Last night I rewatched Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (Sony Pictures/2008). It's not There Will Be Blood, but it's a light-hearted, well-acted tribute to those nights in every young person's life that seem to last forever--those nights where it actually seems possible that similar musical taste can bond two people for life.
Nick (Michael Cera) is sensitive, smart, and funny, and the love of his life does not appreciate him or the mix tape CD's he puts together for her. Nora (Kat Dunning) is his "musical soul mate" and desperately wants to meet the stranger who makes all the amazing CDs his ex-girlfriend throws in the trash at school. When Nora finally meets Nick, it's at a club where Nick is performing with his band as the lone straight guy in a "Queercore" band called The Jerkoffs. It takes a while for the two to warm up to each other, but they eventually bond over music and--of course--a great big adventure in NYC.
While not as funny as it should be, it is engaging and good-hearted, and it shows an interesting evolution of pop culture depictions of Jews and gays, who--despite heavy repesentation of both groups in the entertainment industry--are often marginalized and stereotyped in movies and TV shows.
In some ways, Nora's character fits popular Gossip Girl stereotypes. She is the rich daughter of a famous music mogul, and because of this fact, the red carpet is rolled out for her. But to her credit she constantly downplays her status because she says her dad's position in society has nothing to do with who she is. She wants people to see her true self. That's why it's hurtful when Nick angrily calls Nora a spoiled "JAP" (Jewish-American princess); it simply does not ring true.
Even more impressively, the film is not content with establishing Nora as a Jew in a typical shallow movie way, with a handful of references to Hanukkah or JAPs. Nora is--to borrow from another minority's lingo--out. She is actually proud to be Jewish, and she even shares with Nick one of her "favorite things about Judaism," the concept of tikkun olam. She explains it as the world being broken and humans having the task of putting the pieces back together. "Maybe we're the pieces," Nick offers.
Just as Nora resembles Jewish girls we know in real life more than most other movie Jews, the same can be said for the gay characters. Nick's gay friends/bandmates are not limp-wristed, lisping stereotypes. They're certainly not murderers (like Hollywood used to make them) and they're not martyrs (like Hollywood currently makes them.) Thankfully, they are NOT in love with Nick or with any other straight guy. In fact, they do everything they can to ensure that Nick and Nora get together.
The best thing about the young gay men in this film is that they are not sanitized, neutered, asexual versions of themselves. They are comfortable in their own skins, and their presence here is by no means meant to make homophobic (or homonervous) audiences feel less threatened.
And that's one of the things I like about Nick and Norah's. Nora, Nick, and their gay friends are not used as "propaganda" for positive media images. They are all imperfect people, just as characters in any movie should be, and they have all the potential in the world to be stereotypes--they just fight against it. Nora is privelaged and well-off, but she would rather be seen as a spiritually grounded Jewish girl than as a rich JAP. Nick's friends are sexy, hot, and very sexual, but they're also really nice guys more concerned with helping their friends than getting off.
It almost makes up for the fact that we're supposed to believe these charcters can instantly find parking places at every NYC club and business they attend. Almost.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Best Films of 2008
Best Films:
1. Slumdog Millionaire
2. Let the Right One In
3. The Dark Knight
4. Wall-E
5. The Wrestler
6. Milk
7. Revolutionary Road
8. Persepolis
9. Vicky Christina Barcelona
10. The Band's Visit
Best Director: Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire)
Screenwriter--Original script: Andrew Stanton (Wall-E)
Screenwriter--Adapted Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire)
Actor: Micky Rourke (The Wrestler)
Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)
Actress: Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married)
Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz (Vicky Christina Barcelona)
Animated Film: Wall-E
Foreign Film: Let the Right One In
Sound/Sound Editing: The Dark Knight
Special Effects: The Dark Knight
Make-up: The Dark Knight
Cinematography: Revolutionary Road
Editing: Slumdog Millionaire
1. Slumdog Millionaire
2. Let the Right One In
3. The Dark Knight
4. Wall-E
5. The Wrestler
6. Milk
7. Revolutionary Road
8. Persepolis
9. Vicky Christina Barcelona
10. The Band's Visit
Best Director: Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire)
Screenwriter--Original script: Andrew Stanton (Wall-E)
Screenwriter--Adapted Screenplay: Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire)
Actor: Micky Rourke (The Wrestler)
Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)
Actress: Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married)
Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz (Vicky Christina Barcelona)
Animated Film: Wall-E
Foreign Film: Let the Right One In
Sound/Sound Editing: The Dark Knight
Special Effects: The Dark Knight
Make-up: The Dark Knight
Cinematography: Revolutionary Road
Editing: Slumdog Millionaire
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Hanukkah For Beginners
Although Hanukkah (or Chanukah) is considered a minor holiday compared to Yom Kippur and Passover, this celebration of Jewish peoples' victory over their oppressors is actually a rabbinic command and a mitzvah. And its importance is increasing every year, as more and more rabbis reinterpret Hanukkah as a celebration of religious freedom. While most other Jewish holidays are either introspective or limited to family members and temple congregants, the Festival of Lights--with its menorahs glowing in the windows of Jewish homes--is the one celebration on the Jewish calendar in which we announce to the world that we're practicing Jews. For Jewish believers in G-d, it is an advertisement that miracles can exist, especially if we humans take the initiative to become partners with Him in repairing the world. For more agnostic or atheistic Jews, it is a time for family and friends to celebrate our rich heritage and our triumph over our oppressors. Either way, we Jews are lucky that most of us live in countries that allow religious pluaralism and diversity.
So if you're a non-practicing Jew who has been considering taking up some level of observance, why not start with Hanukkah? Or if you're a non-Jew who is either on the cusp of going through a conversion or who wishes to dip her toes in the waters of Jewish observance, you really cannot go wrong with the Festival of Lights as a starting point. It's moving and fun and not nearly as difficult to perfect as the rules of Pesach. Some Jews who grew up secular are afraid to try Jewish rituals that seem hard, and others feel guilty about lighting Hanukkah candles when they do not observe shabbos.
But Judaism is not an all-or-nothing faith. Every mitzvah you perform is a step on a journey. I struggle with keeping kosher, but I do not allow that struggle to guilt me into throwing out the rest of my faith. Maybe you will obtain the kind of spiritual nourishment from observing Hanukkah that will make you want to start taking on more Jewish spiritual practices.
