I can agree with everything you say here. But as someone who was raised Jewish, I can add a bit of nuance. The actions of Israel (which I most definitely oppose - their actions in Gaza erased any sympathy I once had) definitely ramp up antisemitism. But it by no means manufactures it. There is always a deep reservoir to draw upon.
A decent analogy is 1930s Germany. Hitler whipped up anti Jewish sentiment. But that sentiment had a very long history in Germany, going back at least as far as Martin Luther's virulent polemics in the 16th century.
This is not in any way a criticism of the piece, just wanted to add a bit of context.
I hear what you're saying — and that's exactly why I said 'everybody is responsible for their own racism.' We hold every individual responsible for their criminal acts, but we also study what drives crime rates up or down and build strategies around it. I'm not absolving antisemites of personal responsibility or saying the Israeli government started it all and made these poor people antisemites.
But when it comes to antisemitism, there are far more people on the fence — or carrying dormant prejudice — than convinced antisemites, and we should be smart enough to contain it rather than inflame it and act surprised by the result. Netanyahu seems not to care.
My personal opinion is that a lot of Netanyahu's bad acts in regards to military actions are, like in the case of Trump, motivated by a desire to escape the consequences of his other past acts, negative results be damned.
That's a huge hole in democracies. The same people who think their government is doing a lousy job become its fiercest defenders the moment it makes an international decision. And when it comes to military action, if you're drafted, you become a traitor for refusing to fight on behalf of the same corrupt politicians you were just complaining about.
Fighting for the politicians suddenly becomes dying for your country.
Thank you - that really means a lot. I'm not promoting what people must think, but I aim to strip things down to expose the core or paint another angle people might not have considered. I'm delighted to hear it's of some use to some.
I can agree with everything you say here. But as someone who was raised Jewish, I can add a bit of nuance. The actions of Israel (which I most definitely oppose - their actions in Gaza erased any sympathy I once had) definitely ramp up antisemitism. But it by no means manufactures it. There is always a deep reservoir to draw upon.
A decent analogy is 1930s Germany. Hitler whipped up anti Jewish sentiment. But that sentiment had a very long history in Germany, going back at least as far as Martin Luther's virulent polemics in the 16th century.
This is not in any way a criticism of the piece, just wanted to add a bit of context.
I hear what you're saying — and that's exactly why I said 'everybody is responsible for their own racism.' We hold every individual responsible for their criminal acts, but we also study what drives crime rates up or down and build strategies around it. I'm not absolving antisemites of personal responsibility or saying the Israeli government started it all and made these poor people antisemites.
But when it comes to antisemitism, there are far more people on the fence — or carrying dormant prejudice — than convinced antisemites, and we should be smart enough to contain it rather than inflame it and act surprised by the result. Netanyahu seems not to care.
Somewhat apropos is this article today in the excellent political site electoral-vote.com. Look at the section on Roosevelt https://www.electoral-vote.com/evp2026/Items/Mar31-1.html
My personal opinion is that a lot of Netanyahu's bad acts in regards to military actions are, like in the case of Trump, motivated by a desire to escape the consequences of his other past acts, negative results be damned.
That's a huge hole in democracies. The same people who think their government is doing a lousy job become its fiercest defenders the moment it makes an international decision. And when it comes to military action, if you're drafted, you become a traitor for refusing to fight on behalf of the same corrupt politicians you were just complaining about.
Fighting for the politicians suddenly becomes dying for your country.
Another post is dropping today at 10:00 a.m. ET or 2:00 p.m. UTC.
Every article I read from you Tanner makes me more aware and gives me hope. The way you see the world opens minds. Thanks so much.
Thank you - that really means a lot. I'm not promoting what people must think, but I aim to strip things down to expose the core or paint another angle people might not have considered. I'm delighted to hear it's of some use to some.