tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post8996169471665990252..comments2009-04-14T17:20:10.576-07:00Avi Schwartzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09583941877380404390noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-44326839828995528842009-03-17T14:19:00.000-07:002009-03-17T14:19:00.000-07:00It seems to me that this event was an open attempt to incite racial hatred in Oakland, and in particular, to place divions between two traditionally allied, progressive communities, the African-American and the Jewish communities, presumably for some bad purpose. As all prejudice comes from ignorance, it is especially bad to promote prejudice by spreading hate based ignorance.<BR/><BR/>RAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-53232833644099903352009-03-05T16:36:00.000-08:002009-03-05T16:36:00.000-08:00As my wife and I participated in the No on Prop 8 rally last night in front of the California Supreme Court, I realized that we would be shot dead or tortured at an LBGT rally in any Middle Eastern country but Israel.<BR/><BR/>In fact, Israel recognizes same-gender marriages from other countries. None of the 60+ Muslim countries do so. <BR/><BR/><BR/>EvelynAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-62091212671357906102009-03-05T15:14:00.000-08:002009-03-05T15:14:00.000-08:00well, Dusty, your "me me me" approach to social justice...blah blah blah... <BR/><BR/>An ad hominem is NOT a rebuttal.<BR/><BR/>This blog has a clear focus. It is one that sorely needs to be addressed, especially in the Bay area.<BR/><BR/>I have worked for years to ensure justice and equality for all. It is precisely because of my progressive values that I support Israel, the only real democracy in the Middle east. Israel is a liberal democracy with a free press, an independent judiciary and equal rights for all regardless of national orgin, religion, gender or sexual orientation. Thats why THIS proud progressive is also a proud ZionistDustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06824185664523568683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-14790974758267085482009-03-05T13:34:00.000-08:002009-03-05T13:34:00.000-08:00well, Dusty, your "me me me" approach to social justice is only going to get you so far. until you can build bridges with other peoples, especially others who suffer more than you do because of their race/ethnicity/religion/gender/orientation, many people simply won't care what you have to say. you'll just be preaching to the choir, so to speak, and not really advancing anything. but if it makes you feel better to be so single-minded, carry on then...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-20368280254308342342009-03-05T09:39:00.000-08:002009-03-05T09:39:00.000-08:00"was there a single post about Oscar Grant or the sufferings of other people of color here?"<BR/><BR/>No. You arent going to find pasta recipes, car care tips or vacation photos, either. The mission of Bluetruth is stated clearly on our homepage<BR/><BR/>"BlueTruth is devoted to refuting the accusations and exposing the lies that are being told on the streets and in cyberspace about Israel, Jews and pro-Israel organizations. A severe campaign of disinformation is underfoot that relies on anti-Semitic stereotypes, intimidation, half-truths, and outright lies."<BR/><BR/>Thats why this expose was published- because now, as always, exposing lies to the light of day is the best way to deal with them.Dustyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06824185664523568683noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-65881454879761418492009-03-04T16:41:00.000-08:002009-03-04T16:41:00.000-08:00when students in Oakland were shown Schindler's List for free in '93 or '94 at the Grand Lake Theater, courtesy of Spielberg, they laughed out loud at the scenes of emaciated prisoners. Spielberg was aghast, but perhaps it sparked something in him -- realizing he had shown little interest in African American suffering in all his years in film but then there he was trying to school them about historical Jewish suffering -- because he produced Amistad within the next few years. <BR/><BR/>I wonder how interested anyone here was in Oscar Grant or other victims of police violence before this post (or after even). was there a single post about Oscar Grant or the sufferings of other people of color here? somehow I doubt itAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-76059171140316115252009-03-03T11:38:00.000-08:002009-03-03T11:38:00.000-08:00The room dripped with anti-Semitism. Most of the speakers were rabidly anti-Semitic. The impression that the organizers imparted was that Jews are responsible for violence against African-Americans in Oakland. Taken logically, they implied (actually stated outright,) that Jews were responsible for Oscar Grant's death and the prevalence of guns in Oakland. It's a good thing that the officer who killed Grant is not Jewish because the panel would have had a field day and used that as the final nail in the coffin of Jews.<BR/><BR/>Furthermore, almost all of the information given about the founding of Israel was patently untrue. It was hard not to laugh out loud when one of the speakers said that Tel Aviv was an old Muslim city stolen by the Jews. Hey people! Read some history books and you will learn that the Jews founded Tel Aviv in modern times. It was never an Arab city. Pure lies.