In order to properly celebrate Hanukkah you will need a hanukkiah (Hanukkah menorah) with plenty of candles for all eight nights. It's best to use cotton wicks in olive oil or beeswax. Electric menorahs are fine for decorations, but not for properly observing the mitzvah. (If safety is a concern, such as in a dormitory or apartment building, consult a rabbi about alternative ways of fullfilling the mitzvah.) The shamash is the extra candle used to light the other eight candles. On the first night, you kindle one light on the right side and on the following night you add a second light to the left of the first. Go from the left to the right. The candle needs to burn at least thirty minutes after sundown.
Friday night is shabbos, so it's important to light the Hanukkah candles shortly before you light the regular Friday night shabbbat candles (which are supposed to be lit about 18 minutes before dusk.) On Saturday, light the candles after shabbos. You treat Friday and Saturday differently from the other nights in order to keep the sabbath.
Here is a video example of how you light the candles:
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Judaism/2007/11The-Beliefnet-Guide-to-Hanukkah.aspx
If you don't know Hebrew, here are the Hanukkah blessings (phonetically spelled out) courtesy of chabad.org. You recite them after lighting the candles.
1. Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.
So if you're a non-practicing Jew who has been considering taking up some level of observance, why not start with Hanukkah? Or if you're a non-Jew who is either on the cusp of going through a conversion or who wishes to dip her toes in the waters of Jewish observance, you really cannot go wrong with the Festival of Lights as a starting point. It's moving and fun and not nearly as difficult to perfect as the rules of Pesach. Some Jews who grew up secular are afraid to try Jewish rituals that seem hard, and others feel guilty about lighting Hanukkah candles when they do not observe shabbos.
But Judaism is not an all-or-nothing faith. Every mitzvah you perform is a step on a journey. I struggle with keeping kosher, but I do not allow that struggle to guilt me into throwing out the rest of my faith. Maybe you will obtain the kind of spiritual nourishment from observing Hanukkah that will make you want to start taking on more Jewish spiritual practices.
In order to properly celebrate Hanukkah you will need a hanukkiah (Hanukkah menorah) with plenty of candles for all eight nights. It's best to use cotton wicks in olive oil or beeswax. Electric menorahs are fine for decorations, but not for properly observing the mitzvah. (If safety is a concern, such as in a dormitory or apartment building, consult a rabbi about alternative ways of fullfilling the mitzvah.) The shamash is the extra candle used to light the other eight candles. On the first night, you kindle one light on the right side and on the following night you add a second light to the left of the first. Go from the left to the right. The candle needs to burn at least thirty minutes after sundown.
Friday night is shabbos, so it's important to light the Hanukkah candles shortly before you light the regular Friday night shabbbat candles (which are supposed to be lit about 18 minutes before dusk.) On Saturday, light the candles after shabbos. You treat Friday and Saturday differently from the other nights in order to keep the sabbath.
Here is a video example of how you light the candles:
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Judaism/2007/11The-Beliefnet-Guide-to-Hanukkah.aspx
If you don't know Hebrew, here are the Hanukkah blessings (phonetically spelled out) courtesy of chabad.org. You recite them after lighting the candles.
1. Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Chanukah light.
1. Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Me-lech Ha-olam A-sher Ki-de-sha-nu Be-mitz-vo-tav Ve-tzi-va-nu Le-had-lik Ner Cha-nu-kah.
2. Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who performed miracles for our forefathers in those days, at this time.
2. Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ha-olam She-a-sa Ni-sim La-avo-te-nu Ba-ya-mim Ha-hem Bi-z'man Ha-zeh.
3. Blessed are You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.
3. Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai E-lo-he-nu Me-lech Ha-olam She-heche-ya-nu Ve-ki-yi-ma-nu Ve-higi-a-nu Liz-man Ha-zeh.
Since Judaism is a social/familial religion, how can a Jew from a non-observant family or someone considering becoming a Jew-by-choice get the full effect of Hanukkah? This question is even more pronounced if you do not live in big metropolitan cities like Chicago or New York. The good news is that even in less diverse states, many cities have synagogues, temples, and a Jewish Community Center. Most temples offer Hanukkah celebrations with parties, movie screenings, and dinners; just make sure you call and make dinner reservations.
If you are a college student, check to see if your university offers a Hillel (a college Jewish group.) Most do if there is a demand for it. If possible, it is important to celebrate with other Jews!! To get the full experience, go to both temple services and college parties. If you're thinking about becoming Jewish, you may be surprised by how mellow and fun most young Jews are compared to such a seemingly demanding faith.
If you are the head of a household, and this will be your family's first year celebrating, make sure there is as much or more emphasis on spirituality and/or culture as on gifts. Look up recipes for latkes and other Hanukkah desserts. Play games. But make sure your kids have their own menorahs so they can learn the proper way to celebrate. They should also know the words they are saying when they recite the blessings.
But like all things Jewish, the important thing is to just do it. Do not allow guilt over not obesrving other mitzvoh stop you from enjoying one of the best holidays on our calendar. Being Jewish is no longer a crime. Converting to Judaism is no longer punishable by death. We are now free to practice our faith without fearful consequences. There's nothing minor about that.
Happy Hanukkah!!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Jews Overwhelmingly Opposed Prop 8. That Begs Three Big Questions.
If I got back together with my ex-boyfriend, Trevor, and we decided to get married or have a committment ceremony, my rabbi would not officiate the service. My synagogue would send us elsewhere. That might come as a shock to those who know how unwaveringly proud I am to be gay. How could I belong to a homophobic shul or religion? How could I have an anti-gay rabbi?
The answer is I do not. The problem with Trevor and I getting married is not that we're both guys. The "problem" is that Trevor is a Christian. Conservative rabbis (as a rule) do not officiate the wedding ceremonies of interfaith couples. The idea is that Jewish families are strongest when both parents are committed to the faith; therefore intermarriage is discouraged. (Most Conservative rabbis will give the names of more liberal Reform rabbis willing to marry them, and the couples' membership in the Conservative synagogue will remain in good standing.)
Now personally, I think as long as the couple plans to raise their children in the Jewish faith, they should be allowed to have a Conservative wedding in their own synagogue. (On the other hand, if you plan on raising your kids Christian, I'm not sure why you even care about having a Jewish wedding anyway.) There are many reports out there which show that Christian moms or Hindu dads can do an outstanding job of making sure their kids get a quality Jewish education. But that's a subject for another day.
