Britain’s Conservative Party set to elect first Jewish leader

JTA.org ^ | Nov. 6 03 | Richard Allen Greene

[goldstategop]

Benjamin Disraeli's ghost is smiling upon the Tories.

[veronica]

FYI.

[Dave Elias]

Why is his religion even an issue? It's completely irrelevant to his abilty to perform the task.

[cyborg]

I agree. America has never had a Jewish president either. People were making a big deal about Liberman when he ran the first time. Religion, race, whatever... as long as the person can run the country!

[cyborg]

The only thing I will have to say with respect to divided loyalties is that there should be no such thing as 'dual citizenship'.

[veronica]

Many Americans would rightly so call into question most Jews' loyalty to America versus Israel. Of the 3 major religions from that region, only Christians have shown that they can put the interests of America above those of other nations.

Really. Only Christians. Not a very American argument you have made.

And I recall that it was a very big deal, and discussed all over the place, when America had it's first Catholic President (JFK). So what's wrong with noting a Jewish leader in a UK party, especially Conservative, considering that FR is a site concerned with Conservative issues?

And I also recall that JFK took a trip to Ireland, a country which he deemed close to his heart. Was he a loyal American? Is it disloyal to attend a St. Patrick's Day parade, too?

[SJackson]

If you'd like to be on or off this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.

[SJackson]

You got it right monkey.

Jews aren't loyal citizens, neither are Catholics, loyal to the Pope.

Jews and Catholics shouldn't be allowed to hold office, probably not vote either.

You display a level of bigotry that's largely, but clearly not entirely gone, in America.

[SJackson]

Really. Only Christians. Not a very American argument you have made. No, not all Christians. Catholics should be disqualified too. Hmm, wonder about pro-life Christians, I suspect plenty of leftists would question to place the interests of America above their opposition to abortion. Baptists out with the bath water.

This is getting interesting, just like 17th century Europe. Which of course is why our forebearers turned up here in the first place.

[veronica]

What does Justin Raimondo think?

Justin Raimondo thinks?

[Valin]

What Does Justin Raimondo think? There, that's better.

[Valin]

I'm a Deist and would much rather have a bunch of Christians in office than Jews

You DO realise that there is no prize for making the dumbest statement of the day?

[adam_az]

Of the 3 major religions from that region, only Christians have shown that they can put the interests of America above those of other nations.

That is one of the most prejudiced, repulsive, un-American statements I have ever seen on Free Republic.

You should feel ashamed for even thinking it, never mind verbalizing such trash.

[adam_az]

I decided to create a FR Dumb Post Hall of Fame on my fr home page, you should be honored to be the honorary first member!

http://www.freerepublic.com/~adamaz/

[KC Burke]

Its hard to tell from one paragraph if you are expressing personal prejudice or outright bigotry. The later I would condemn, the former I would shudder to listen to, but would hope to stear you away from through dialogue.

You must ask yourself, why are you expressing approval of an adherence to a faith you don't have the conviction to hold yourself?

Truth be told, there are probably many who have some misgivings about muslim office holders at a fearful prejudical level. However, for conservatives, the prejudice for the american political virtue of toleration counter-balances that other prejucice and the principle wins over the primeval. However, perhaps conservatism is not your cup of tea and rationalism is instead.

[Valin]

There's a line from the book "The Killer Angels" that I like,
"He who judges by the group is a peawit."