Omar and Her Merry Band of Anti-Semites
Commentary by Sanford D. Horn
March 6-7, 2019
Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me, is adapted from an Italian proverb, “he that deceives me once it’s his fault; but if twice, it’s my fault.” How many weak-kneed, faux apologies will US Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) offer before people in her party, before her apologists finally come to the obvious realization that she is a flat out anti-Semite?
Omar has been a sitting member of Congress just over 60 days and has offered three apologies, no doubt on a breakneck pace to set some sort of record for shamefulness. This is not the first time Omar’s anti-Semitism has been my focal point. https://sanfordspeaksout.blogspot.com/2019/02/young-dems-old-anti-semitism.html
It’s one thing to be legitimately critical of Israel due to a political leader or policy one finds objectionable. However, when historical anti-Semitic canards are bandied about like confetti, there is no place for that person - of any background, within the halls of Congress. Calling out Omar has absolutely nothing to do with her background as a Muslim, as she believes, seeking, sympathy.
Omar’s latest bout of anti-Semitism has accused those who support Israel of having dual loyalties. This is offensive not just to Jewish people, but to the large numbers of Evangelical Christians who unabashedly support Israel. See the aforementioned essay for Omar’s other anti-Semitic tropes, some pre-dating her election to Congress. She must be the pride of her district in Minnesota.
US Rep. Eliot Engel (D-NY) expressed his disgust with Omar’s language, calling it “unacceptable and deeply offensive to question the loyalty of fellow American citizens because of their political views, including support for the Israel-US relationship.”
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, said that the “portrayal of American Jews having divided loyalty is a vile anti-Semitic slur.”
But which is worse, that Omar the anti-Semite is in Congress or that the Democrat leadership rescinded plans to offer a resolution on the House floor on Wednesday, March 6 condemning anti-Semitism. A resolution that was to include the following language:
“Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That, the House of Representatives - (1) acknowledges the dangerous consequences of perpetuating anti-Semitic stereotypes; and (2) rejects anti-Semitism as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contradictory to the values that define the people of the United States.”
Yet, those words, and those of Engel are meaningless without any force of action to support them. Engel refused to remove Omar from the Foreign Affairs Committee, of which he is the chairman, claiming only the leadership can make such a move. Yet, Engel later said “removal [of Omar] would exacerbate the situation,” and that he is not looking to punish anyone. As of 7 PM Wednesday Omar was not removed from that committee, nor had the resolution been presented to the House.
“Why would you have her on a committee that important, that sensitive to our foreign policy, if she has those kind of anti-Semitic beliefs, unless you’re willing to tolerate it; and it shouldn’t be tolerated. She ought to be removed immediately from the Foreign Affairs Committee,” said US Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA).
In fact, the Democrats said they would probably not mention Omar by name in a potential resolution out of concern for her safety. Further, the Democrats are being pressured internally to include additional language condemning Islamophobia, as well as hateful words and deeds against other minority and/or protected groups. Doing such, would diminish the original intent of the resolution - condemning anti-Semitism and Ilhan Omar. Standing with Omar, are fellow freshman members Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) among others in and out of Congress, such as Linda Sarsour, a Muslim activist refusing to acknowledge Israel’s right to exist.
US Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY) offered that there is more than just Omar’s anti-Semitism as a reason to condemn her. Omar has called for leniency of ISIS fighters as well as supports the BDS Movement (Boycott, Divest, and Sanction), and should be named in the resolution, said Zeldin on a Fox News appearance. Ocasio-Cortez and Tlaib also support the BDS Movement. Additionally, Omar has called for the defunding of the Department of Homeland Security, which smacks of treason - my words, NOT Zeldin’s.
US Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) Tweeted, “Anti-Semitism has no place in this Congress or this country. Rep. Omar should be removed from the House Foreign Affairs Committee. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard in office.”
