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Hitler comparisons are anti-Semitic

Date published: 10/18/2009

It was quite heartwarming to read Linda Govenides' Oct. 11 letter ["The Nazis did it one small step at a time"] defending conservatives who compare Obama to Hitler, in which she advised readers to "ask a Jew if he thinks it's not a great idea to be on guard."

Wow. After months of listening to conservatives exploit and trivialize the greatest tragedy in my people's history, I was really touched that one of them finally thought to ask a Jew's opinion on the matter.

Well, since Ms. Govenides asked, this Jew will be happy to answer: I agree.

We always need to be on guard against authoritarians who use fear-mongering, hate-mongering, and propaganda to scare the most vulnerable members of society into surrendering their rights, freedoms, and money to the wealthiest and most powerful.

Furthermore, as the number of Holocaust survivors and witnesses dwindles ever lower, Jews must be on guard against those who would trivialize and obscure the reality of what happened in those death camps.

That's why Jewish groups like the Anti-Defamation League have condemned these comparisons of Obama to Hitler as anti-Semitic.

Fortunately, this latest scare tactic will probably be no more successful than the right's other attempts to smear Obama.

So far they've called him everything from communist to racist, while spreading absurd conspiracy theories about his birth certificate, ACORN, and death panels.

Somehow I doubt that insulting the Jewish people will work out any better for them.

Joseph Katz

Stafford



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Date published: 10/18/2009


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tamerline? what? (posted by UberMensch , Oct. 19, 2009 8:01 pm)   
Who is "Schicklgruber"? invidious, specious, facile, erudition? whaaa?

Does it make any difference (posted by JimCline , Oct. 19, 2009 7:59 pm)   
that the Anti-Defamation League did not use the term "anti-semitic" in their criticism of the Hitler comparison? Mr. Katz needs to get his facts straight and the FLS would do well to check the facts before headlining statements that are not true.

Except for the Soup Nazi (posted by Tamerlane , Oct. 19, 2009 6:16 pm)   
all comparisons to Schicklgruber and his lot are invidious, specious and facile. This ad hominem attack stuff (calling opponents or comparing them to nazis) show a distinct and cavernous lack of erudition.

Disappointed (posted by PUBLIUSTWO , Oct. 19, 2009 5:06 pm)   
It is pleasantly quieter in here today.....almost too quiet. No personal attacks..........for now. ConcernedOne, there is no defense for Nancy Pelosi's use of "Nazis" when referring to protesters. SHe might have a pass though. Catholics were also persecuted by Hitler, and she is a pro-choice Catholic, so therefore qualifies(?) to use the term.

I am shocked..the 3 little piggies (posted by Mandrake , Oct. 19, 2009 4:44 pm)   
have a double standard? Like righteous on the one hand and craven growling bloodthirsty junkyard dogs on the other? Hmm!

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