NJDC Condemns Reported Swastika Signs at CA Protest

NJDC — January 31, 2011 – 2:15 pm | Abusive Holocaust Rhetoric Comments (1) Add a comment

Confronted with news reports that an individual or individuals in a protest outside a conservative gathering in Rancho Mirage, California engaged in at least one example of Nazi-themed protest rhetoric, NJDC acted again today on its commitment and condemned any use of abusive Holocaust rhetoric in political speech, by any party on either side of the aisle—including this one. Engaging in Nazi or Holocaust-themed rhetoric in political debate is always wrong, no matter the context, and no matter who does it.

NJDC has been consistent and persistent in calling out those who unfortunately engage in such tactics. But the fact remains that the vast majority of such abusive rhetoric takes place on one side of the equation—on the right. And while we’re all too willing—regardless of the “D” in NJDC—to address the rare lapses on our side of the aisle, including this one in front of hundreds of onlookers, our conservative colleagues seem to refuse to condemn any of even the worst offenders on theirs—including the ones that take place before the eyes of the nation. Just yesterday, for example, The Washington Post cited again the details of what it terms “Glenn Beck’s Jewish Problem”—his litany of profoundly unacceptable statements, including engaging in Nazi-themed accusations and anti-Semitic imagery. This behavior recently earned Beck an ad signed by 400 rabbis representing a true cross-section of American Judaism. 

We consistently stand by our commitment, and call-out dangerous abusive Holocaust rhetoric wherever we see it—yes, even if a friend engages in wrong behavior. We challenge our conservative counterparts to do likewise. There’s no time like the present to start.

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