Are Democrats Anti-Semitic?

There’s debate and discussion over whether the Left has become anti-Semitic or tolerates anti-Semitism. This is occasioned because many Democrats tolerate the alliance with or participation alongside extremist groups and individuals supporting Palestinian and Arab charges against Israel.
Their primary defenses are, first, that they themselves hold no animus toward Israel or Jews or cause to be hostile; second, that it’s a free country in which one shouldn’t be judged by others on the same podium or leading or role in organizing or participating in an event; and, third, there are legitimate criticisms to be made of Israel that are independent of animus toward Jews.
As matters of independent principle, these defenses may hold some water. However, as matters of both fact and practicality these arguments are specious and deceptive. Acceptance of them by those making these arguments, further, is hypocritical self-deception. Worse, when from Jews, such arguments are self-destructive ignorance.
As any state, Israel is imperfect. When, criticism of Israel is one-sided, slanted, or knowingly factually wrong, and far worse behavior by Palestinians is ignored, excused, or lies parroted, that IS anti-Semitism.
In America, we treasure the right of non-violent free speech and association. That, also, includes the right and responsibility, for civility and self-preservation, to not speak or associate with those whose speech and associations are disagreed with or that support terrorism. Appearing with or sharing a podium with such people, outside of civil debate, is to legitimize them. That IS anti-Semitism.
Earlier generations’ anti-Semitic tracts and common speech have largely disappeared from America. However, they have been replaced by thinly veiled stereotypes that essentially connect anyone associated with vigilant defense of America, Western civilization, or Israel as a colonialist oppressor, and commonly emphasize the role of Jews in such activity as demonstrating a conspiracy. This permeates the attacks on “neocons,” or AIPAC, for example. The deep roots of Arab oil money funding Democrats’ organizations and political activities, or paying for radicals’ chairs in academia, is not mentioned, and can only be motivated by animus or corrupt profiteering. That IS anti-Semitism.
Democrats learned during the late 1940’s and early 1950’s that the survival of their liberal agenda, not to mention of America, depended upon taking matters into their own hands and vigorously excluding communists and fellow-travelers from their ranks or tolerance.
If Democrats don’t similarly act responsibly today, that IS anti-Semitism.


There’s debate and discussion over whether the Left has become anti-Semitic or tolerates anti-Semitism. This is occasioned because many Democrats tolerate the alliance with or participation alongside extremist groups and individuals supporting Palestinian and Arab charges against Israel.
Their primary defenses are, first, that they themselves hold no animus toward Israel or Jews or cause to be hostile; second, that it’s a free country in which one shouldn’t be judged by others on the same podium or leading or role in organizing or participating in an event; and, third, there are legitimate criticisms to be made of Israel that are independent of animus toward Jews.
As matters of independent principle, these defenses may hold some water. However, as matters of both fact and practicality these arguments are specious and deceptive. Acceptance of them by those making these arguments, further, is hypocritical self-deception. Worse, when from Jews, such arguments are self-destructive ignorance.
As any state, Israel is imperfect. When, criticism of Israel is one-sided, slanted, or knowingly factually wrong, and far worse behavior by Palestinians is ignored, excused, or lies parroted, that IS anti-Semitism.
In America, we treasure the right of non-violent free speech and association. That, also, includes the right and responsibility, for civility and self-preservation, to not speak or associate with those whose speech and associations are disagreed with or that support terrorism. Appearing with or sharing a podium with such people, outside of civil debate, is to legitimize them. That IS anti-Semitism.
Earlier generations’ anti-Semitic tracts and common speech have largely disappeared from America. However, they have been replaced by thinly veiled stereotypes that essentially connect anyone associated with vigilant defense of America, Western civilization, or Israel as a colonialist oppressor, and commonly emphasize the role of Jews in such activity as demonstrating a conspiracy. This permeates the attacks on “neocons,” or AIPAC, for example. The deep roots of Arab oil money funding Democrats’ organizations and political activities, or paying for radicals’ chairs in academia, is not mentioned, and can only be motivated by animus or corrupt profiteering. That IS anti-Semitism.
Democrats learned during the late 1940’s and early 1950’s that the survival of their liberal agenda, not to mention of America, depended upon taking matters into their own hands and vigorously excluding communists and fellow-travelers from their ranks or tolerance.
If Democrats don’t similarly act responsibly today, that IS anti-Semitism.
http://www.democracy-project.com/archives/003229.html