My goodness, conversation on the WDDM board has taken on a
disappointing tone.
We have Annette/Martin Jackson quoting the Protocols of the Elders of
Zion. And Giorgio Menon espousing the equation: Zionism=Racism.
Meanwhile Georges Metanomski reacts so strongly as to be difficult to
follow.
Well, here's my reactions
To Annette/Martin Jackon: I've enjoyed some of your notes to WDDM. I
agree with your very recent statement: "the assassination of Yitzhak
Rabin was a sad day for the region, it (he) offered so much hope."
However, your beliefs about the Vatican, Bnai Brith, and Freemasons are
loopy. I think you don't realize how malignant they are. The
intellectual roots of Nazi-ism are found in nonsense similar to what
you now quote.
To Giorgio Menon: Of course it's ok to criticise the government of
Israel....occupation of Gaza and West Bank, repeated invasions of
Lebanon, etc. But challenging Israel's existence? That's not nice.
It is, in fact, anti-semitic.
Please, please tell me I've missed the point. For example, perhaps
you're against something you call 'Zionism.' But you're ok on Israel's
existence as a Jewish-majority State.
The Palestinians need a State; the Israeli Jews need a State. Self
determination for all people. Isn't that a fundamental concept?
To Georges Metanomski: I think you'd make a more compelling case if you
wrote with less bombast. I'll not here discuss your suggested program
other than to note that it's well 'within the envelope' of WDDM
discourse.
WDDM membership, do we need to do something about this? Perhaps we
should add something to our charter about tolerance and intolerance?
I propose we add the following sentence to the charter article 5
(membership):
"We do not tolerate slurs against ethnicity, religion, nationality,
skin color, gender, or sexual orientation between consenting adults."
As a charter modification proposal this would require three seconds to
become a motion, and then it would require a 'yes' vote by 2/3 of the
voting membership for adoption. Comments and/or seconds on this
proposal are welcome.
Mark Antell, member
WDDM Executive Board