sorry to see Dean not allowing any talk on Israel

[donsu]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/17/AR2005061701249_pf.html

A handful of people at Democratic National Headquarters distributed material critical of Israel during a public forum questioning the Bush administration's Iraq policy, drawing an angry response and charges of anti-Semitism from party chairman Howard Dean on Friday.
-snip-
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Israel is not an untouchable country. we have the right to discuss Israel and what their gov. does. good or bad. after all we support them with much money and war weapons.

just how trusting of Dean can we be if he condemns free speech.

[liberaliraqvet26]

1. i agree...

and so do most mainstream American Jews.

[Cha]

2. Maybe you should find out the

the whole story before you're so quick to condemn Dean.

You trust what that fishrag, the washed out post, has to say about dems or anything for that matter?

[dogday]

3. I read where they called the DSM anti-semitic just because

Ray McGovern mentioned three reasons why we went to war. Oil, Israel and Location, in otherwords OIL... Apparently it is not nice to talk about Israel....

[still_one]

18. The other side would love it to be the primary topic

it would take away the blame from them, where it belongs. Please remember, this is the administration that refused to continue the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians where Clinton left off.

Please remember this was the administration who broke up the "Sunshine policy" between North and South Korea, and refused to continue the negotiation where Clinton left off

Right now they are doing everything in their power to divide us. We are much stronger if we phrase the argument, and NOT let them do it.

Actually, what should be brought up is what PNAC stands for. It discusses everything you are saying, but doesn't distract from the hot button issue that if you critisize Israel you are anti-Jewish. In fact I find it incredible that not only doesn't the MSM talk about PNAC, but neither do the Democrats in Congress for the most part

[TomClash]

4. I agree

Why should the policies of the Israel Government be above reproach? If Haaretz can criticize the Likudists and their neo-fascist allies why can't we?

Under his definition of anti-semitism, Henry Seidman, former President of the American Jeiwsh Congress, is an anti-semite, for his outspoken criticism of Israel.

Obviously, Dean is simply concerned that DNC coffers would suffer.

[iamjoy]

5. What Did The Memo Say?

Some criticism of Israel is anti-semitic, but some isn't. However, many Jews, even secular ones, are very touchy about the issue. I am one of them.

Dean surprises me on this one, he is usually one to say what he thinks and hang the consequences, not to say what is politcially savvy or appropriate. It might be easier to believe his wife has influenced his thoughts on Israel rather than him kissing butt to a demographic that has started voting Republican specicially because they are now seen as more supportive of Israel.

[Moochy]

6. itchy anti-semitic trigger finger

Good hearted people who see Israel as an entirely proper state, and zionism as a noble project, do themselves such a disservice by pulling the anti-semitism trigger at every turn.

Its the slippery slope, If you question Israel's policies then you are a "little eichman" to quote a whipping boy of the left.

Its similar to saying all criticism of Condoleeza Rice is racist, and based on some projected prejudice against black americans, that they can't possibly be a secretary of state. It's false on its face, and belies the republicans prejudice and racism, who project their own beliefs on their opponents.

Everybody hates race X, therefore if you criticize an action of a person of race X, you hate race X.

[Mythsaje]

7. Though I wish it were otherwise

I'm the primary reason Dean's doing this is because it's too much of a distraction at this point in time. We don't need to give the Thought Machine any more ammunition.

[donsu]

12. I can't buy limiting free speech because it's not the proper time

to say it.

machinations frequently backfire

americans CAN handle a full plate

[Mythsaje]

17. I'm all for free speech

...more than many, if not most. I don't LIKE it that it's happening this way, but I believe I can see the reasoning...right or wrong.

[still_one]

20. I agree

what we should be talking about though is PNAC. It says everything why we are where we are today

[LizW]

8. What exactly did the literature say?

Anyone know?

[dogday]

11. What I read was that they were trying to Put Israel behind the

9-11 event. I do not doubt they were Freepers sent out to do our party damage.

[ooglymoogly]

9. have you not gotten the message

no negative comments on israel will be tolerated in this country or any other....if you disobey you will be carted off to a gulag.

[ElectroPrincess]

10. Yep, he's signed onto the DNC Establishment ...

He signed the memo that any disrespect of the Secular Policies of the State of ISRAEL *equates* to Anti-Semitic and will NOT be tolerated. He's fully signed-on ... this is no blunder or mistake.

Accept it as fact.

DEAN IS NOW part of the plan to drag out this immoral occupation of Iraq ... does he have any stock with regard to corporations that support the War Machine? This wouldn't be surprising.

Again, he's entrenched himself as Pro-Establishment - status quo, never question Sharon Pseudo Democrats of the DNC.

[still_one]

13. you are absolutely right, but it is also a distraction

We MUST focus on getting rid of this administration, and the Downing Street Memo

Frankly, the problem that Israel has is more because of us. * could have continued in 2001 where Clinton left off in negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, but unlike every other administration, which worked to build a foundation, they choose to throw it all away, encouraged Israel to not negotiate, and look for an excuse to go into Iraq. They did the same thing with North Korea. In 2001, the South was talking with the North, "Sunshine policy", and this terrible administration did everything in their power to distroy those talks, and encourage South Korea to walk away.

This is where we should emphasis, the lost opportunities that this hateful group of morans have committed us to.

[ElectroPrincess]

14. Where's DEAN's leadership at pusing the DSM ?

No, he's creating a diversion for the "ruling class" and "investor class" of this Nation.

[Burried News]

15. Agree but

I increasingly see that the military industrial complex is a more important determinant of the objectionable aspects of our foreign policy.
I believe that ultimately jews themselves will force Israel to change course and will be the most important critics of Israel.

Free speech is ours no matter what Dean says. We don't need him to defend it or define it.

[KoKo]

16. When Dana Milbank complains he's receiving anti-Semitic threats then

we know that Dean and Conyers had to immediately comment on what he said.

I've posted asking if anyone has a copy of these flyers that were "supposedly" passed out at the Hearings...but no DU'ers seem to have seen them. I was hoping someone who attended the hearings or the demonstration in Lafayette Park would have a copy so we could read the text. :shrug:

Conyers and Dean had to come out. Milbank has us labeled as "wing nut, anti-war activists who are anti-Semitic, too." :eyes: PNAC STRIKES BACK. Milbank must be a member.

[tuvor]

19. You're jumping to conclusions. What's with the hyperbole?

"not allowing any talk on Israel"?

ANY talk? Really?????

Nothing of the sort is evident in the article you posted.

[creeksneakers2]

21. Those people had no right to hijack the forum

with their leaflets. They didn't reflect the opinion of anybody running the hearing.

From what the Post said, Dean didn't condemn McGovern or anybody who said Israel's wishes contributed to the decision to go to war. Dean condemned anti-Semitic statements that were in the literature. I'm glad Dean spoke up.

[Moderator]

22. Locking as Inflammatory

Is is quite a reach to accuse Dr. Dean of being against "Free Speech"