I thought that this was an anti-war rally. I didn't know that this was

[frankly_fedup2]

going to be an anti-jewish (even though not said out loud), Pro Arab march.

I have only seen about 40 minutes with Cindy Sheehan as well as Jessie Jackson about bringing the troops home.

I didn't realize an anti-war rally (as it was advertised) meant that every issue all over the world would be addressed. Well, really not all over the world but just a few select groups.

This is not a March against the war ONLY. Nor is it a march primarily to bring the troops home. It appears that the Muslim American groups are taking over this protest.

When do the Jewish people get to speak since we are bringing every other conflict into this March that was advertised as a anti-war against Iraq as well as bringing our troops home.

I don't give a shit right now about the other issues. This is turning into political fodder that just gives the right something else to use against the Majority of this nation and the Dem's are the majority.

How come we didn't see all of these Muslim, Arab groups speaking out against terrorism after 9/11? Where were all these leaders that are speaking today and taking up all the time of the supposed anti-war protest? Can someone answer me? I'm totally confused. This is wrong. Especially when the Arab Americans are wearing the same kind of scarf (don't know the politically correct word for it . . sorry) as Yassar Arafat who was a known terrorist and stole the money that the U.S. gave him and sent it to his wife who gets 2 million a month now support.

I have cut the T.V. off. This is not an anti-war rally for our troops. Something else is at work here and it's not what I support.

[Kipling]

1. Every movement has it's nutters. Ignore them.

Most people realise what these events are about.

[FrenchieCat]

3. And the Right loves to

make the Nutters the focus.

And ANSWER certainly is pro-palistinian....

[frankly_fedup2]

6. How can I ignore them when they are the majority of the speakers? There

was about an hour or so anti-war, bring the troops home. The rest has been American Arab/Muslim leaders speaking out about the occupation in Palestine. They may add a sentence or two about bring home the troops, but the majority is about the Palestinians. They are not Jew bashing; however, the only Jewish leader or person I have seen was a man, who claimed to be a jew, who was anti-Israel.

This was advertised as anti-Iraqi war, bring the troops home NOW. I was trying to go. Now I'm glad I didn't.

Also, I am angered. Not at what the people are saying, but where were all these Arab American/Muslim leaders after 9/11? I don't remember any of them speaking out against what the terrorists did. That was their right if they didn't want to, maybe due to fear of retaliation at the time by White Americans. Okay, but over time, shouldn't someone come out from the Arab Americans or Muslim Americans against what the terrorists did?

I've already turned it off. My husband rented a movie and I'm watching it instead. If I keep watching the rally, I'm afraid I'll have an aneurysm.

This is wrong what they are doing. If it was going to be so pro Palestine, Pro Arab American, Pro Muslim American and a little word here and there about our troops, I do not believe so many Dems as well as vocal leftist speakers like Malloy and Rhodes would be showing up. I don't think Malloy or Randi will speak at this rally unless it turns more toward our troops and ending the war.

The anti-war speakers were rushed off the stage. They had a limited (very limited) amount of time to speak before the next speaker. However, these people with other agendas seem to be having more time speaking.

I'm going to and see what they are all about.

[pstans]

2. I agree

This should be focused on the war in Iraq and the effects it is having on our safety at home. Not about Haiti, Israel, South Africa, etc. Those might be important issues, but we should focus on Iraq.

Nader is on now and talking about an exit strategy. Rock on!

[Zodiak]

4. I think it is clear to anyone watching

That the rally is against the war only....as ANSWER gets more and more fringe in theri speeaches, the crowd is leaving in droves. The march is bigger than ANSWER.

What irks me is not the presence of some of the more militant ANSWER groups, but the fact that CSPAN continues to show the speeches when the main rally is clearly not there.

It is typical "guilt by association", but since ANSWER is the only group with the balls and vision to have rallies of this size, this is what we have to work with. I would prefer a march of this size conducted by a more politically-savvy group like Moveon.org, but so far I have no answers as to why they do not do so.

And rest easy, Israeli interests are well-represented by our political leaders and the media, so those few voices that are allowed to speak for the other side at this rally aren't exactly going to change the political landscape. Such is the nature of free speech.

[Opusnone]

5. Just wait until the right talking heads start

I feel a little let down by the lack of strategic planning, staying on message and infiltration by seeming "agent provocateurs" bent on making the anti war movement (and by association Democrats) look a bit kooky to the masses.
Every freaking country and movement has a speaker there. This is not a convention. It is a peace march.
Give 'em a soapbox, I suppose.

[madderthanhell]

7. If you are surprised to find anti-semitism

in the far left, then you haven't been paying very close attention.

[demgrrrll]

That's nice dear.........now run along the grown ups are trying to have a

conversation.

[frankly_fedup2]

12. Really madderthanhell? Please educate me with some examples

I'd be interested to know who was involved, what was said and/or done, and why you think it happened? If you have the time, because I do not believe the left is antisemitc.

Now if we look at the other side of the coin, the Republican side, there appears to be a lot of anti-Jewish rhetoric coming from them, especially like those that claim they are all going to Hell because they have not accepted Jesus Christ s the son of God, and until they do, they will go straight to Hell.

Of course, Republicans think everyone is going to Hell; especially Dems and Jews and gays, and women who have abortions, and above all, anyone that would question Dumbya.

These people are pathetic. They are a bunch of holier then though, judgemental hypocrits. It sounds as if you have someone in your family or that you are around that would tell you that. Go online and talk to some Jewish people. They are not like that at all.

[renie408]

13. I would expect to find anti-anything just about anywhere

but you seem to think that there is a specifically anti-semite vibe amongst the far left. I haven't really seen this, could you elucidate?

[newyawker99]

16. Hi madderthanhell!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[blondeatlast]

8. It's in C-Span's coverage--why ANSWER?

The unions are there, UFPJ is there, Code Pink is there--why focus on the ANSWER fringies?

I know, it's irritating me all to hell--and I already have been throwing up today with stomach flu. I can't watch C-Span's coverage anymore, that's why I'm back here.

[frankly_fedup2]

11. You're right to a point. However, the majority of this rally seems to

be about the Palestinians though.

Hope you feel better. Hope it's not the flu. Over-the-counter Theraflu is suppose to be good.

[Contrary1]

9. It was obvious to me

when the "important announcement" was made that it was
too crowded at the mall to begin the march, that it would
begin in a few minutes. That was an hour ago.

If the crowd at the mall was the only reason for the delay,
why is it that there are so many speakers waiting their turn?

I agree. This is not what I had expected. On another thread,
that opinion was referred to as being "petty". Maybe. But
when a march is supposed to be against the war, these other
causes, as well meaning as they are; diminish the main reason.

[RadiDem]

10. That's typical of ANSWER - UFPJ is more focused

nt

[formernaderite]

14. You're not really surprised, are you?

Unfortunately factions on the left got in bed with the anti-Israeli/jewish crowd years ago. In a way it's a vestige of communist sympathies....they've transmorphed into calling oneself pro-palestinian. As an atheist I don't think much of most religions, but Islam definitely irritates me the most.

[frankly_fedup2]

15. Maybe it's because they do not have a new testament yet? lol (nt)