President Donald Trump also Tweeted a condemnation of the Democrats for their inaction. “It is shameful that House Democrats won’t take a stronger stand against anti-Semitism in their conference. Anti-Semitism has fueled atrocities throughout history and it’s inconceivable they will not act to condemn it!”
Omar has the right of free speech, but words have consequences, and others have the same free speech to condemn her for her words. Such consequences should not only cost Omar her spot on the vaunted Foreign Affairs Committee, but will hopefully find Omar facing both a primary opponent in 2020, and if emerging victorious, a strong GOP opponent that will appropriately represent the people of Minnesota’s Fifth Congressional District.
Updating this fluid story on Thursday, March 7, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) used her weekly press conference to defend Omar speaking with ignorance. “I don’t think she [Omar] understood the full weight of the words… I feel confident her words were not based on an anti-Semitic attitude.”
“I don’t believe Rep. Omar didn’t know what she was saying… these were pointed, bigoted, anti-Semitic comments,” said Zeldin from the House floor about Omar, questioning the Democrats as to why she was not mentioned in the resolution.
“Of course her comments were anti-Semitic. Of course she understood her words,” said US Rep. Chris Stewart (R-UT).
In addition to Ocasio-Cortez and Tlaib, 2020 presidential hopefuls senators Kamala Harris (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) also pledged their support of Omar.
Pelosi added that Omar would not be singled out by name in a resolution that would be so inclusive of all hatred, racism, bigotry, anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim, anti-gay, anti-black, and anti-white supremacist verbiage as to make it virtually meaningless. Pelosi also found time to condemn Trump from the House floor expecting better from him as president.
Engel, speaking from the House floor said that while he will vote for the resolution, he is very disappointed there is not a separate resolution condemning anti-Semitism.
US Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL) emphatically called for “strong condemnation of anti-Semitism” and the “dual-loyalty trope - I take personally, as the son of a World War II veteran.”
US Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA), who served 20 years in the US Navy, spoke from the House floor as a Jewish veteran, presented an impassioned litany of her service accomplishments asking if she has to prove her loyalty to her country, the United States.
None of this should have been necessary had the Democrats censured Omar in the first place, punished her by removing her from the Foreign Affairs Committee the way the GOP pulled US Rep. Steve King (R-IA) from his committee assignments for his comments regarding white nationalism. One anti-Semitic member of Congress, Ilhan Omar, has repeatedly made anti-Semitic statements followed by disingenuous apologies until the most recent remark, sans apology.
The resolution presented in Congress could have been issued on one page, not seven, and could have had the full throated support of all members except Omar. Here is the text of H. Res. 183, which completely lacks the strength it was intended to have: https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20190304/BILLS-116hres183-SUSv1.pdf
“Condemning anti-Semitism as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contradictory to the values and aspirations that define the people of the United States and condemning anti-Muslim discrimination and bigotry against minorities as hateful expressions of intolerance that are contrary to the values and aspirations of the United States.”
Instead, the version that passed overwhelmingly 407-23, was so watered down it was like a drink during Prohibition. It became so insignificant, Omar voted in favor, as did the entire Democrat caucus, while 23 GOP members voted against, including Zeldin, who is Jewish, because of the weakness of the language.
“If you’re against everything, you’re against nothing,” said historian Victor Davis Hanson, also condemning the Democrat’s lack of intestinal fortitude.
Omar and OAC, who both appear on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine along with Pelosi and US Rep. Jahana Hayes (D-CT), are being labeled the new faces of the Democrat Party. Omar, AOC, and Tlaib are more than the faces of the Democrat Party. They represent a dangerous turn that is beginning to antagonize some of the senior membership of their party. On another issue AOC declared “I’m the boss!” Perhaps this is why senior “leadership” of the Democrats balked at presenting the resolution of outright condemnation of anti-Semitism straight up, and that the triumvirate of Omar, AOC, and Tlaib have co-opted the Democrat Party for their own sinister machinations. The so-called Democrat leadership demonstrated that by standing for absolutely nothing, they will fall for anything, including but not limited to the toleration and acceptance of anti-Semitism.