More interesting to me is this: although Conservative Jews oppose interfaith marriage, they are not trying to get that religious belief enshrined in the law. Even though there are probably a few scriptural verses they could point to as biblical evidence they are correct, they are not trying to legislate their religious beliefs on this subject. The same can be said of Orthodox Jews. On the subject of Jew/gentile marriage, Orthodox Jews make Conservative Jews look like. . . Unitarians. You sometimes get the feeling the ban on interfaith marriage is the most important aspect of halakha. They get really worked up about this. But Orthodox Jews are NOT out there trying to force this religious belief down everyone else's throat. They are, however, joining the right wings of every other religion to force anti-gay legislation on everyone. Proposition 8 was pushed by fundamentalists in many religions.
Of course, in Judaism, fundamentalists are in the minority. The dominant expression of Judaism is the theology espoused by the Reform and Conservative movements. That helps explain why a disproportionate number of Jewish people in California opposed Proposition 8.
That brings up some big questions. Number 1: Why is the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America so out of touch with the rest of Jewrey? Why is it aligning itself with the Roman Catholic Church, The Knights of Colombus, the Church of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons), the American Family Association, Focus on the Family, and countless charismatic, health-and-wealth churches on the subject of marriage equality? Why did Orthodox Jewish organizations feel the need to cast their votes against a fellow minority by supporting Proposition 8?
Number 2: Why does the media act like fundamentalist voices are the only ones that matter in religions? That's cruel enough in religions like Christianity, where we rarely hear the viewpoints of progressive Episcopals or United Methodists. But in Judaism, the media's disregard for progressive Jewish viewpoints is outrageous. Orthodox Judaism makes up the SMALLEST part of Judaism.
Not only were individual Jews on the frontlines of Prop 8 protests, but Jewish organizations also lined up to oppose Prop 8. Jewish Mosaic, the American Jewish Committee, Progressive Jewish Alliance, the National Council of Jewish Women, and thousands of rabbis from all denominations (including Orthodox) opposed this hateful legislation, along with progressive members of other religions ("L.A. Jews Overwhelmingly Opposed Prop 8, Exit Poll Finds." LA Times.)
The answer is I do not. The problem with Trevor and I getting married is not that we're both guys. The "problem" is that Trevor is a Christian. Conservative rabbis (as a rule) do not officiate the wedding ceremonies of interfaith couples. The idea is that Jewish families are strongest when both parents are committed to the faith; therefore intermarriage is discouraged. (Most Conservative rabbis will give the names of more liberal Reform rabbis willing to marry them, and the couples' membership in the Conservative synagogue will remain in good standing.)
Now personally, I think as long as the couple plans to raise their children in the Jewish faith, they should be allowed to have a Conservative wedding in their own synagogue. (On the other hand, if you plan on raising your kids Christian, I'm not sure why you even care about having a Jewish wedding anyway.) There are many reports out there which show that Christian moms or Hindu dads can do an outstanding job of making sure their kids get a quality Jewish education. But that's a subject for another day.
More interesting to me is this: although Conservative Jews oppose interfaith marriage, they are not trying to get that religious belief enshrined in the law. Even though there are probably a few scriptural verses they could point to as biblical evidence they are correct, they are not trying to legislate their religious beliefs on this subject. The same can be said of Orthodox Jews. On the subject of Jew/gentile marriage, Orthodox Jews make Conservative Jews look like. . . Unitarians. You sometimes get the feeling the ban on interfaith marriage is the most important aspect of halakha. They get really worked up about this. But Orthodox Jews are NOT out there trying to force this religious belief down everyone else's throat. They are, however, joining the right wings of every other religion to force anti-gay legislation on everyone. Proposition 8 was pushed by fundamentalists in many religions.
Of course, in Judaism, fundamentalists are in the minority. The dominant expression of Judaism is the theology espoused by the Reform and Conservative movements. That helps explain why a disproportionate number of Jewish people in California opposed Proposition 8.
Regarding marriage equality, "Los Angeles Jews were more opposed to Prop 8 than any other religious group or ethnic group." --Wikipedia
That brings up some big questions. Number 1: Why is the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America so out of touch with the rest of Jewrey? Why is it aligning itself with the Roman Catholic Church, The Knights of Colombus, the Church of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons), the American Family Association, Focus on the Family, and countless charismatic, health-and-wealth churches on the subject of marriage equality? Why did Orthodox Jewish organizations feel the need to cast their votes against a fellow minority by supporting Proposition 8?
Number 2: Why does the media act like fundamentalist voices are the only ones that matter in religions? That's cruel enough in religions like Christianity, where we rarely hear the viewpoints of progressive Episcopals or United Methodists. But in Judaism, the media's disregard for progressive Jewish viewpoints is outrageous. Orthodox Judaism makes up the SMALLEST part of Judaism.
Not only were individual Jews on the frontlines of Prop 8 protests, but Jewish organizations also lined up to oppose Prop 8. Jewish Mosaic, the American Jewish Committee, Progressive Jewish Alliance, the National Council of Jewish Women, and thousands of rabbis from all denominations (including Orthodox) opposed this hateful legislation, along with progressive members of other religions ("L.A. Jews Overwhelmingly Opposed Prop 8, Exit Poll Finds." LA Times.)
The Board of Rabbis of Southern California came out in favor of equality. "For many rabbis, it speaks on a personal level in terms of people they deal with whose lives have been impacted over the issue,” said Rabbi Stewart Vogel of Temple Aliyah in Woodland Hills and the board’s president of approximately 290 members.
Most religious Jews support marriage equality. Even Conservative ones. And marriage and families are an important part of Judaism. That brings us to the biggest question of all.
Number 3: Since Judaism allows same-sex marriage, why are gay Jews being kept from fully practicing their faith? Jews are encouraged by their faith to get married and raise Jewish kids. America's bigoted stance on marriage equality (and in some states, adoption) is prohibiting this for Jews who happen to be gay. Also, think about all the gay Christians who belong to chuches that would gladly celebrate their marriages.
Orthodox and Conservative Jews do not try to legislate bans on interfaith marriage. Evangelicals and Mormons do not try to outlaw adultery. Roman Catholics do not attempt to criminalize birth control or condoms. They simply preach their beliefs from the pulpits and leave those with differing opinions subject to secular law. Contrary to the lies the religious right was spreading before Prop 8, marriage equality does NOT criminalize the clergy who wish to spread hate and bigotry to their congregants. Look at the two U.S. states where gays have equal rights (and most of Europe.) Those places still allow religious nuts to be as backwards and ignorant as they want.
