Well, let's see if Greg F is correct about the rampant racism in the Jewish community. Synagogues and the ADL have been active in the civil rights movement since before it was chic to be. I can't count the many Jews who were involved in the voting registration efforts in the South, some of whom, like Andy Goodman, gave their lives for black rights. I don'r recall many black protesters when Jews were attacked, when Jews were discriminated against, when Jews were slaughtered. That's OK, though. I don't remember many white Christians stepping up to bat, either. There is no Jewish equivilant to Louis Farakhan. No respectable Jewish "leader" could get away with the comments of a Jesse Jackson or a Spike Lee. He would be villified by the Jewish community. Jackie Mason has been criticised for stereotyping, in his act, but Chris Rock has not (nor, should he be). There is a world outside of this forum and, in that world, there is real danger and real evil. If we are to survive, we must learn to get our priorities straight. Words can be hurtful but, so long as they are not slanderous, they can not harm us. Freedom of speech means having to hear a lot of things that may be offensive. It is one of the costs we incur for living in a free society. So, I have to listen to the drunken ravings of Mel Gibson and you get to tolerate someone you find disgusting. Like the teatotaler, being served a coctail in his hotel room, you have to take the bitters with the suite. Mike
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