Sanford D. Horn is a writer and educator living in Westfield, IN.
Showing posts with label Ilhan Omar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ilhan Omar. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Young Dems; Old Anti-Semitism
Young Dems; Old Anti-Semitism
Commentary by Sanford D. Horn
February 12, 2019
Anti-Semitism is about as old as time - the Crusades, myriad pogroms, Jewish people exiled from virtually every European country, restricted from employment, trades, professions, housing, college admissions quotas, martyred for peacefully practicing their faith - proselytizing goes against Jewish law, and of course the Holocaust of European Jewry.
There’s no need to regale anyone with the hardcore statistics - for those feel free to visit the Anti-Defamation League website: www.adl.org - I have no affiliation with the ADL.
Anti-Semitism has reared its ugly head throughout the United States since before its founding as a great nation. Without parameters, the “club” includes, but sadly, is not limited to political commentator Patrick Buchanan, Father Charles Coughlin, author Roald Dahl, former KKK Grand Wizard and state house member David Duke (R-LA), author T.S. Eliot, Nation of Islam’s Louis Farrakhan, automobile magnate Henry Ford, actor Mel Gibson, Reverend Jesse Jackson (D), Congressional candidate and Holocaust denier Arthur Jones (R-IL), aviator Charles Lindbergh, author Ezra Pound, Congressman John Rankin (D-MS), Margaret Sanger - founder of what would become Planned Parenthood, and Reverend Al Sharpton (D-NY).
https://sanfordspeaksout.blogspot.com/2018/02/gop-adl-dont-challenge-nazi.html
Thanks to social media, indoctrination in our classrooms and on our campuses, anti-Semitism is permeating the halls of Congress with a greater prevalence than in recent memory. Recent tweets by Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) have opened a can of worms demonstrating the blatant anti-Semitism of someone who will remain unapologetic. Just wondering if she has a copy of Protocols of the Elders of Zion on her bookshelf.
Beginning Sunday evening February 10, criticism was rightfully hoisted upon Omar for suggesting that AIPAC paid or bribed members of Congress for their support of Israel.
AIPAC - the American Israel Public Affairs Committee - is a 501(c)(4) bi-partisan advocacy organization founded in 1951 promoting strong relations between the United States and Israel. (www.aipac.org) Don’t confuse the PAC in AIPAC with a PAC - political action committee, which far too many people do. AIPAC, of which I am a proud member, does not endorse or contribute to political candidates. Some of my most conservative friends are members of AIPAC, as are some of my most liberal friends. AIPAC truly exemplifies what bipartisanship is all about and perhaps Congress could take a few lessons there.
Initially, Omar alluded to AIPAC prior to mentioning its name, then when asked why such an organization would supposedly pay members of Congress for support, Omar tweeted “It’s all about the Benjamins, baby,” referencing a 1997 rap song by Puff Daddy. This is an old anti-Semitic canard about Jewish greed or obsession with all things financial. (Setting the record straight, Jews, while not monolithic in their charitable giving, are among the most generous of any ethnic or religious group.)
Because this is not Omar’s first foray in anti-Semitic screeds, elected Republicans, the Republican Jewish Coalition, and even leading Democrats called for the Somali-born House member to apologize. Republicans and members of Jewish groups also called for Omar to be stripped of her membership on the powerful Foreign Affairs Committee.
In part, the Democrat’s House Leadership wrote, in condemning Omar’s anti-Semitism: “Anti-Semitism must be called out, confronted and condemned wherever it is encountered, without exception…
Congresswoman Omar’s use of anti-Semitic tropes and prejudicial accusations about Israel’s supporters is deeply offensive. We condemn these remarks and we call upon Congresswoman Omar to immediately apologize for these hurtful comments…”
On February 11, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) tweeted, “In our conversation today, Congresswoman Omar and I agreed that we must use this moment to move forward as we reject anti-Semitism in all forms.”