Places of worship will always be allowed to discriminate against gay people, and any clergyperson who does not want to marry a gay couple will never have to, just as my rabbi will never have to marry me and a Christian. But subjecting a group's civil rights to the votes of an angry mob of religious maniacs should not be Constitutional. If you care about "the sanctity of marriage," then ban straight divorce!! Let's throw adulterers in jail. If you support a ban on my right to marry, you're not pro-marriage--you're just anti-gay.
MY religion is okay with my being gay. I couldn't care less about yours'.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Protest Prop 8
An ecumenical effort driven mostly by Mormons and far-right evangelicals managed to get the hateful, discriminatory Proposition 8 passed last week, taking away the rights of California's gay and lesbian tax-paying citizens to marry the person they love. ("California's Proposition 8 Pushed by Religious Groups, Especially Mormons")
http://religionclause.blogspot.com/2008/10/californias-proposition-8-pushed-by.html
(Why is it these religious groups only seem to get along when they are united against gay people?)
Here is a list of organized protests. If you live in any of these areas, please consider joining this movement and making your voice heard. And if you belong to a religion, maybe it would be nice to show it!! Let everybody see clear evidence that the people who voted to discriminate against gays and lesbians do NOT represent the only voice in that religion. If you're a Christian, wear a Jesus Loves Me shirt or a cross around your neck. If you're a Muslim or a sikh, dress traditionally. If you're Jewish, wear a kippah. Just a suggestion.
Thursday, Nov. 13
No On Prop 8 Protest - Irvine, Thursday 11/13 4:30pm Corner of Campus & Culver Drive, Irvine Marching to Culver & Alton.
Beverly Hills, CATime: 5:30pm - 7:30pm Location: Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Street: 8949 Wilshire Blvd (Only candles, signs of love, nothing controversial) Organizer Contact: keegankillian@yahoo.com or 310-710-0678
State, College, PA 5:30pm - 7:30pm Allen Street Gates Corner of College and Allen Streets 8143605717, hvstonewall@gmail.com
Los Angeles, CAEl Coyote Cafe @ 7:00PM7312 Beverly Blvd, 90036
Long Beach, CA7 p.m. Hamburger Mary's
Palm Springs, CA7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Alejo & Palm CanyonMarch to Arenas then back to Francise Stevens ParkHosted by Concerned Citizens of Palm SpringsContact: deankrumme@mac.com
Friday, Nov. 14
2008UC San Diego, La Jolla 11:30pm - 3:00pm 9450 Gilman DriveLa Jolla, California
Vanguard College12:00pm - 2:00pm Lawn in front of Heath @ Vanguard 5623107470, Ebonee.Batiste@vanguard.edu
Hermosa Beach, CA 5:00pm - 7:00pm The Intersection of Pier and Hermosa Ave.Hermosa Beach Pier
Tucson, AZ5:00: Assemble at El Presidio Park (155 N Church St)5:30: March to La PLacita Village5:45 - 7:00 Rally
San Francisco TIME: 6:00pmPLACE: San Francisco Chronicle, 901 Mission St.
Los Angeles, CAUCLA7:00pm - 9:00pm Bruin Plaza / Campus
Saturday Nov. 15th
Join The Impact! Nationwide. On the steps of your City Hall on November 15th at 10:30am PST / 1:30pm EST, our community WILL take to the streets and speak out against Proposition 8.
San Francisco 10:30 A.M. at City Hall.1 Dr Carton B Goodlett Pl San Francisco, CA 94102http://protest8sf.wordpress.com/
Orange County, CA 12:00pm - 5:00pm South Coast Plaza Bear Street (Where the mall, Crystal Court, and Metro Pt. meet) Costa Mesa, CA
Anti-prop 8 New York Protest 1:30pm - 4:30pm City Hall260 BroadwayNew York, NY
Las Vegas, NV2-4PMThe LGBT Center, 953 E. Sahara Ave., Ste. B-31 standoutforequality@thecenterlv.com, 702-733-9800
Valencia Santa Clarita / Stevenson Ranch – 4PM Corner of Valencia Blvd & McBean Pkwy, Santa Clarita http://www.myspace.com/noonH8
Victorville, CA Corner of Bear Valley rd and Hesperia Rd. (NorthWest corner by Bank of America) in Victorville. 6:00PM
Sunday, Nov. 16th
Lake Forest, CA Saddle Back Church 10:00AM1 Saddleback Pkwy, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Long Beach, CAJesus Christ Church of Latter-Day Saints [Silent Protest]10:30 AM, 1140 Ximeno 7148819427, csibri@mac.com
Los Altos, CA11:00am - 2:00pm 1300 Grant RdBrandonRN2004@aol.com
Oakland, CA 11:30am - 2:00pm Foothill Missionary Baptist Church 1530 Foothill BLVD
Philadelphia, PA2:00pm - 3:00pm Independence Hall 143 South 3rd Street
Long Beach, CA3 p.m. Intersection of PCH/7th/BellflowerContact: Brittney at felisperdita@verizon.net
San Clemente, CA3 p.m. 242 Avenida Del Mar Contact: Edson McClellan at 949.584.6084 or emcclellan7@gmail.com.
Friday, Nov. 21st
Front Steps of Burlingame High School Street: 1 Mangini WayCity/Town: Burlingame, CA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=93382880491
Sunday, Nov. 23rd
Cambridge, Massachusetts 2pm Cambridge City Hall 795 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA. 02139
Saturday, Nov. 29th
No On Prop 8 Peaceful Protest & Candlelight Vigil - Long Beach, Saturday 11/29 7pmLong Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach
http://religionclause.blogspot.com/2008/10/californias-proposition-8-pushed-by.html
(Why is it these religious groups only seem to get along when they are united against gay people?)
Here is a list of organized protests. If you live in any of these areas, please consider joining this movement and making your voice heard. And if you belong to a religion, maybe it would be nice to show it!! Let everybody see clear evidence that the people who voted to discriminate against gays and lesbians do NOT represent the only voice in that religion. If you're a Christian, wear a Jesus Loves Me shirt or a cross around your neck. If you're a Muslim or a sikh, dress traditionally. If you're Jewish, wear a kippah. Just a suggestion.
Thursday, Nov. 13
No On Prop 8 Protest - Irvine, Thursday 11/13 4:30pm Corner of Campus & Culver Drive, Irvine Marching to Culver & Alton.
