Blockheads and Worse
In 2019 I defended Ilhan Omar against accusations of antisemitism during the brouhaha over her statements to the effect that Republican Party support of Israel is driven by campaign donations from AIPAC:
Omar's suggestion…is simplistic and inaccurate. Corporate and interest-group money is a corrupting factor in politics, but it is more complex than the simple buying of votes and personal corruption. American attitudes about Israel are also complicated. The predisposition of many Americans to look favorably on Israel has nothing to do with conspiracies or cabals, corruption or money. Criticism of Israel and of those who lobby for the policies of its government is not ipso facto antisemitic. Nonetheless there are those within and outside the US government who brand anything other than unwavering, unquestioning support for Israel as tantamount to antisemitism. (A Lonely Word on Behalf of Ilhan Omar)
Criticism that she failed to speak thoughtfully or choose her words carefully was merited, but it was not evident that she wittingly invoked antisemitic tropes.
During a visit to Columbia University last month to show support for a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus, Omar remained witless in response to a question about alleged antisemitic incidents related to the protests:
I actually met a lot of Jewish students who are in the encampment, and I think it is really unfortunate that people don't care about the fact that all Jewish kids should be kept safe…We should not have to tolerate antisemitism or bigotry for all Jewish students, whether they are pro-genocide or anti-genocide. (Solender, Ilhan Omar faces)
A censure resolution was introduced in the House amid considerable screeching about antisemitism that misrepresents what Omar said. Her intention appears to be to say that antisemitism and bigotry against Jewish students should not be tolerated regardless of their views about Israel and the war in Gaza.
What her critics should be screeching about, and what has me wanting to bang my head against the nearest wall, is her formulation that the divide over Israel and Gaza is between pro-genocide and anti-genocide factions. Only a blockhead or someone acting in bad faith would put it that way. I give Omar benefit of the doubt when I label her a blockhead. We need better from her. And from many others.
Equal time department. Marjorie Taylor “the Jews killed Jesus” Greene. Vaping, groping Boebert. Noem the puppy slayer. Tom “throw ’em off the bridge” Cotton. Lindsey “level the place” Graham. The list could go on.
In the early morning hours on Thursday, May 2, terrorists burned at least fifteen Portland police cars at the bureau’s training division near Portland International Airport. A group identifying itself as Rachel Corrie’s Ghost Brigade claimed credit in a post at Rose City Counter-Info that included a call for student protesters to engage in violence (Preemptive May Day attack).
Portland sees way too much of this kind of garbage. Those responsible are not representative of the city, however much some in the media and elsewhere speaking from ignorance or hostility may portray it otherwise. They should be pursued relentlessly and held accountable.
Keep the faith. Stand with Ukraine. yr obdt svt
Editorial notes. According to The Times of Israel, Rachel Corrie, “from Olympia, Washington, was killed in 2003 when she attempted to block an Israel Defense Forces bulldozer from razing a Palestinian home in Gaza” (Portland pro-Palestinian group).
Rose City Counter-Info bills itself as an “Anarchist counter-info platform in so-called Portland, Oregon.”
References and Related Reading
Barbara Sprunt, Nebraska Republican brings resolution to censure Ilhan Omar, NPR, May 7, 2024
Courtney Sherwood, Portland police vehicles destroyed in suspected arson, OPB, May 2, 2024
Andrew Solender, Ilhan Omar faces new Republican censure threat, Axios, April 29, 2024
Portland pro-Palestinian group claims it torched 17 cop cars, The Times of Israel, May 7, 2024
Rachel Corrie’s Ghost Brigade, Preemptive May Day attack against PPB, Rose City Counter-Info, May 6, 2024