Yet prior to her disingenuous “apology,” Omar not only mocked those calling her anti-Semitic, she added, “I’m always surprised by the criticism I get.”
Counselor to President Trump Kellyanne Conway called Omar’s remarks “sewage spilling from her mouth.”
Omar’s apology, is disingenuous because it is not her first apology for anti-Semitic remarks, and because it was conditional, doubling down on her attack on AIPAC.
“Anti-Semitism is real and I am grateful for Jewish allies and colleagues who are educating me on the painful history of anti-Semitic tropes. My intention is never to offend my constituents or Jewish American as a whole. We have to always be willing to step back and think through criticism, just as I expect people to hear me when others attack me for my identity. This is why I unequivocally apologize.
“At the same time, I reaffirm the problematic role of lobbyists in our politics, whether it be AIPAC, the NRA or the fossil fuel industry. It’s gone on too long and we must be willing to address it,” tweeted Omar.
Virginia Democrat Congressman Gerry Connolly defended Omar calling her a “freshman. She’s young.”
Omar is not a 14 year old freshman in high school - she’s a 37 year old grown woman whose opinions and attitudes did not formulate on January 3 when she was sworn in.
DNC Chairman Tom Perez barely mentioned Omar’s name in a tepid, almost non-existent rebuke, instead offering boiler-plate pablum about the importance of the relationship between the United States and Israel. Additionally, Omar suffered neither punishment nor removal from any committee assignment - just lip-service from the Democrats at best. On the other hand, when Congressman Steve King (R-IA) used racist language in January, the GOP punished him with removal from all committee assignments.
Additionally, on November 16, 2012 Omar tweeted “Israel has hypnotized the world, may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel.” Not only did Omar not apologize for that tweet, it still exists. More recently Omar said she thinks it’s a joke when Israel is called a democracy, comparing it to the despotic regime of Iran.
“Congressman Omar’s statements are deeply hurtful to Jews, including myself,” said fellow House freshman Max Rose (D-NY).
“Anti-Semitism has no place in the United States Congress,” said President Donald Trump about Omar’s statements. “Her lame apology - and she didn’t mean a word of it - I think she should either resign from Congress, or she should certainly resign from the House Foreign Affairs Committee,” continued the President.
Omar is not the only freshman or Democrat of longer service to have made anti-Semitic remarks/texts or been supportive of anti-Israel legislation. Freshman Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), another young House member at 42, not only penned a column for a Farrakhan-led Nation of Islam publication in 2006, she, like Omar, is a strong supporter of the virulently anti-Semitic BDS Movement (Boycott, Divest, Sanction). Freshmen Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), 45, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), 29, are also supporters of the BDS Movement.
In fact, an anti-BDS bill passed the Senate on Tuesday, January 29, 76-23 - including 24 Democrat senators voting in favor. However, six potential 2020 Democrat presidential aspirants voted against the measure allowing state governments to deny contracts to businesses supporting the BDS Movement. The six Democrat senators are Cory Booker (NJ), Sherrod Brown (OH), Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), Kamala Harris (CA), Bernie Sanders (VT), and Elizabeth Warren (MA).
Elected officials, like Omar and her cohorts, have a First Amendment right of free speech, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be condemned for hate speech - of which anti-Semitism most certainly is. Jewish voters, who vote in one of the strongest blocks for Democrats, better wake up and understand that this is not their grandparents Democrat Party. Even Democrat senators Dianne Feinstein (CA) and Brian Schatz (HI) - both Jewish voted against the anti-BDS bill.
The Republican Party is the party of the American people sans hyphens. The Republican Party doesn’t play identity politics and doesn’t believe in egregious taxation. The GOP used to believe in limited government and reduced spending and needs to return to those days of fiscal responsibility. The GOP understands the importance of a strong alliance between the United States and Israel and hopefully more Jewish voters will come to that realization and no longer allow the Democrats to take their votes for granted.
