We Con the World is an okay message but…
Caroline Glick has created this satirical video about the violence in Gaza. Caroline was able to get the help of the Israeli government to promote her video. Before the end of the day this video will be seen by millions of Americans. The Israeli government apologized for “accidentally” spreading the video around, and even though it shed an entire people in a negative light nobody will get overly upset. I mean sure there are a couple of people who think that the Irish and Turkish ships carrying humanitarian supplies should have been allowed to squeeze through that blockade.
At any rate nobody in the US will say anything negative about the video since to do so would be antisemitic. Somebody who says something against Israel is considered antisemitic, if you disagree I suggest you Google Helen Thomas, she is a prime example of what happens if you disagree with anything Israel does. For those of you too lazy to Google her name or click on the lmgtfy link, here is a brief explanation of Helen’s mistake.
Helen Thomas has been serving as a reporter to the white house for 57 of her 89 years. Helen Thomas made some less than polite comments at a Jewish Heritage convention. I will admit that her timing could have been better, but the woman was asked a question and she answered. She was asked to comment on the state of Israel, and her response was rough. She said they need to “get the hell out of Israel” when asked to elaborate she explained how in her opinion the Jewish people “occupying” Israel should go home to Poland, Germany, America, wherever they are from. She apologized later on her website saying
“I deeply regret my comments I made last week regarding the Israelis and the Palestinians. They do not reflect my heart-felt belief that peace will come to the Middle East only when all parties recognize the need for mutual respect and tolerance. May that day come soon.”
This apology was nowhere near enough. She was asked to resign, and the president of the United States when referring to Helen used words like “shame” and “out of line”, saying that it was unfortunate her career needed to end on such a sour note. The moral of this story is that if you watch this video, don’t dare speak out against it. To do so would be political death.
[...] If you would like to see the video or learn more about it click here. [...]
Iran said they will send a naval escort to any ship trying to pass the blockade, but they might just be BSing
Hi David,
I found this blog through a random Google search for Ms. Thomas. I’d like to bring up a different view point on her comments on Israel. Contrary to what you say, most of todays media is pretty critical on Israel and especially the flotilla issue that happened last week. Further I don’t see those critics being chastised for their differing view (for example Paul Krugman or Roger Cohen in the NY Times who are especially critical of Israel, remain active column writers).
Where Helen Thomas made her mistake was in speaking an ignorant and hateful comment. Imagine if that comment was applied to Irish, Italian or any other group of American immigrants. The results would definitely be the same. Like the Jews who went to Israel after the Holocaust, due to a shattered life and no home to return to, these groups also came to America seeking opportunity and a better life. I would even go so far to liken her comment to that of Irans President, Ahmedinejad, who says that Israeli’s should be driven to the sea.
Criticism of Israel is one thing and I think a debate should always be encouraged, but Helen Thomas’ comments lacked any poignant ideas and were hurtful. Additionally, the viral video and Ms. Thomas is not a fair comparison. One is a video posted on Youtube, a medium known for having videos of many perspectives and tones (not sure how you connected the video to an Israeli government backing, all citizens of Israel have access to Youtube), the other is an established and respected White House reporter.
Ron, I understand that the holocaust has left a bad taste in everybody’s mouths. To my knowledge the comments were not directed at Jewish people, but the Jewish people that she believes is oppressing and occupying a territory. While I disagree with her, I do not think that her comments deserved such criticism. I also make no real claim to understand what it is like to be persecuted for your name or beliefs, but my Grandfather Herman Martin Appelman sure did.
“Where Helen Thomas made her mistake was in speaking an ignorant and hateful comment. Imagine if that comment was applied to Irish, Italian or any other group of American immigrants.”
That would be a better comparison if Italian Immigrants were to take New Jersey and make it an independant state. Remember Helen Thomas was around before Israel existed, to her, jewish people arrived in Palestine and worked their way into having a country created, just for them. It’d be similar as to if you were around when the first English arrived in what is now the U.S.A.