So because there's racism by against blacks from whites, antisemitism is therefore justifiable somehow? |
Please, stop. You're not doing us any favors. (I am a PP who is disgusted at the toleration of anti-semitic speech and have been active on this thread.) You're frankly engaged in racist stereotyping of blacks here to make yourself feel better. While I do believe that history supports the viewpoint that anti-semitism has some roots in envy of Jewish success, it does not follow that African American struggles in the US are caused by some sort of inferiority or lack of effort. The two cultures and histories are completely different. For one thing, Jewish history in the US is a history of voluntary immigration (pre-WWII), with intact families and neighborhoods. Although Jews faced anti-semitism here, that's very different from having your entire family structure and ability to work freely destroyed for generations of slavery. Obviously. So please, stop with the hypocrisy. If you don't want to be stereotyped, don't stereotype others. |
It'd off-topic, first of all, and second.....you are trying to excuse antisemtitc attitudes among blacks by pointing out that whites are racist? |
I am not speaking of all black people - just blacks who are virulently antisemtitc. It is rooted in resentment toward a people who are, generally speaking, more successful than they are. That is why black antisemtitism is much more prevalent among the poor and uneducated, and tends to disappeae as you go up the SES ladder. Black people who are successful, in terms of a middle class and up life, understandably do not have that resentment toward Jews. |
Do I think they have a chance of winning, no. But I do think at the very least a challenger can force Muriel to put some effort into addressing these issues that so many find concerning whereas running unopposed she doesn't have to do diddly squat. She doesn't have to utter a peep or get involved in any of Trayon's outlandish antics and she doesn't even have to do say or do anything about her own appointee Joshua Lopez and his irresponsible behavior. All she has to do is lay low, shake hands, and smile her way to victory without any show of leadership on this issue. I totally get the angst folks are feeling cause anti-Semitism is on the rise worldwide and its on the rise here in the US too but let's be real - it ain't coming from just the District and it damn sure ain't coming from just the African-American community either. Ever since Charlottesville its been an uptick in hate crimes in this country. If y'all folks on here think that blaming all the blacks in DC as being at fault for the uptick will help, well more power to you, but personally I don't think that is going to help to tone down shit. |
I hear you, but here's my fear if a Jewish candidate (I'm old enough to remember Carol Schwartz) challenges her: it will being out MORE antisemtitsm. In an effort to put the "Jew in her place," the Farrakhan supporters and those sympathetic to their stance will come out in full force, yapping about Jews' power and their wanting to run the whole world. We'll hesr more antisemtitic conspiracy theories in order to make sure the Jew doesn't win. Will all DC residents fall for it? NO. Will even most resident fall for it? Will some residents fall for it? YES. And we don't need any more antisemtitism in this city. That said, I would like to see a challenger, just not a Jewish one, who will address these issues. (In fact, it's stronger coming from a non-Jew.) That alone could get her out of her comfort zone. |
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Here's an update for those of you who aren't obsessive Twitter followers of those involved in local politics. The Council has breakfasts prior to Council sessions that are informal meetings. They aren't broadcast, but are open to the public. This morning, there was discussion of a resolution condemning hate speech. Twelve of the thirteen members present (Trayon White wasn't there at that time) supported the resolution. The only opponent was Elissa Silverman who didn't think the resolution went far enough. She demanded action rather than mere words. Silverman, Cheh, and Grosso all called for Josh Lopez to be removed from the Housing Commission. At some point, a Jewish faith leader interrupted them and yelled about Jews being called "termites". It was eventually agreed that Mendelson would draft a letter to Mayor Bowser asking her to remove Lopez and then circulate the letter for signatures. He is concerned that not all CMs will sign it.
There is video of Rabbi Herzfeld interrupting them here: https://twitter.com/FenitN/status/991333292799643648 The Council then gathered on the Wilson Building stairs in an impromptu condemnation of hate speech. The Council is also planning a visit to the Holocaust Museum and possibly the African American Museum. Finally, Brianne Nadeau is working with Bowser to plan an event on May 16 to learn about Jewish and African-American histories. Edit to add: here is video of the statement on the steps of the Wilson building which included a specific reference to the anti-Semitic remarks previously spoken there: https://twitter.com/FenitN/status/991338852760588288 |
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Martin Austermuhle has just tweeted that Josh Lopez has just resigned from the Housing Authority.
https://twitter.com/maustermuhle/status/991344462046560256 |
Good looking out Jeff. And its about time DC Council. Some seriously lackadaisical leadership up til now. |
| The Mayor had no choice. The only question is, what will be Lopez's reward? He has too much dirt on both her and Adrian Fenty. |
Hallelujah, amen! (And thanks for posting the latest news.) I am so relieved that Elissa Silverman stood up against the weak initial response recommended by 12 of the members. A resolution condemning hate speech, really? THAT requires a resolution? All that would have been is a bunch of talk with no real meaning behind it, other than to transmit that anti-Semitism enabled by a DC official brings about no real action. Kudos for Silverman (and Cheh and Grosso) for sending a stronger message: DC leaders do not tolerate those who advance or enable anti-Semitism in their ranks, and those who do will be asked to resign (or be terminated). (Don't get me started on Trayon. As far as I'm concerned, he has been given FAR too wide a berth on this issue, but I understand the fear of political blowback, unfortunate as it is. Also, was the reason he was not present because the Council was going to discuss proper action in the face of anti-Semitism, and he wanted no part of it and voluntarily skipped it? Or was he asked to absent himself because he has refused to condemn an anti-Semitic attack on his fellow Councilmember, as demonstrated last week?) |
Oops. Meant to say I'm the OP above (although I don't know that it makes any difference). |
One word: Good. |
I second that |
WTH? White just kept right on eating his breakfast while Rabbi Herzfeld spoke--pretty disrespectful. The Rabbi also put out a strong statement on our neighborhood listserv. I agree that strong action is needed re: recent anti-Semitic statements, and am glad that Lopez has been forced to resign. -a black neighbor |