Sanford D. Horn is a writer and educator living in Westfield, IN.
Commentary by Sanford D. Horn
February 12, 2019
Anti-Semitism is about as old as time - the Crusades, myriad pogroms, Jewish people exiled from virtually every European country, restricted from employment, trades, professions, housing, college admissions quotas, martyred for peacefully practicing their faith - proselytizing goes against Jewish law, and of course the Holocaust of European Jewry.
There’s no need to regale anyone with the hardcore statistics - for those feel free to visit the Anti-Defamation League website: www.adl.org - I have no affiliation with the ADL.
Anti-Semitism has reared its ugly head throughout the United States since before its founding as a great nation. Without parameters, the “club” includes, but sadly, is not limited to political commentator Patrick Buchanan, Father Charles Coughlin, author Roald Dahl, former KKK Grand Wizard and state house member David Duke (R-LA), author T.S. Eliot, Nation of Islam’s Louis Farrakhan, automobile magnate Henry Ford, actor Mel Gibson, Reverend Jesse Jackson (D), Congressional candidate and Holocaust denier Arthur Jones (R-IL), aviator Charles Lindbergh, author Ezra Pound, Congressman John Rankin (D-MS), Margaret Sanger - founder of what would become Planned Parenthood, and Reverend Al Sharpton (D-NY).
https://sanfordspeaksout.blogspot.com/2018/02/gop-adl-dont-challenge-nazi.html
Thanks to social media, indoctrination in our classrooms and on our campuses, anti-Semitism is permeating the halls of Congress with a greater prevalence than in recent memory. Recent tweets by Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) have opened a can of worms demonstrating the blatant anti-Semitism of someone who will remain unapologetic. Just wondering if she has a copy of Protocols of the Elders of Zion on her bookshelf.
Beginning Sunday evening February 10, criticism was rightfully hoisted upon Omar for suggesting that AIPAC paid or bribed members of Congress for their support of Israel.
AIPAC - the American Israel Public Affairs Committee - is a 501(c)(4) bi-partisan advocacy organization founded in 1951 promoting strong relations between the United States and Israel. (www.aipac.org) Don’t confuse the PAC in AIPAC with a PAC - political action committee, which far too many people do. AIPAC, of which I am a proud member, does not endorse or contribute to political candidates. Some of my most conservative friends are members of AIPAC, as are some of my most liberal friends. AIPAC truly exemplifies what bipartisanship is all about and perhaps Congress could take a few lessons there.
Initially, Omar alluded to AIPAC prior to mentioning its name, then when asked why such an organization would supposedly pay members of Congress for support, Omar tweeted “It’s all about the Benjamins, baby,” referencing a 1997 rap song by Puff Daddy. This is an old anti-Semitic canard about Jewish greed or obsession with all things financial. (Setting the record straight, Jews, while not monolithic in their charitable giving, are among the most generous of any ethnic or religious group.)
Because this is not Omar’s first foray in anti-Semitic screeds, elected Republicans, the Republican Jewish Coalition, and even leading Democrats called for the Somali-born House member to apologize. Republicans and members of Jewish groups also called for Omar to be stripped of her membership on the powerful Foreign Affairs Committee.
In part, the Democrat’s House Leadership wrote, in condemning Omar’s anti-Semitism: “Anti-Semitism must be called out, confronted and condemned wherever it is encountered, without exception…
Congresswoman Omar’s use of anti-Semitic tropes and prejudicial accusations about Israel’s supporters is deeply offensive. We condemn these remarks and we call upon Congresswoman Omar to immediately apologize for these hurtful comments…”
On February 11, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) tweeted, “In our conversation today, Congresswoman Omar and I agreed that we must use this moment to move forward as we reject anti-Semitism in all forms.”
Yet prior to her disingenuous “apology,” Omar not only mocked those calling her anti-Semitic, she added, “I’m always surprised by the criticism I get.”