Beverly Hills, CATime: 5:30pm - 7:30pm Location: Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Street: 8949 Wilshire Blvd (Only candles, signs of love, nothing controversial) Organizer Contact: keegankillian@yahoo.com or 310-710-0678
State, College, PA 5:30pm - 7:30pm Allen Street Gates Corner of College and Allen Streets 8143605717, hvstonewall@gmail.com
Los Angeles, CAEl Coyote Cafe @ 7:00PM7312 Beverly Blvd, 90036
Long Beach, CA7 p.m. Hamburger Mary's
Palm Springs, CA7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Alejo & Palm CanyonMarch to Arenas then back to Francise Stevens ParkHosted by Concerned Citizens of Palm SpringsContact: deankrumme@mac.com
Friday, Nov. 14
2008UC San Diego, La Jolla 11:30pm - 3:00pm 9450 Gilman DriveLa Jolla, California
Vanguard College12:00pm - 2:00pm Lawn in front of Heath @ Vanguard 5623107470, Ebonee.Batiste@vanguard.edu
Hermosa Beach, CA 5:00pm - 7:00pm The Intersection of Pier and Hermosa Ave.Hermosa Beach Pier
Tucson, AZ5:00: Assemble at El Presidio Park (155 N Church St)5:30: March to La PLacita Village5:45 - 7:00 Rally
San Francisco TIME: 6:00pmPLACE: San Francisco Chronicle, 901 Mission St.
Los Angeles, CAUCLA7:00pm - 9:00pm Bruin Plaza / Campus
Saturday Nov. 15th
Join The Impact! Nationwide. On the steps of your City Hall on November 15th at 10:30am PST / 1:30pm EST, our community WILL take to the streets and speak out against Proposition 8.
San Francisco 10:30 A.M. at City Hall.1 Dr Carton B Goodlett Pl San Francisco, CA 94102http://protest8sf.wordpress.com/
Orange County, CA 12:00pm - 5:00pm South Coast Plaza Bear Street (Where the mall, Crystal Court, and Metro Pt. meet) Costa Mesa, CA
Anti-prop 8 New York Protest 1:30pm - 4:30pm City Hall260 BroadwayNew York, NY
Las Vegas, NV2-4PMThe LGBT Center, 953 E. Sahara Ave., Ste. B-31 standoutforequality@thecenterlv.com, 702-733-9800
Valencia Santa Clarita / Stevenson Ranch – 4PM Corner of Valencia Blvd & McBean Pkwy, Santa Clarita http://www.myspace.com/noonH8
Victorville, CA Corner of Bear Valley rd and Hesperia Rd. (NorthWest corner by Bank of America) in Victorville. 6:00PM
Sunday, Nov. 16th
Lake Forest, CA Saddle Back Church 10:00AM1 Saddleback Pkwy, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Long Beach, CAJesus Christ Church of Latter-Day Saints [Silent Protest]10:30 AM, 1140 Ximeno 7148819427, csibri@mac.com
Los Altos, CA11:00am - 2:00pm 1300 Grant RdBrandonRN2004@aol.com
Oakland, CA 11:30am - 2:00pm Foothill Missionary Baptist Church 1530 Foothill BLVD
Philadelphia, PA2:00pm - 3:00pm Independence Hall 143 South 3rd Street
Long Beach, CA3 p.m. Intersection of PCH/7th/BellflowerContact: Brittney at felisperdita@verizon.net
San Clemente, CA3 p.m. 242 Avenida Del Mar Contact: Edson McClellan at 949.584.6084 or emcclellan7@gmail.com.
Friday, Nov. 21st
Front Steps of Burlingame High School Street: 1 Mangini WayCity/Town: Burlingame, CA http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=93382880491
Sunday, Nov. 23rd
Cambridge, Massachusetts 2pm Cambridge City Hall 795 Massachusetts Avenue Cambridge, MA. 02139
Saturday, Nov. 29th
No On Prop 8 Peaceful Protest & Candlelight Vigil - Long Beach, Saturday 11/29 7pmLong Beach Performing Arts Center, 300 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach
----thanks to Queers United for compiling this list----
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Jewish Popularity: Everybody Really Does Love a Nice Jewish Girl (or Boy)
A racist, who goes by the initials A.J., recently wrote a delightful article for a hate site about how President-elect Barack Obama is a Jewish creation designed to subvert morality and push "Jewish" legislation about abortion, universal health care, gay-straight equality, the death penalty, etc. (Yawn.)
http://tworca.org/barack_obama.html
"It is purely Jewish money from billiionaire currency con-artist George Soros, Jew money-bags Lew Susman, Jew movie moguls Steven Spielberg, David Geffen, and a thousand Katz's, Cohen's, Weinstein's, and Einstein's and Bernstein's in New York and Hollywood that are breathing life into this man-made mongrel mud-man [sic]." A.J. also points out that David Axelrod, Obama's "chief political strategist" is one of the Chosen People.
I point out this anti-Semitism only to say some people still hate us and see us as the movers and shakers behind every single major development in the world. These people are the ones who seek out the last names of the founders/owners of Facebook, Starbucks, and Google and write silly blogs about how every new popular company is run by a Jew. Obama's victory is just the latest event we supposedly masterminded (although I guess my Jewish friend Cody--an NRA member who voted for McCain--didn't get the memo.)
The neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and klansmen are not going anywhere; they're here to stay. And Obama's historic win--supported by 77% of Jewish voters--is only going to energize them. Obama has already been the vicitm of stated, planned assassination attempts.
But as much as we should be aware of this hatred, it's important to keep things in perspective. And that perspective is fairly sunny!! Jews have triumphed in this society--individually, culturally, and spiritually--and are among the most popular groups of people in the western world. Far from hating us, and even pretty far from being indifferent to us, (almost) everybody loves us. A rabbi once famously said about the threat of intermarriage: "The greatest threat to Judaism is no longer that gentiles want to kill us. It's that gentiles want to marry us."
So instead of drilling into the heads of Jewish kids and Hebrew school students that everybody despises Jews and that Jews must be careful because we're always one step away from another Shoah, what if we balanced that by also showing them how so many Jews have succeeded in this country without hiding his or her Jewishness? What if we showed them how Judaism is a major religion that attracts many people who were not born Jewish? How Jewish theology is currently an attractive option in the market place of spiritual ideals?
The first reason we should share this positive balance with our kids and students is that it will surely make them more emotionally healthy people. I have no research to back this up, but my own intuition tells me it isn't good for kids to constantly, obsessively read/hear/learn about our history of pogroms and gas chambers. That sad aspect of our history is definitely important, but it's better to balance that with stories of other ethnic groups' oppression and stories about Jewish achievement in the U.S. and Europe.