<BR/><BR/>My dear Ms. Nicole Solis: You should not be teaching school. You are not qualified. Your agenda is to teach lies to kids. Does Redwood Day School know this? I think they do.<BR/><BR/>By the way, I taped the meeting. I believe the organzers taped it as well. I listened to my tape several times before I wrote my article to make sure it was accurate. And it was.<BR/><BR/>TzipporahAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-78923582552773028332009-03-03T09:30:00.000-08:002009-03-03T09:30:00.000-08:00"and for the supposed journalist" <BR/><BR/>No where does the author of this claim to be a journalist- s/he is an attorney. Perhaps just a community member who drifted in and was shocked by what was heard.<BR/>Personally, I'm shocked by what I've read.<BR/><BR/> "you are the exact person the elders on the panel were speaking of in regards to the divide and conquer tactic of the elite ruling class."<BR/><BR/>Quite the opposite- it sounds like the organizers of this event fear a Jewish/black alliance and are taking great pains to prevent it.<BR/><BR/>In the words of Clarence B. Jones:<BR/>I was Martin Luther King Jr.'s lawyer and one of his closest advisers, and I can say with absolute certainty that Martin abhorred anti-Semitism in all its forms, including anti-Zionism. "There isn't anyone in this country more likely to understand our struggle than Jews," Martin told me. "Whatever progress we've made so far as a people, their support has been essential."<BR/><BR/>" this event was meant to be educational for all present, bridging a gap and creating dialog between opposing groups..."<BR/><BR/>Can you show me any discusssion/summary/written material indicating this? I see no indication any pro-Israel group was represented. What opposing groups are you referring to? Both articles I've seen show this talk as classic hate-mongering- yes, much like Germany in the 1930's.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-78900094550698644742009-03-02T19:11:00.000-08:002009-03-02T19:11:00.000-08:00I am studying journalism and one of the first things we learned about quoting people is that you must never ask the person if you can print their name. You simply do it, that way by the time they can complain, the paper is already out. Our defense? You didn't specify that you wanted to remain anonymous.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-25083602882585613232009-03-02T19:05:00.000-08:002009-03-02T19:05:00.000-08:00Anonymouse: "Its not accurate to label anybody anti-semitic for attending a pro-palestine meeting."<BR/><BR/><BR/>No one was called anti-Semitic. The meeting however, appears to have had an anti-Semitic agenda. Whats with the Jewish stars in Piedmont? Can you explain that?<BR/><BR/>Re: libel. Truth is an absolute defense. <BR/><BR/><BR/>The author of this post doesn't appear to have been the only one upset with the blatant anti-Semitism and hate mongering in Oakland that day.<BR/>The local head of the Anti-Defamation league was also there, apparently: <BR/><BR/>Beware of Anti-Semitism Germinating in Oakland<BR/>By Jonathan Bernstein<BR/>ADL San Francisco Regional Director<BR/>This article originally appeared in Jewish Newsweekly of Northern California on February 13, 2009 <BR/><BR/>http://www.adl.org/ADL_Opinions/Anti_Semitism_Domestic/JewishNewsweekly_021309.htm<BR/><BR/>www.adl.org/ADL_Opinions/Anti_Semitism_Domestic/JewishNewsweekly_021309.htmAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-61240631253745547742009-03-02T11:20:00.000-08:002009-03-02T11:20:00.000-08:00wow!!<BR/>for someone who witnessed Nicole Solis, first hand at the peaceful gathering at Eastside Arts Alliance... i am speechless at the attack aimed at her. <BR/>and all this based off of misinformed journalism. not only were her words printed incorrectly but taken completely out of context.<BR/>i'm appalled that no one has asked Miss Solis directly what was said. instead this mob mentality of 'racism' hidden under an anonymous cloak is shocking.<BR/><BR/>and for the supposed journalist that printed the article based on the gathering at the ESAA... you are the exact person the elders on the panel were speaking of in regards to the divide and conquer tactic of the elite ruling class. this event was meant to be educational for all present, bridging a gap and creating dialog between opposing groups... <BR/><BR/>finally, i appreciate the words here from the Jewish person present who did NOT feel threatened and found some truth in what was shared. perhaps if the journalist stepped up to the mic and shared their perspective (and perhaps asked permission to paraphrase those present, thus printing accurate quotes) a richer conversation might have taken place.<BR/><BR/>as a Woman of Color, i didn't agree with all that was shared at this gathering but i am an intelligent adult who is able to research on my own and at the very least respect other view points.