What should Mel Gibson's punishment be? (VANITY)

July 30, 2006 | Hildy

[Hildy]

Since so many here want so much to forgive Mel Gibson for his anti-semetic tirade and beligerent behavior towards law enforcement I was trying to come up with the best punishment. I think I got it. Besides the obligatory fine, I think the Judge should sentence him to 500 hours community service at the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust. What do you all think his sentence should be?

[Hildy]

You're right...I got on a list of old rich Jewish liberals sending me very pro-Israel stuff. The other day I forwarded this list Dick Morris's column asking how Jews who support Israel can vote Democrat today...that the Democrat party is now the home of the new anti-semitism. I can't tell you the responses I got back. to paraphrase.."I WILL NEVER VOTE FOR A REPUBLICAN...GEORGE BUSH SHOULD DIE...I CARE ABOUT ISRAEL, BUT I CARE ABOUT AMERICA TOO...

[Hildy]

We've been persecuted all through history. That's not a complex...that's a fact.

[quidnunc]

Gibson uttered some anti-Semitic statements, but insofar as I know he never translated his anti-Semitism into action.

There has been much, much more outrage directed against Mel Gibson for what he said than against the Seattle shooter who murdered one woman and wounded five others, three of them seriously.

The outrage seems somewhat lopsided to me, but then again, maybe it's easier to vent one's spleen at someone who merely talks as against others who might stary shooting more Jews if they become seriously annoyed.

[beyond the sea]

We've been persecuted all through history.

I'm serious now. Really.

In one or two sentences could you please tell me why (in your opinion or otherwise) the Jews have been persecuted throughout history?

It has always been a puzzle to me.

****

By the way, 'Coast to Coast' is beginning here ---- oooooooh! ;-))

[Hildy]

What's there no debate about the shooter...there's no two sides to it. Sorry, this has nothing to do with anything. THere are threads about that if you want to get into it, but one has nothing to do with the others EXCEPT for one connection. Someone like Gibson who spews this kind of crap gives crazies like the Seattle shooter the excuse he needs to shoot up some Jews. I'm not saying these events were connected...I've been accused of that today.

[beyond the sea]

Alternative Energy Devices to be discussed tonight......... (not to change the subject)

[blackbart.223]

"So did Bill Clinton. People here were not as forgiving then."

Mel Gibson never had his finger on the button. That POS Clinton did. And while the world was in turmoil Slick was getting a nobber in The Oval Office. Get a clue.

[peggybac]

"Gibson uttered some anti-Semitic statements, but insofar as I know he never translated his anti-Semitism into action."

Excellent point. Feelings aren't right or wrong - only actions are. While most people on the threads are all up in arms about what Mel may or may not have said while drunk, the more serious problem is that he was driving under the influence. His actions could have injured or killed himself or others. For this he needs just punishment. I'm more concerned about this than what he said while drunk.

[beyond the sea]

The truth is Jews have made an industry of anti-semitism.

?

Could you expand on that?

[Hildy]

I'm serious now. Really. In one or two sentences could you please tell me why (in your opinion or otherwise) the Jews have been persecuted throughout history?

It has always been a puzzle to me.

I'm praying right now that you're pulling my leg...

[beyond the sea]

Someone like Gibson who spews this kind of crap gives crazies like the Seattle shooter the excuse he needs to shoot up some Jews

No it does not give them that excuse. How silly.

[Texasforever]

I just don't get this reaction. This forum is almost 100% behind Israel in the fight that is going on and I have seen very few defending Gibson on here. I HAVE seen a lot of members blaming the US for the recent halt in the bombing campaign and that to me is a lot more outrageous than what Gibson said.

[beyond the sea]

No need to pray. Just give me the answer you have.

[Hildy]

ok...just keep your head buried in the sand...Just do me a favor and turn on FOX NEWS right now and tell me that crazies wanting to kill Jews is "ALL IN MY HEAD." I can't believe you're a 59 year old Conservative man and you would say something so contrary to everything history has shown us. Now, I'm going to sleep.

[beyond the sea]

I'm praying right now that you're pulling my leg...

.... a little more.

I really don't know the answer to that. Can you tell me what you think is why they have been persecuted throughout history (as you say ).

A very short answer will do.

[Mr. Mojo]

It's true that some Jews have "made an industry of anti-Semitism." Abe Foxman (and his fellow Leftist travelers) come to mind. They see anti-Semitism lurking around every corner -- sometimes it's there, but many times it's not. ....and when it's not, it makes Jews look like "victocrats" (as conservative talk show host Larry Elder likes to call people who go through life looking for slights).

[MAD-AS-HELL]

I couldn't resist: Where's Mel in this picture?

[beyond the sea]

I can't believe you're a 59 year old Conservative man

I can't believe that you can't or won't answer that question.

[Tax Government]

APPARENTLY, the idea that Gibson could atone for anti-semitism by doing something NOBODY else has courage for -- depict Mohammed in a movie -- hasn't resonated on FR in the last hour.

By making such a movie, Gibson would demonstrate stones that NO Jewish or Christian person has.

Do I hear a second? Gibson should depict Mohammed in an epic.

[quidnunc]

Hildy wrote: What's there no debate about the shooter...there's no two sides to it. Sorry, this has nothing to do with anything. THere are threads about that if you want to get into it, but one has nothing to do with the others EXCEPT for one connection. Someone like Gibson who spews this kind of crap gives crazies like the Seattle shooter the excuse he needs to shoot up some Jews. I'm not saying these events were connected...I've been accused of that today.

Abe Foxman has been agitating against fundamentalist Christians for years, and he's been doing it for the most despicable of reasons — as a fetcher for donations.

Fundamentalist Christians are the best friends that Jews in general, and Israel in particular, has ever had, or will ever have.

They are the most potent pro-Israel political force in the US today.

It is starting to get under the skin of many of us when American Jews display what can only be termed as ingratitude.

Gibson made some inexcusable statements, but I have not heard that he advocated violence.

If Mel Gibson is guilty of a hate crime, he is no more guilty than is Abe Foxman and those of his ilk who accuse fundamentalist Christians of anti-Semitism.

Think about it and learn who are youir friends and who really would do you harm if they had the opportunity.

Glass houses and all thhat sort of thing.