She was accused of having innocent blood on her hands, that she was the one who was at fault for the killings. The charges are all lies, of course. No one has a patent on words. Is the word vendetta exclusive to Italians? History also changes the context of the words. If you are going to get upset by one offense, get upset by all. Why is the first public outcry I can remember relating the possible misuse of the term?
I do not believe that Sarah Palin intended to offend Jews by the combination of those two words. I’ll bet she is a stronger supporter of Israel then a lot of Jews in this country are. She wanted to convey a message, which she did, in my opinion, accurately. It doesn’t matter what she would have said or didn’t say. People who are offended by what she said were going to be offended no matter what two words she put together.
The previous post is said with all due respect. My intention is not to offend, although I tend to do it quite often and with very little effort. I realize it might not be me, might be the sign of the times.
Several times in my life Jewish people I know, family included, have used their Jewishness against me. They’ve used it as an excuse to be offended. I’ve heard “you hate me because I’m Jewish” when trying to clear up a problem so many times in dealing with certain people. Sometimes, I didn’t know the individuals ethnic background until they said I hated them. Surprised the heck out of me.
I’ll probably get flamed for what I just said. It is my personal experience and, again, no offense is intended.
I’ve lost sympathy for those who cry “offense” that when a real offense does occur, it doesn’t mean anything any more.