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-89921450211315407072009-03-02T10:50:00.000-08:002009-03-02T10:50:00.000-08:00According to the Webster's Dictionary:<BR/><BR/>libel (n) - (1) a spoken or written statement or a representation that gives an unjustly unfavorable impression of a person (2) the act or crime of publishing a libelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-90857950306922019992009-03-02T10:38:00.000-08:002009-03-02T10:38:00.000-08:00Or they might be trying to HEAR another perspective... and make their own decisions. It's important not only for opposing factions to have dialogue to actually work for peace, but also for that open dialogue to be available to people who haven't formed an opinion on the subject yet. <BR/><BR/>Its not accurate to label anybody anti-semitic for attending a pro-palestine meeting. Who's to say that their next stop wasn't to a Pro-Israel meeting to get another view on the situation? Certainly not the people commenting on this blog, who weren't even at the meeting, where the alleged comments were made. Its the judgement of these situation that we are unfamiliar with that has done so much to polarize the supporters of these communities... <BR/><BR/>And, of course, the greatest way to show your intelligence and make a solid argument is by calling other people names. Is that the best that the commenters have to offer? Please accept my humble suggestion and find something more productive to do with your time.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-45118592927302018942009-02-16T22:13:00.000-08:002009-02-16T22:13:00.000-08:00Ms. Solis is quite correct. She very well MIGHT not be an anti-semite. Simply because an individual might do such things as hang out with anti-semites, stand silently next to anti-semites at street protest while they scream "Kill the Jews" in Arabic, assist anti-semites to achieve anti-semitic goals, doesn't mean that an individual is an anti-semite...<BR/><BR/>they might just be a Dumb Sh-t!<BR/><BR/>In either case, such an individual should not be permitted to have access to developing, young minds and should not be teaching our youth.<BR/><BR/>RAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-35631793111363551272009-02-12T07:22:00.000-08:002009-02-12T07:22:00.000-08:00'I do not see why she felt the need for "pepper spray" when she was offered a free meal and people's children were running around and playing with each other?'<BR/><BR/>I have some ideas.<BR/>Maybe because she was Jewish?<BR/>Maybe because she didn't buy into the lies?<BR/>Maybe because she was afraid she'd be recognized in an environment where anti-Semitism was being incited.?<BR/>Maybe because she was old enough to remember that Hitler also began with simple rhetoric, and by the time he was through, 2/3 of the European Jews were dead?<BR/><BR/>Just a few ideas.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-30381693477284034582009-02-11T20:51:00.000-08:002009-02-11T20:51:00.000-08:00I assume the previous comment is from Ms. Solis? <BR/>If you use your name in a public forum, what expectation do you have of privacy? If you are embarrassed about what you said, why did you say it?<BR/>If you are afraid the parents of Redwood Day school will react badly to your extra-curricular activities, maybe you should reconsider them.<BR/>However I did not attend this talk, so I can't judge.<BR/>In my humble opinion, you make yourself a public figure, expect scrutiny.<BR/>And Ms. Solis, if you walk with anti-Semites, you talk with anti-Semites, and you share a podium with anti-Semites, that makes you an enabler of anti-Semitism. Think about it, sweetie.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-73139129606091856912009-02-11T14:03:00.000-08:002009-02-11T14:03:00.000-08:00No one asked for permission to print my first and last name. I was completely misquoted and now I am having to deal with the ramifications of this overly dramatic and poor example of journalism which is being posted all over the internet. This is a situation where we must learn to read between the lines and question the media. How could an article be taken seriously when the author remains anonymous yet puts others on blast? I do not see why she felt the need for "pepper spray" when she was offered a free meal and people's children were running around and playing with each other? Does that sound like a dangerous, threatening environment? Lastly, I am a pacifist who is against any and all use of military force... that does not make me anti-semitic, but a follower of the non-violent teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, Cesar Chavez and Martin Luther King. I will never support the use of guns, bombs, and killings to solve political disputes... no matter who uses them, or why.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-60086605446341307282009-01-29T16:25:00.000-08:002009-01-29T16:25:00.000-08:00While one can legitimately point out that the American treatment of indigenous peoples was shameful (at best), the connection to Israel and the Palestinians is contrived (at best). It ignores the fact that the Jewish people were the indigenous people of the region (where did Arabs come from? ARABIA. No Arabs were in the area that became known as Palestine until the Mohammedan conquests in the 7th century-- another imperial conquest of indigenous people...). <BR/>it also ignores the fact that Hamas is at least honest-- it declares that the conflict has nothing whatsoever to do with settlements in the West Bank, because it insists on the eradication of any Jewish presence in the Jewish homeland. And of course the elimination of Jewish settlements in Gaza didn't prevent the escalation of the rocket fire into Israel.