Reply #51: Hope you are still about....

[Behind the Aegis]

Rather than editing the other post, I will reply here in hopes that if you are still awake, you will respond.

Asking for proof is not too much to ask.
Edited on Fri Jan-26-07 12:58 AM by originalpckelly
This is the 21st century, people have video cameras and digital cameras. Where are the videos? Where are digital pictures?

There was only one picture there.

As I said, I can provide you with proof. I am glad we are in agreement about the anti-Semitic nature of the poster I showed. There is only a slight issue: many on the left refuse to admit there is anti-Semitism on the left, therefore, finding 'left' sources is difficult. Why is that? One would think that any form of bigotry would be reviled by liberals, so why not expose it when it is in OUR backyard?! Any way, there is a site that has this documented quite well, but it is a "right-wing" source. If you wish, I will upload those pics to photobucket and post the worst ones here or I can PM you with the link and you can explore.

If this is going on in droves it needs to be exposed, the best way to make someone change is to punish them with the profound shame of being labeled an anti-Semite, and to have that charge backed up with hard evidence.

Saying someone is anti-Semitic is not something to be taken lightly, because that sort of attitude puts a person in the same class as Hitler, literally.

I don't recall anyone saying it was in "droves," but even small amounts should be unacceptable. Do you not agree? Also, I disagree with your assessment that the best way to punish people is with the shame of the label "anti-Semite." Look in this very thread, there are people here who throw it around with abandon. They don't care if they are labeled (even mislabeled) as anti-Semites; it doesn't matter to them. I also disagree that calling someone an anti-Semite puts them in the same class as Hitler. I have known plenty of anti-Semites that don't even come close to Hitler! Not all racists are Klan members or would even go those extremes, but all Klan members are racists. To me, that would be more of how I would use the "Hitler" charge.

It seems anyone who says anything critical of Israel or those who blindly support Israel are labeled as anti-Semites.

Instead of having a real debate, this charge is hurled around. It's literally in this case like being called an al-Qaeda sympathizer by a Republican. It has the same chilling effect on debate.

I have never seen those who "blindly support Israel" labeled as anti-Semites, so, I am going to guess you forgot a "don't" in that statement. :) Anyway, you are correct that sometimes "anti-Semite" is tossed out as a "bomb" of sorts to stop or stifle discussion. I don't deny that happening. Conversely though, the charge of "being called an anti-Semite" is also freely thrown about and has the same effect.

Unfortunately, people cannot debate one another when it simply devolves into insults. Sadly, the problems the ME, and in specific Israel, face are so important they ought to be debate frequently.

It's not happening, and so no one makes real progress on dealing with the regional tensions or progress on improving American policy towards Israel.

I also think you are wrong with your first statement. I have had many a conversation and debate with people here and never once did it cross my mind that s/he was an anti-Semite, nor did I call them such. There are a few here that aren't even really anti-Israeli bigots (there are some here that unfairly attack Israel at every turn, and that, IMO, is bigotry against Israel...not much different than "South bashing.") I agree that the problems of the Middle East, including Israel, should be debated and discussed. However, in doing so, I think we should also recognize that some who "debate" are anti-Semites!