Counselor to President Trump Kellyanne Conway called Omar’s remarks “sewage spilling from her mouth.”
Omar’s apology, is disingenuous because it is not her first apology for anti-Semitic remarks, and because it was conditional, doubling down on her attack on AIPAC.
“Anti-Semitism is real and I am grateful for Jewish allies and colleagues who are educating me on the painful history of anti-Semitic tropes. My intention is never to offend my constituents or Jewish American as a whole. We have to always be willing to step back and think through criticism, just as I expect people to hear me when others attack me for my identity. This is why I unequivocally apologize.
“At the same time, I reaffirm the problematic role of lobbyists in our politics, whether it be AIPAC, the NRA or the fossil fuel industry. It’s gone on too long and we must be willing to address it,” tweeted Omar.
Virginia Democrat Congressman Gerry Connolly defended Omar calling her a “freshman. She’s young.”
Omar is not a 14 year old freshman in high school - she’s a 37 year old grown woman whose opinions and attitudes did not formulate on January 3 when she was sworn in.
DNC Chairman Tom Perez barely mentioned Omar’s name in a tepid, almost non-existent rebuke, instead offering boiler-plate pablum about the importance of the relationship between the United States and Israel. Additionally, Omar suffered neither punishment nor removal from any committee assignment - just lip-service from the Democrats at best. On the other hand, when Congressman Steve King (R-IA) used racist language in January, the GOP punished him with removal from all committee assignments.
Additionally, on November 16, 2012 Omar tweeted “Israel has hypnotized the world, may Allah awaken the people and help them see the evil doings of Israel.” Not only did Omar not apologize for that tweet, it still exists. More recently Omar said she thinks it’s a joke when Israel is called a democracy, comparing it to the despotic regime of Iran.
“Congressman Omar’s statements are deeply hurtful to Jews, including myself,” said fellow House freshman Max Rose (D-NY).
“Anti-Semitism has no place in the United States Congress,” said President Donald Trump about Omar’s statements. “Her lame apology - and she didn’t mean a word of it - I think she should either resign from Congress, or she should certainly resign from the House Foreign Affairs Committee,” continued the President.
Omar is not the only freshman or Democrat of longer service to have made anti-Semitic remarks/texts or been supportive of anti-Israel legislation. Freshman Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), another young House member at 42, not only penned a column for a Farrakhan-led Nation of Islam publication in 2006, she, like Omar, is a strong supporter of the virulently anti-Semitic BDS Movement (Boycott, Divest, Sanction). Freshmen Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), 45, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), 29, are also supporters of the BDS Movement.
In fact, an anti-BDS bill passed the Senate on Tuesday, January 29, 76-23 - including 24 Democrat senators voting in favor. However, six potential 2020 Democrat presidential aspirants voted against the measure allowing state governments to deny contracts to businesses supporting the BDS Movement. The six Democrat senators are Cory Booker (NJ), Sherrod Brown (OH), Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), Kamala Harris (CA), Bernie Sanders (VT), and Elizabeth Warren (MA).
Elected officials, like Omar and her cohorts, have a First Amendment right of free speech, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be condemned for hate speech - of which anti-Semitism most certainly is. Jewish voters, who vote in one of the strongest blocks for Democrats, better wake up and understand that this is not their grandparents Democrat Party. Even Democrat senators Dianne Feinstein (CA) and Brian Schatz (HI) - both Jewish voted against the anti-BDS bill.
The Republican Party is the party of the American people sans hyphens. The Republican Party doesn’t play identity politics and doesn’t believe in egregious taxation. The GOP used to believe in limited government and reduced spending and needs to return to those days of fiscal responsibility. The GOP understands the importance of a strong alliance between the United States and Israel and hopefully more Jewish voters will come to that realization and no longer allow the Democrats to take their votes for granted.
Sanford D. Horn is a writer and educator living in Westfield, IN.
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