The other reason to share this positivity with kids is that IT IS THE TRUTH!!
In proportion, more Christians convert to Judaism every year than vice versa. Nearly every synagogue has active conversion classes. A woman from the Reform temple I do not attend converted for her ex-husband in 1999, and she has remained Jewish even after the 2002 divorce. Even though her initial reasons for conversion were more about her relationship than her spirituality, she has become a Jew in heart and soul.
There have also been recent reports that Judaism is attracting large numbers of black people. In fact, a black Christian church in the south suddenly saw a mass conversion. After exploring the faith as a group, every single member came to the conclusion that Judaism was a bitter fit with their personal beliefs than was Christianity. Everyone studied with a rabbi and they converted en masse. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, this is happening more and more (although not in the same dramatic fashion as the mass conversion.)
"For a black male to put on a kippah and go wandering around in a predominantly black community, you get the strangest looks," said Pamela Harris, who converted along with her kippah-sporting husband Jim ("Judaism Drawing More Black Americans.")
Another black woman, Latesha Jones, was introduced to the faith by befriending some Jews. Because Jews don't proseletize, Ms. Jones studied her friends' faith on her own, and she asked questions and went to shabbos service. Soon after she went through the conversion. "I felt welcome," she said. "I felt like this is my place."
Even though I've experienced my share of prejudice, those instances are far outweighed by the genuine interest and respect my friends show my faith and heritage. Even friends who are Christians or Muslims or atheists are able to carry on conversations with me about the Talmud and bar mitzvahs and Hanukkah without being judgmental or hateful. And I have so many straight non-Jewish male friends who ask me to set them up with Jewish girls, which is apparently a common occurence in the U.S., given the near-constant warnings about inter-marraige from right-leaning rabbis.
Face it. We are popular. Yes, some hate us, just as they hate people who are black, Latino, gay, or Asian. But most people admire Jewish singers, artists, writers, and entertainers without seeing the disproportionate number of successful Jews as being evidence of group control or world domination. Some people are even interested in joining the tribe.
Cute teen-idol pop star Jesse McCartney (not Jewish) recently told the media he uses the Jewish dating site JDate to meet girls. He said, "One of my best buddies is a Conservative Jew, and he told me about JDate and I set up an account to meet cute girls."
Well, good luck, Jesse. I hope you find a nice girl. Even if you don't convert.
http://tworca.org/barack_obama.html
"It is purely Jewish money from billiionaire currency con-artist George Soros, Jew money-bags Lew Susman, Jew movie moguls Steven Spielberg, David Geffen, and a thousand Katz's, Cohen's, Weinstein's, and Einstein's and Bernstein's in New York and Hollywood that are breathing life into this man-made mongrel mud-man [sic]." A.J. also points out that David Axelrod, Obama's "chief political strategist" is one of the Chosen People.
I point out this anti-Semitism only to say some people still hate us and see us as the movers and shakers behind every single major development in the world. These people are the ones who seek out the last names of the founders/owners of Facebook, Starbucks, and Google and write silly blogs about how every new popular company is run by a Jew. Obama's victory is just the latest event we supposedly masterminded (although I guess my Jewish friend Cody--an NRA member who voted for McCain--didn't get the memo.)
The neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and klansmen are not going anywhere; they're here to stay. And Obama's historic win--supported by 77% of Jewish voters--is only going to energize them. Obama has already been the vicitm of stated, planned assassination attempts.
But as much as we should be aware of this hatred, it's important to keep things in perspective. And that perspective is fairly sunny!! Jews have triumphed in this society--individually, culturally, and spiritually--and are among the most popular groups of people in the western world. Far from hating us, and even pretty far from being indifferent to us, (almost) everybody loves us. A rabbi once famously said about the threat of intermarriage: "The greatest threat to Judaism is no longer that gentiles want to kill us. It's that gentiles want to marry us."
So instead of drilling into the heads of Jewish kids and Hebrew school students that everybody despises Jews and that Jews must be careful because we're always one step away from another Shoah, what if we balanced that by also showing them how so many Jews have succeeded in this country without hiding his or her Jewishness? What if we showed them how Judaism is a major religion that attracts many people who were not born Jewish? How Jewish theology is currently an attractive option in the market place of spiritual ideals?
The first reason we should share this positive balance with our kids and students is that it will surely make them more emotionally healthy people. I have no research to back this up, but my own intuition tells me it isn't good for kids to constantly, obsessively read/hear/learn about our history of pogroms and gas chambers. That sad aspect of our history is definitely important, but it's better to balance that with stories of other ethnic groups' oppression and stories about Jewish achievement in the U.S. and Europe.
The other reason to share this positivity with kids is that IT IS THE TRUTH!!
In proportion, more Christians convert to Judaism every year than vice versa. Nearly every synagogue has active conversion classes. A woman from the Reform temple I do not attend converted for her ex-husband in 1999, and she has remained Jewish even after the 2002 divorce. Even though her initial reasons for conversion were more about her relationship than her spirituality, she has become a Jew in heart and soul.
There have also been recent reports that Judaism is attracting large numbers of black people. In fact, a black Christian church in the south suddenly saw a mass conversion. After exploring the faith as a group, every single member came to the conclusion that Judaism was a bitter fit with their personal beliefs than was Christianity. Everyone studied with a rabbi and they converted en masse. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, this is happening more and more (although not in the same dramatic fashion as the mass conversion.)
"For a black male to put on a kippah and go wandering around in a predominantly black community, you get the strangest looks," said Pamela Harris, who converted along with her kippah-sporting husband Jim ("Judaism Drawing More Black Americans.")
Another black woman, Latesha Jones, was introduced to the faith by befriending some Jews. Because Jews don't proseletize, Ms. Jones studied her friends' faith on her own, and she asked questions and went to shabbos service. Soon after she went through the conversion. "I felt welcome," she said. "I felt like this is my place."
Even though I've experienced my share of prejudice, those instances are far outweighed by the genuine interest and respect my friends show my faith and heritage. Even friends who are Christians or Muslims or atheists are able to carry on conversations with me about the Talmud and bar mitzvahs and Hanukkah without being judgmental or hateful. And I have so many straight non-Jewish male friends who ask me to set them up with Jewish girls, which is apparently a common occurence in the U.S., given the near-constant warnings about inter-marraige from right-leaning rabbis.