<BR/>so, Anonymous, if Israel withdrew all of its West Bank settlements tomorrow, following which Tel Aviv immediately comes under daily rocket fire, what do you say about Israel's right to protect its citizens then? Will you be out protesting Hamas' genodical attacks on Jews, its collective punishment of a civilian population? Somehow, I doubt it.DrMikehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06226700783605287653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-79700699436846405452009-01-29T14:59:00.000-08:002009-01-29T14:59:00.000-08:00Its unfortunate that folks do not see the connection between the occupied territories of Palestine and the occupation that exists here in America. First, the United States is an occupying force on indigenous communities, who were swindled, murdered and poisoned for their lands. Similarly, Israel continues to violate its treaties by building new settlements and destroying Palestinian homes in the West Bank. <BR/><BR/>Its not anti-Semetic to say that moving onto someone's land in violation of an agreement that you both made is illegal AND immoral. <BR/><BR/>When the police begin killing innocent civilians, they lose their status as "protectors of the peace" or public servants. They become occupiers and persecutors to keep the people down. As stated many times, we are not mad because Oscar Grant was a unique situation. We are mad because this has been happening routinely in our community. We are occupied by the police force that imprisons the largest 1/4 of the world prisoners. <BR/><BR/>Thus, the situation is Oakland is political. It is affecting each of our lives. It is not racist to say so. It is racist to say nothing. It is worse to do nothing. <BR/><BR/>Thus, Occupied Palestince = Occupied Oakland.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-57280391511167624752009-01-29T11:31:00.000-08:002009-01-29T11:31:00.000-08:00I just found your blog and this excellent post. <BR/><BR/>Although they weren't necessarily anti-Semitic, I have thought that there are strong parallels between the recent Greek riots, of December '08, when a police shooting also sparked nation wide rioting. (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Greek_riots)<BR/><BR/>I strongly suspect that the organizers of the protests used the Greek riots as a model, which used the Greek Indymedia website to fan the flames. <BR/><BR/>This is from an interview with Journalist Tomasz Pompowsk<BR/><BR/><I>They started immediately after the Greek Indymedia website posted the news of the death of the young boy, with phrases such as «Revenge for the dead" "Police should pay now" "Everybody out in the streets". As I said that happened les than 30 minutes after the incident. It is interesting to note that the national TV learned of the killing only after the first rioters took out in the streets. According to unverified information, the local media were informed of the whole incident by the rioters that called them with their mobiles as soon as they were marching out in the streets....</I><BR/><BR/>Further down in the interview...<BR/><BR/><I>Who organized that fighting?<BR/><BR/>The culprits in first sight are the leaders of the anarchist-radical networks in Europe. Greek radicals are an important part of the European networks along with their "comrades" in Italy, France and Spain the so-called Mediterranean networks. The other elements to be found are based in Germany and UK. The former provided human resources and the latter have already organized the so-called "Antifa" groups in Athens.<BR/><BR/>So we have a Pan-European network, which is to an extent under the surveillance of the European intelligence services. So my rough estimation is that no operation and preparation could have been implemented if some international officers were not involved.</I>ben Shlomonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-21560172907836491022009-01-29T11:03:00.000-08:002009-01-29T11:03:00.000-08:00It seems to me like somethings are true in what they said. I am a proud jewish person and did not feel threatened in that room.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-29458724142667777262009-01-29T09:46:00.000-08:002009-01-29T09:46:00.000-08:00shalom...bazla'http://deliciousdeen.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-33414092834543886912009-01-29T09:26:00.000-08:002009-01-29T09:26:00.000-08:00"Several times during the meeting, we were urged to attend a demonstration later in the week on the Berkeley campus to protest a lecture by Benny Morris. "<BR/><BR/><BR/>The Benny Morris talk at UC Berkeley was standing room only- and was literally packed to the rafters.<BR/><BR/>Six, yes six, protestors stood outside, led by Jim Harris of Stop AIPAC. (What does AIPAC have to do with Benny Morris anyway?)<BR/><BR/>Sure looks like the attempt at coalition building failedAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-89893664963475824112009-01-29T08:05:00.000-08:002009-01-29T08:05:00.000-08:00Oh MY G-D! It's 1933 and Oakland is Berlin. We have lots of work to do. The truth is this kind of thing is becoming more and more common.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5445934795757240361.post-92109479227802252382009-01-28T18:38:00.000-08:002009-01-28T18:38:00.000-08:00Oh my G-d! That's the single most anti-semitic rant since WWII! Why is this type of open KKK style racism tolerated in California?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com