William Safire "Arab and Jewish Votes"

NY Times ^ | October 25, 2004 | William Safire

[WOSG]

"I take it you believe that Jews should vote for other Jews solely because they are Jewish? "

Not at all. No more than I would vote for a Catholic just because I am. is ask do they have the character and competence, and dothey represent by values and vision? Kerry doesnt, and I'd pick a Buddhist Republican over him.

But time and again, Jews shunned the party (republicans) that represents them better on economic issues and many values issues, and on Israel, for the party that showcases men like Sharpton and Jackson who have at times stooped to expressions of anti-semitism. That's reflexive Liberalism, not sane voting. Are 70% of Jews dyed in wool pro-abort pro-tax-and-spend anti-education-choice anti-welfare-reform weak-on-defense liberals? If not, why do they vote that way?

It's a valid question.

"Jews are often accused of mindlessly voting for Democrats,"

An allegation that is justified ...

" ... but Jews should mindlessly vote for a candidate who does not represent their worldview just because he is Jewish? That makes no sense either."

As Safire points out, Jews are about to do just that. Kerry will sell out Israel as the 'price' of Euro cooperation on things like Iraq (see also a Krauthammer column on this subject).

You are inferring the opposite of what I was trying to say - it comes down to voting one's interests intelligently. Look, the GOP was more favorable to the 1964 Civil Rights Bill than the Democrats, but somehow 90% of blacks voted for the post-segregationist Democracts from 1968 on. it's not the reality of who represents you, but the perception, and the Democrats beat the GOP on perception of "I represent you" to some groups.

I am glad you appreciate Bush's sincerity. But there have been plenty of sincere conservatives for many years reaching out, and plenty of Jewish voices in the wilderness for years explaining which end is up (including my favorite conservative activist/intellectual David Horowitz), and it is about time some Jewish voters figured out which end is up.

[WOSG]

If Israel was the 51st state, they'd be as hard-nosed rightwing on most issues as Idaho.

Something about being on the front lines that does that to you.

[river rat]

Violent death up close and personal - effects different folks in different ways....

I couldn't think about killing anything for nearly 40 years, couldn't shoot an animal or bird. Even switched to catch and release fishing with the kids and grandkids.

Just walked through the fields or forest with the dog. -- until 9/11.

Now, I'm cured... Wacking Jihadists would seem "natural", again.

Isn't it awful to feel that way?

Semper Fi

[Naomi4]

Unfortunately too often Republicans support Israel, and Jews collectively, but insult individual Jews of their immediate acquaintance.


Bigotry and prejudice have been rampant often in small, ignorant, and insulting ways.

It is a hard sell to ask someone you have insulted in small and petty ways to accept your political party.

This is one area where George W. Bush has been outstanding. He is a fine man with a genuine compassionate heart and he will remake the Republican Party to be less country club WASP and more inclusive. It is already happening.

You asked me why and I have told you.