presidents to really back this country up in the clutch.
Scowcroft was Bush Sr.'s toady in selling out Israel (even though some think of him as a proponent of this country) and Dennis Ross was Clinton's toady in doing the same thing.
I'm a wilting flower.... Barbara, if you tell me where to pour the water, I'll be glad to be of service. Any plant food you prefer?
As for Obama, it has been coming to me through the grapevine that a number of people are worried for the man's physical safety - that he is indeed in danger of assassination - as he is not the preferred candidate of the " establishment" Democrats.
That has nothing to do with my opinion of him. I came to my conclusions "all by my lonesome", along with most of the English speaking Israelis here. The majority of us are not stupid and can smell his manure 8,000 miles away.
There is of course, that minority of custardheads who agree with you. There is no law requiring their commitment to mental institutions, where they and the Jesuses, Virgin Marys and other assorted crazies this nation produces would all get along famously....
Finally, Barbara, I did not rejoice at all at the assassination of Rabin in 1994. At that point in time, my views were similar in many ways to yours.
However, to make things clear to you, Rabin was a drunk, a man easily manipulated. But even through the blurry eyes of alcohol he could see that Oslo and giving the killer Arafat power was a big mistake. Before his death, he had been learning Torah and attempting to change his ways, and he was trying to reject Oslo altogether. He was murdered for this. He was murdered by a man named Yoram Rubin (this was reported in Yediot Ahronot a number of years ago, much to the pain and embarrassment of his in-laws) even though the establishment insists on blaming Yigal 'Amir, a man who shot blanks at Rabin and took the fall for his murder.
I must tell you that while the "literate" establishment buys the bullshit peddled by Shimon Peres and his crew of killers, most of the population realize that 'Amir was not the killer.
You are a terribly deluded and naive woman, Barbara. That is not a personal attack or an insult, that is just a simple fact. Unfortunately, too many American Jews are just as deluded and naive as you are.
49 - Doug DeLong
Ruvy said: You are a terribly deluded and naive woman, Barbara. That is not a personal attack or an insult, that is just a simple fact.
Well, no, technically speaking, that would an opinion, not a fact. The kind of opinion that some people like to use to attack people who don't happen to agree with them.
Ruvy said (re Obama): If you want this pile of shit for your president, Barbara, you are welcome to the asshole. Just keep the son of a bitch away from here, lest some of us decide his fate for him.
There are apparently some here who feel that your statement is somewhat ambiguous. If you'd like to take this opportunity to be clarify what you mean, please feel free.
Barbara said: Yep. Cat's out of the bag. Zbignew is a foreign policy advisor [of Obama].
CBS News is reporting today that Obama has stated that Zbigniew Brzezinski "is not a key adviser but merely someone he had lunch with and exchanged e-mails with "maybe three times."
50 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
The focus of my comments aimed at Barbara is not to attack her personally. The focus is to drive home the point that the delusions that afflict her view of this part of the world affect many American Jews as well. They used to afflict me when I lived in America as well.
Living here has taught me many things about Jewish culture, things I would have rather not known at all. But because I do live here, and I do know these things because I have to to survive sanely, it gives me a base of knowledge that she cannot pick up from her sources in the States.
This will go over your head, but perhaps it will not go over Barbara's; giliti et yisrael.
As for ambiguities regarding my comment about Obama, sometimes ambiguity is best left that way.
51 - Doug DeLong
As for ambiguities regarding my comment about Obama, sometimes ambiguity is best left that way.
For the record, I find your statement to be very unambiguous and rather sinister.
52 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
Ted Belman from Israpundit reports that Obama is Going Down.
Some comments from his writings:
Slowly, but surely Obama, is doing himself in. It is not just the company he keeps but also what he is now saying.
Correcting Ed Lasky, whose article criticizing Obama was the first I noticed, Ted correctly points out:
Recent polls disclose that 2/3 of Israelis are against dividing Jerusalem and retreating from Judea and Samaria and that is despite the fact the the entire world including the Government of Israel and its media have been embracing the two state solution.
This is extremely important to realize when you are reading about Israel overseas. The majority of us are made voiceless by a G-dless anti-Jewish media that embraces the sick values of America and tries constantly to shove those values down our throats. Genuine Jewish voices, like Makor Rishon, get bought out by conglomerates whose money can be traced to the same anti-Jewish G-dless bastards who own and who therefore run the present media.
All the reportage of the "major" newspapers here must be taken with a large dose of piquant salt. The truth does not come on the front page but sandwiched in small articles on page 6; it's kind of like reading Pravda, and increasingly, the New York Times and Washington Post.
You want to know the truth here? Ask a cabby - either Jewish or Arab. You'd be surprised what you'd learn, and how much the average Israeli clearly understands in spite of the bullshit constantly shoveled down his throat in the major Hebrew (or Arab) papers.
Now, back to Ted Belman.
The respected NGO Monitor had this to say about Sabeel's Ecumenical Facade
Reflecting its mission statement, Sabeel is active in promoting an extreme anti-Israel agenda in Protestant churches in both North America and Europe. Sabeel's efforts have promoted the campaign to isolate and delegitimize Israel through the divestment campaign, which have recently been adopted by the World Council of Churches, the Anglican Church in Britain, the Presbyterian Church, and others. What could be clearer? Now here is part of Lasky's article.
