Anti-Semitism is a fact of life. After the recent bashing of Melbourne Orthodox Jew Menachem Vorchheimer, debate has re-surfaced regarding its prevalence in Australia. I have long argued, not unlike Norman Finkelstein, that whenever Israel faces increased international pressure or condemnation, the cry of “anti-Semitism” is heard from the Jewish community. Bashing Jews because they…
Showing all posts in June 2019
Blowback
Whereas once the US Zionist lobby acted without sanction, bullying and intimidating any individual or group who didn’t subscribe to its fundamentalist worldview, the times they are a changin’.
We do torture
US-sanctioned torture and “extraordinary rendition” wasn’t an invention of the Bush administration. The practice goes back many years, especially during the Clinton era. The conservatives (such as Andrew Sullivan) who claim that Bush has soiled America’s reputation need to learn their history.
The way to nowhere
Gideon Levy, Haaretz, October 22: An empty car arrived at the Defense Ministry, and Amir Peretz stepped out of the car, to paraphrase Winston Churchill’s jibe at Clement Atlee. Even the harshest critics of Peretz have to acknowledge the important contribution he has made: He has demonstrated that the position of defense minister is completely…
Trashing hope
The Guardian’s award-winning war photographer spent nearly six weeks with the 101st Division of the US army in Iraq. His video portrait shows an unwinnable occupation, stupid American soldiers and clueless cross-cultural relations.
Corrupting Jews
The AIPAC espionage scandal just became more interesting: Did a Democratic member of Congress improperly enlist the support of a major pro-Israel lobbying group to try to win a top committee assignment? That’s the question at the heart of an ongoing investigation by the FBI and Justice Department prosecutors, who are examining whether Rep. Jane…
Truth and lies
Factcheck is a US-based, non-partisan group aimed at informing voters of the spin behind political campaigns. Australia is in desperate need of a similar initiative.
Hooray for defeat
Never forget, merciful Jesus will save the US in Iraq: The top US general defended the leadership of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, saying it is inspired by God. “He leads in a way that the good Lord tells him is best for our country,” said Marine General Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of…