Face it. We are popular. Yes, some hate us, just as they hate people who are black, Latino, gay, or Asian. But most people admire Jewish singers, artists, writers, and entertainers without seeing the disproportionate number of successful Jews as being evidence of group control or world domination. Some people are even interested in joining the tribe.
Cute teen-idol pop star Jesse McCartney (not Jewish) recently told the media he uses the Jewish dating site JDate to meet girls. He said, "One of my best buddies is a Conservative Jew, and he told me about JDate and I set up an account to meet cute girls."
Well, good luck, Jesse. I hope you find a nice girl. Even if you don't convert.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Why Obama Will Make a Better President
Approximately eighty percent of the Jewish-American community votes Democratic in presidential elections. Despite this fact, both Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain are courting Jewish voters. The Democrats are not taking us for granted, and the Republicans are not writing us off. Both parties are taking the usual steps of pledging support for Israel, but there is so much more to Jews and Judaism than that. What about compassion and health care for the poor, and equality for all citizens, regardless of race, orientation, or belief?
Those of us who take our heritage seriously and who feel Jewish morality is best explained by those great Conservative rabbis Milton Steinberg and Abraham Joshua Heschel can easily see why Obama will make the better U.S. president.
ECONOMY: John McCain is a hypocrite. He describes Obama as a "socialist." He says Obama's plans for the economy amount to socialism and his running mate Sarah Palin says continuously that, "this is not the time to experiment with socialism." And yet McCain supports nationalizing business, as evidenced by his support of the recent government bailouts. He also supports tax cuts for the ultra-rich, and his official site offers very little substance in the way of getting the U.S. economy back on track. His plan of action to help the middle class amounts to little more than bizzare soundbites about Joe the Plumber and Wendy the Waitress.
Obama is not a socialist, and--sadly--he would be an even more stellar candidate if his policies veered more in that direction. But in terms of capitalism, he has devised innovative plans to truly help the poor and improve our ailing economy, including creating jobs in fields related to modern energy sources. He wants to lessen the burden of higher education costs for students who make decent grades. His other sophisticated ideas inlcude, "investments in infrastructure, energy independence, education, and research and development." He wants to, "modernize and simplify our tax code so it provides greater opportunity and relief to more Americans."
WAR IN IRAQ: McCain says, "when Iraqi forces can safeguard their own country, American troops can return home." Unfortunately, that translates to many more years of occupation. This war will last indefinately under a McCain presidencey. The war is actually McCain's defining issue, and "winning" the war and displaying America's strength to "countries that don't like us much" are of the utmost importance to him. Obama supports a timeline for withdrawal and says the way Bush handled the war (unilateral engagement, preemptive strike) is wrong.
DEFENSE OF U.S. (AND ISRAEL): Obama states, "We have inherited a national security structure that was developed and organized in the late 1940's to win the Cold War." He wants to meet unconditionally with hostile world leaders (while still condemning those leaders' views and actions) in an effort to negotiate peace. He also wants to end Bush's stop-loss policies, develop a better weapons program, and provide more benefits for soldiers and veterans. Clearly, other countries' view of the U.S. will improve when Obama is President.
Both candidates support Israel as a U.S. friend and ally. But both men have a different definition of "support." McCain and Palin both fall into the right-wing trap of pledging undying, unconditional support for every expansionist Israeli policy, even those denounced by most Israeli citizens. McCain's and especially Palin's positions on social issues show they are not in synch with Jewish voters. And McCain's connection to Pastor John Hagee--a right-wing Zionist preacher who claimed the Shoah is G-d's punishment to Jews for not accepting Jesus--is at least as real as Obama's connection to Reverend Jeremiah Wright, but very few people other than Jews made an issue out of it.
Obama supports Israel's right to exist, as well as the safety of its citizens. He has davened at the Western Wall while wearing a kippah. But he has also expressed sympathy for both Palestinians and Israelis who live in fear and who have lost loved ones in this tragic conflict. He is mostly untested on this issue, but his administration will hopefully be more balanced than Bush's was or McCain's would be.
CIVIL RIGHTS: Obama says he will pass the Matthew Shepard Act and expand hate crime legislation to include sexual orientation on a national level. He also wants to ban racial profiling, end Clinton's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" military policy banning open gays, and "reinvigorate the Department of Justice's criminal section." He also describes a proposed Constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman as "hateful."
McCain, on the other hand, says one thing and does another. He speaks for the most part in sane, civil language to appeal to undecided moderate voters, but his campaign is busy working its more fanatical base into a frenzy. His supporters have led a fear-mongering campaign based on anti-Arab and anti-Muslim sentiments. From the beginning, McCain supporters have tried to convince people (mostly evangelical Christians, Jewish senior citizens, and unaffilliated white people) that Obama is a Muslim. As Jon Stewart and Colin Powell both pointed out, this is offensive not only for being inaccurate but also for being unimportant. Why should a Muslim not run for office? Now there are rumblings among McCain's supporters that the New Testament claims the anti-Christ will be "of Muslim descent." Amazingly, the McCain campaign even silenced a Muslim Republican McCain supporter who was trying to defend McCain.
Moving from anti-Islam prejudice to outright racism, Obama's middle name Hussein has been used by McCain's campaign to suggest he is Arab. And while his supporters were quick to point out that McCain told an insane woman at his rally that Obama is not an Arab, his evidence to her was that he is a "decent family man." That was probably just a gaffe, but it's still the kind of gaffe that comes from not caring too deeply about racism in the first place. He is clearly out of his element when it comes to civil rights.
Just like he does with Arabs and Muslims, McCain also has other people do his dirty work when it comes to gays. In a transparent effort to court anti-gay religious bigots, his running mate Sarah Palin recently said she supports a Constitutional amendment banning gays from getting married.
HEALTH CARE: Obama says, "I . . . believe that every American has the right to affordable health care." McCain and Palin would say this is yet more evidence that Obama is a socialist, but if he were a socialist he would have said "free" in place of "affordable." Instead, Obama supports allowing qualified citizens who are not insured through their workplaces to tap into government health care. Anyone who takes ethics seriously can tell you the child of poor parents deserves the same health care given to the child of rich parents, but Jewish ethics would go further and say those poor parents also deserve the same health care as those rich parents. It would be nice if Obama supported socialized health care, but the capitalist program he does espouse is still infinitely better than McCain's. Obama says, "It's time to let the drug and insurance companies know that while they'll get a seat at the table, they don't get to buy every chair."
