[Mamzelle]

I watched "Scarborough Country" and they had on Jackie Mason--I began to be much encouraged and hopeful that he had some good sense to bring to the Passion discussion. Boy, that was another disappointment. He railed at Gibson's irresponsibility, that somehow this movie was going to raise violence against Jews in Europe, but not the US.

As evidence, Mason used the usual "bad guy" Jews, Caiaphas and Annas and the bloodthirsty crowd, saying those things should not have appeared in the story...(!!!)...I mean, the calls "Crucify Him" are in the gospels.

I couldn't escape the conclusion that Mason believed that Christians presenting their own stories owe it to some Jewish committee for "clearance" before distribution. It was a chilling thought. I did not realize that this is actually a reasonable expectation.

Mason couldn't hold onto his temper, but there were a couple of rabbis there who could, who had sensible things to say. One fellow I'd love to hear more from.

And I've still heard nothing discussed in the media about Jesus Christ Superstar, which could have all these same criticisms levied at it as well.

[Fledermaus]

I agree, I didn't think Mason would go off like that.