Letters to the Editor: Bringing Water to the World, Two Takes on Democrats
BY Jewish Journal | Oct 31, 2018 | Letters to the Editor
Bringing Water to the World
I have recently read your article on "How Israel Is Helping the Worldwide Water Shortage" and I would like to give my opinion on it. First off: the statement you quoted by Micah Smith that "In order to solve the crisis, the people of the world need to work together, and a country like Israel needs to be brought into that discussion more and more because of Israel's vast experience." I agree with that statement because Israel has learned to maintain a steady water system throughout the years, despite being through their troubles. They learned to become a water-surplus nation while states like California were still in droughts. Israel knows how to manage and keep their water supply steady and healthy. They teach their youth from a young age so when they grow up, they know how to use it properly. I completely agree with this article because it has shown and proven many good reasons why Israel is smart with their water source and can be a big factor moving on by helping other countries.
Daniel Nikravesh, Via Email
In the Words of George Washington
In the aftermath of the massacre in Pittsburgh, the words of our first president, George Washington have never been more salient. Last Sunday, we heard his poignant letter to the Hebrew Congregation of Rhode Island performed live at a private home for Jewish Women's Theatre's Fall show, Jews in America. It seems we all need reminding how a country should treat its minorities. Washington begins by stating that the Government of the United States "gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance." He then concludes with this powerful prayer. "May the Children of the Stock of Abraham, who dwell in this land, continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other Inhabitants; while everyone shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree, and there shall be none to make him afraid." From 1790, words to live by in 2018.
Ronda Spinak, Artistic Director, Jewish Women's Theatre, Cambria Gordon, Honorary Board Member, Jewish Women's Theatre
Two Takes on Democrats
Gil Troy ("Will a Leader Soon 'Corbyn' the Democrats?", JJ Oct 26-Nov 1) lifted the curtain, looked out, didn't like what he saw and lowered the curtain again, lamenting, Why can't we be less like us? What he saw is that is that Democrats really are not our friends and Republicans really are not our enemies.
The Communist brand of socialism is called "left wing." The Nazi brand of socialism is called "right wing". (Nazi is the National Socialist Party) Right-wing socialism, as portrayed by Nazism, has never been a friend of the Jews, and by logical extension, never a friend of Israel. Left-wing socialism, as portrayed by Josef Stalin, has never been a friend of the Jews, and by logical extension, never a friend of Israel.
The political turmoil in the United States today is not a result of Democrat versus Republican. It is a matter of socialism versus non-socialism. Do we want to be like Nazi Germany or Communist Russia, or do we want to live in a state where we are not slaves to the government but free and independent people?
Socialism, both left-wing and right-wing, has always gained power in the same way: it befriends the people it will later enslave or destroy. These people look to their socialist party for salvation and give it their support, money and votes. But when that party comes to full power, it is too late.
Jerald Brown, Via Email
Mr. Troy cites a few examples of Democratic candidates who, at best, espouse a cool view towards Israel and, at worst, a hostile view towards Israel. Mr. Troy then extrapolates the view that the Democratic Party is on the verge of following in the footsteps of the British Labour Party. He does, however, concede that "most Democratic leaders remain pro-Israel . . ." So, where does the Democratic Party stand?
I would argue that the Democratic Party is still staunchly pro-Israel. I can almost hear the snickering from some of the readers. I believe the facts support me. There are a record number of Jews running as Democrats in this election cycle who have a good chance of defeating their GOP opponents. All of these candidates are pro-Israel. The Democratic candidates for the Senate are pro-Israel Jews or pro-Israel. Each of the potential 2020 Democratic candidates for president are staunchly pro-Israel. Should the Democrats retake one or both Houses of Congress this year and/or retake the White House in 2020, Israel will be well served.
The Congressional candidates Mr. Troy identifies as being anti-Israel each won the nomination by appealing to the Democratic voters in their respective districts. Since I do not live in their respective districts I am unable to comment on how they won. That being said, I can posit that they appealed to enough Democratic primary voters in their respective districts to win the nomination.
If I were Mr. Troy, I would be more concerned about the growth of anti-Semitism in the GOP. Trump has given the green light for these people to crawl out from under their rocks. It was Trump who said that there were "good people" on both sides [the neo-Nazis, White Supremacists on one side and the opponents of the neo-Nazis, White Supremacists on the other side] of the demonstrations in Charlottesville. If one is a neo-Nazi or a White Supremacist, then, by definition, one is not a good person. Until Trump issues a proclamation saying that these bigots are not welcome in the GOP and he did not want their support, Senator Dole did in 1996, then he will allow the anti-Semites a platform from which they can spew their hate.
Andrew C. Sigal, Esq.
Looking at Both Sides
Loved how the Journal for the past several weeks has been presenting several sides of the debate on issues ranging from Trump on Israel; partitioning Israel real estate for "Peace"; Table for Five, "Who Owns the Truth," et. al. That's what journalism should be, and that is what makes the Journal different from the major mainstream media.
Enriqué Gascon, Westside Village
Los Angeles needs a lot more people to give like Jack Nagel. If everyone in our community followed his inspirational lead and thought like Tabby Refael, Los Angeles would have the greatest Jewish institutions in the world and there wouldn't be any tuition crisis or stress on families to afford a traditional Jewish lifestyle. Hopefully, our next generation of leaders will strive "to be like Nagel" and make lots of money so they "can give it away."
Marc Gelman, Los Angeles
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