John Kerry is on the cover of my newspaper today . . .

[beachmom]

Re: Barfbag, but still, it was nice to see his smiling face below the fold.

http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=111290&ran=132838&tref=po

Allen confirms his Jewish heritage day after debate question
By WARREN FISKE, The Virginian-Pilot
© September 20, 2006



U.S. Sen. George Allen has joined the ranks of prominent politicians who expressed surprise upon learning they have Jewish ancestry.

Allen, in a written statement, said Tuesday that his mother has confirmed a published report that her father, Felix Lumbroso, was a Jew. Lumbroso, an importer of wines and liquor in Tunis, was a Nazi prisoner during World War II.

"I was raised as a Christian and my mother was raised as a Christian," Allen wrote. "And I embrace and take great pride in every aspect of my diverse heritage, including my Lumbroso family line's Jewish heritage.

"What I do know is that my grandfather's imprisonment by the Nazis had a profound impact on my mother," Allen wrote. "It was a subject that we found painful to discuss and so we almost never discussed it."




Now why didn't he just say this two days ago at the debate? There would have been no problems, not much of a story, it would have been even positive. I find his initial reaction to be very disturbing; but . . . I think the lib bloggers should drop it. The story is over -- Allen listened to a sane advisor, pulled a 180, and I think that should be the end of it. For some reason, I find this entire drama to be very sad.


This part of the article lightens things up a little:

Allen is the latest of several prominent politicians who have learned in recent years that they had Jewish grandparents, including Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass.; and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

The revelation is the latest bizarre twist in a nationally watched Senate race that has been marked by questions about Allen's racial sensitivities and Webb's gender sensitivities.

The senator's mother, Etty Allen, lives in Southern California. Allen, in his written statement, asked reporters not to contact her out of "simple decency."

Rabbi Israel Zoberman of Congregation Beth Chaverim in Virginia Beach, welcomed the news of Allen's heritage.

"Mazel tov," he said.

[Mass]

1. Allen is definitively an idiot - Had he said this during the debate, it

would have been a non-story.

He certainly did not learn in the last few days that his family has some Jewish origins.

[karynnj]

2. exactly, this gracious statement would have been the end of it

It is strange they only told his sister. :) I liked the rabbi's comment.

[Luftmensch067]

3. That was my favorite part!

Rabbi Israel Zoberman of Congregation Beth Chaverim in Virginia Beach, welcomed the news of Allen's heritage.

"Mazel tov," he said.

Gotta agree, Karynnj! That simple "Mazel tov" could be interpreted so many ways -- cracked me up!

[whometense]

4. me too!

Got a laugh out of me.

I pictured him saying it with a wry shrug and a little smile. :D

[fedupinBushcountry]

5. And a good picture of him too

Barfbag must be cringing having seen himself pictured alongside Kerry and Albright. I love it.

I don't get it or him, so he's got Jewish ancestry so what, or is he embarrassed by it, I think that is the question.

[wisteria]

6. Well, in the days my family were big supporting Republicans

their were prejudicial views of Jewish people within the Republican party. The fear was that they would control the money and power in the country. The anger against someone of the Jewish faith becoming President was as strong as the Republicans current hatred for gays and anything liberal. I think there is still a fear among some politicians that being Jewish means you can not expect to be elected President. Allen falls into this category as far as I am concerned- especially since he serves a Southern state as a Senator.