If all being Jewish means to you is that you watch Curb Your Enthusiasm, buy Manishewietz, and work hard to get your spoiled kids into Harvard, then there's no telling who you should or will vote for. But if you live to practice Jewish ethics--if the moral codes of Rashi, Steinberg, and Heschel are embedded in your heart and soul--it is clear Barack Obama is the better choice for U.S. President.
Correction: I can find no evidence that Sarah Palin was ever business partners with the member of Jews For Jesus who visited her church, as I originally wrote. I apologize for the mistake.
Those of us who take our heritage seriously and who feel Jewish morality is best explained by those great Conservative rabbis Milton Steinberg and Abraham Joshua Heschel can easily see why Obama will make the better U.S. president.
ECONOMY: John McCain is a hypocrite. He describes Obama as a "socialist." He says Obama's plans for the economy amount to socialism and his running mate Sarah Palin says continuously that, "this is not the time to experiment with socialism." And yet McCain supports nationalizing business, as evidenced by his support of the recent government bailouts. He also supports tax cuts for the ultra-rich, and his official site offers very little substance in the way of getting the U.S. economy back on track. His plan of action to help the middle class amounts to little more than bizzare soundbites about Joe the Plumber and Wendy the Waitress.
Obama is not a socialist, and--sadly--he would be an even more stellar candidate if his policies veered more in that direction. But in terms of capitalism, he has devised innovative plans to truly help the poor and improve our ailing economy, including creating jobs in fields related to modern energy sources. He wants to lessen the burden of higher education costs for students who make decent grades. His other sophisticated ideas inlcude, "investments in infrastructure, energy independence, education, and research and development." He wants to, "modernize and simplify our tax code so it provides greater opportunity and relief to more Americans."
WAR IN IRAQ: McCain says, "when Iraqi forces can safeguard their own country, American troops can return home." Unfortunately, that translates to many more years of occupation. This war will last indefinately under a McCain presidencey. The war is actually McCain's defining issue, and "winning" the war and displaying America's strength to "countries that don't like us much" are of the utmost importance to him. Obama supports a timeline for withdrawal and says the way Bush handled the war (unilateral engagement, preemptive strike) is wrong.
DEFENSE OF U.S. (AND ISRAEL): Obama states, "We have inherited a national security structure that was developed and organized in the late 1940's to win the Cold War." He wants to meet unconditionally with hostile world leaders (while still condemning those leaders' views and actions) in an effort to negotiate peace. He also wants to end Bush's stop-loss policies, develop a better weapons program, and provide more benefits for soldiers and veterans. Clearly, other countries' view of the U.S. will improve when Obama is President.
Both candidates support Israel as a U.S. friend and ally. But both men have a different definition of "support." McCain and Palin both fall into the right-wing trap of pledging undying, unconditional support for every expansionist Israeli policy, even those denounced by most Israeli citizens. McCain's and especially Palin's positions on social issues show they are not in synch with Jewish voters. And McCain's connection to Pastor John Hagee--a right-wing Zionist preacher who claimed the Shoah is G-d's punishment to Jews for not accepting Jesus--is at least as real as Obama's connection to Reverend Jeremiah Wright, but very few people other than Jews made an issue out of it.
Obama supports Israel's right to exist, as well as the safety of its citizens. He has davened at the Western Wall while wearing a kippah. But he has also expressed sympathy for both Palestinians and Israelis who live in fear and who have lost loved ones in this tragic conflict. He is mostly untested on this issue, but his administration will hopefully be more balanced than Bush's was or McCain's would be.
CIVIL RIGHTS: Obama says he will pass the Matthew Shepard Act and expand hate crime legislation to include sexual orientation on a national level. He also wants to ban racial profiling, end Clinton's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" military policy banning open gays, and "reinvigorate the Department of Justice's criminal section." He also describes a proposed Constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman as "hateful."
McCain, on the other hand, says one thing and does another. He speaks for the most part in sane, civil language to appeal to undecided moderate voters, but his campaign is busy working its more fanatical base into a frenzy. His supporters have led a fear-mongering campaign based on anti-Arab and anti-Muslim sentiments. From the beginning, McCain supporters have tried to convince people (mostly evangelical Christians, Jewish senior citizens, and unaffilliated white people) that Obama is a Muslim. As Jon Stewart and Colin Powell both pointed out, this is offensive not only for being inaccurate but also for being unimportant. Why should a Muslim not run for office? Now there are rumblings among McCain's supporters that the New Testament claims the anti-Christ will be "of Muslim descent." Amazingly, the McCain campaign even silenced a Muslim Republican McCain supporter who was trying to defend McCain.
Moving from anti-Islam prejudice to outright racism, Obama's middle name Hussein has been used by McCain's campaign to suggest he is Arab. And while his supporters were quick to point out that McCain told an insane woman at his rally that Obama is not an Arab, his evidence to her was that he is a "decent family man." That was probably just a gaffe, but it's still the kind of gaffe that comes from not caring too deeply about racism in the first place. He is clearly out of his element when it comes to civil rights.
Just like he does with Arabs and Muslims, McCain also has other people do his dirty work when it comes to gays. In a transparent effort to court anti-gay religious bigots, his running mate Sarah Palin recently said she supports a Constitutional amendment banning gays from getting married.
HEALTH CARE: Obama says, "I . . . believe that every American has the right to affordable health care." McCain and Palin would say this is yet more evidence that Obama is a socialist, but if he were a socialist he would have said "free" in place of "affordable." Instead, Obama supports allowing qualified citizens who are not insured through their workplaces to tap into government health care. Anyone who takes ethics seriously can tell you the child of poor parents deserves the same health care given to the child of rich parents, but Jewish ethics would go further and say those poor parents also deserve the same health care as those rich parents. It would be nice if Obama supported socialized health care, but the capitalist program he does espouse is still infinitely better than McCain's. Obama says, "It's time to let the drug and insurance companies know that while they'll get a seat at the table, they don't get to buy every chair."
If all being Jewish means to you is that you watch Curb Your Enthusiasm, buy Manishewietz, and work hard to get your spoiled kids into Harvard, then there's no telling who you should or will vote for. But if you live to practice Jewish ethics--if the moral codes of Rashi, Steinberg, and Heschel are embedded in your heart and soul--it is clear Barack Obama is the better choice for U.S. President.
Correction: I can find no evidence that Sarah Palin was ever business partners with the member of Jews For Jesus who visited her church, as I originally wrote. I apologize for the mistake.
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