"Nevertheless, other parts of his speech were far from reassuring, and once again cast substantial doubt on his views not just toward Israel but also specifically toward supporters of the America-Israel relationship here at home. Senator Obama believes words matter; it is a mantra of his candidacy. Therefore, it is only fair to look at the words he used in Cleveland to divine his views.
He seems to be addressing many supporters of Israel in America who have questions regarding his views and his plans. He finds fault with them:
'I think there is a strain within the pro-Israel community that says unless you adopt a unwavering pro-Likud approach to Israel that you're
anti-Israel and that can't be the measure of our friendship with Israel .'
Senator Obama characterizes those who have concerns about policies he might follow as President as being Likud-supporters. This has been
a charge propagated by the fiercest opponents of Israel, who have often slipped into conspiracy theories regarding American supporters of Israel. (Try googling Likudnik and dual loyalty or conspiracy theory ; Likudnik has become a term of opprobrium. As David Berstein notes, Likudnik has gradually become a general anti-Semitic term for
Jews whose opinions one does not like."
Just for the record, I'm a member of the Likud Party.
Note, folks that there is no anonymity here: there is no lack of clarity.
Nevertheless, in saying this, again I repeat. NONE OF THE CANDIDATES WHO ARE LIKELY TO BE ELECTED IN AMERICA (should there be elections) IS ANY GOOD FOR ISRAEL AT ALL. THEY ALL SUPPORT TEARING THE COUNTRY APART. IN THE NAME OF A PHONY "PEACE" WITH TERRORISTS!
53 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
The only relatively independent voice here is Arutz Sheva and the many bloggers who refuse to be silent in the face of the lies the State and its servant media puts out.
54 - Christopher Rose
Yes, Ruvy, of course...
55 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
Chris, evidently, you were nice enough to fix my comment up. Thank you. It's appreciated.... If it weren't you but the dreadful doctor, thank you to the both of you....
56 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
My, aren't you the ballsy little anonymous commenter!
I've been analyzing the situation for the ungrateful likes of you for the last two and a half years.
Anonymous commenter my ass!
I'll make a deal with you, Doug. Given that I am an American citizen, I'll decide who is the best candidate I should choose, and let you know. Given that I am also an Israeli citizen, I'll vote (or not vote) in parliamentary elections here and tell you why.
You want to participate in Israeli politics? Become a citizen of this country....
57 - Doug DeLong
Given that I am an American citizen, I'll decide who is the best candidate I should choose...
Absolutely...you should choose whoever you think is best, just like everyone else. Where you lost me, though, is where you threatened to kill the one you didn't like. Call me crazy, but that seems to be just the slightest bit over the line.
You want to participate in Israeli politics? Become a citizen of this country....
I'm not sure what I said that gave you the idea that I wanted to participate in Israeli politics. Honestly, I long ago gave up on trying to figure out what the hell is going on in your part of the world. It's always the same old same old. The whole region appears to me to be exhibit number one of why the world would be a much better place if there were no religions at all and people could just live their lives.
And please accept my apologies for accusing you of anonymity.
58 - Ruvy in Jerusalem
Doug,
Apology accepted.
As for Obama, ambiguity is purposeful. No, I wouldn't threaten death to an American political candidate. The bastard might just show up at my door and expect me to follow through, while his goons waited for my opportunity to make their day.
I guess you really think I'm that stupid, don't you?
But I am not the only person who lives here. Down the hill from me is the village of Sinjel, which, if I am not mistaken, is the home of the family of Sirhan Sirhan, the nice young (well, not so young anymore) man who killed Robert Kennedy in 1968.
I was working in the Kennedy campaign at the time and regretted the opportunity to go a victory party where I hoped he would finally do in (as in defeat, not kill) Saint Hubert from Minnesota at the Chicago Convention....
Shavua Tov, - have a good week.
59 - Douglas Mays
re: #1 from propagandist. Yes, the calculating Chicago politician. Remember, Hillary is a Chicago gal who was in her adolescence in the '50s. THAT IS A GOOD THING!!! Why? Ok, I was born in the South side of that town in the mid-late 50s. So, the thing I have found out (observing mom and all her friends) is that gals from that era from that town are very progressive and sharp. Compassionate yet tough. And have a personality (see Hillary doing the flight attendant speech on her plane earlier in the campaign).
so yeah, I put in a vote for Hillary.
The other thing regarding the whole race thing with Obama is this. Wanda Sykes made a very good point. Not only do white people have to get past the 'black' thing, so do the blacks. she (on Leno the other night) described the black population thinking "huh, one of us leadin' the country? I don't know about that..." LOL. Then she said that with Obama in power, the blacks won't have anyone to blame anymore. She said to imagine a kid in jail. He can't blame 'the man' anymore....more LOLs.
Awe geez, I'll shut up. It is too early on a Saturday morning to organize my thoughts. I need more coffee to get my brain booted up.
Oh, think of this. In regard to the idea brought up about not being faked out by Obama, see it as a calculating Chicago politician instead...Thank goodness Hillary is a Chicago-ite who can outcalculate Obama's calculation. Using his strength against him.
Ah, brutal politics. It is a brutal world...
Although, calculating can be used for bad don't let the term become one of those blanket thought 'bad' words. You know, just like how 'co-dependent' became a bad word.
best,
DM