Jews should have no part of smearing Obama

[oberliner]

In the Jewish religion, there are few interpersonal transgressions that are condemned more than "lashon ha-ra" and "rechilut," literally evil speech and malicious gossip. Nevertheless, within the Jewish community a vicious smear campaign is being waged against Sen. Barack Obama through unsubstantiated or anonymous e-mails. Frankly, as a rabbi, I am ashamed that these lies are being generated and spread by some within our own Jewish community concerning Obama. Regardless of which candidate one may support, there is no place in this campaign for these kinds of lies. It is a sin to repeat or forward electronically via e-mail material that has an evil intent or that cannot be verified.

This insidious campaign is incredibly malicious and totally false. Unfortunately, with the power of the Internet, misinformation can be spread instantly throughout the world. By now, almost all Jewish Americans have received some of these e-mails and articles about Barack Obama. They distort Obama's religious faith, question his support for Israel, and defame his friends and allies from Chicago. The purpose of the smear is to paint him as Israel-hating, terrorist-coddling and worse.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/otherviews/1170834,CST-EDT-open18.article

[OwnedByFerrets]

1. K and R

[cliffordu]

2. Kicked.

[atreides1]

3. Perhaps

They are more Republican then they are Jewish?

[unblock]

4. just to be clear this is a VERY small subset of the jews. american jews are overwhelmingly dems

and highly supportive of obama.

jewish opinion is highly diverse, but as a group, they form a highly reliable democratic voting group, a very close second to blacks.

there are a few jewish republicans, just like there are a few black republicans. republicans are highly effective at putting a spotlight on their token non-white christian members and amplifying the perception of their numbers.

[rucky]

6. My extended family is split 50/50.

Mostly the wealthier side trying to justify their tax breaks, versus the more socially aware side of the family.

[unblock]

7. the only republicans in my extended family are clinically insane

i know that sounds like a joke, but it's actually true!

[The Backlash Cometh]

5. Enjoyed reading your comments.

[oberliner]

9. I hadn't posted any comments, but here they are!

I think it's great that this Rabbi has published this piece.

I think it's awful the way that the RJC is spreading this misinformation about Obama.

Hopefully the author of this piece, and others in the Jewish community, can help to set the record straight.

[demokatgurrl]

8. Thank you for that.

Especially as we approach the High HOlidays, this should be on our minds.

[No Passaran]

10. It's probably not the Jews doing this

but someone pretending to be them.

[oberliner]

12. RJC has admitted to doing this

Unfortunately, they are a group of Jewish Republicans who have no problem behaving in this way.

[dennis4868]

11. Obama will get...

70-80% of the entire jewish vote. The only section of the Jewish vote he will lose is its smallest sect....these are the orthodox jews who will most likely go for McCain...Many orthodox jews are neo-cons types and want a prez who will blow up the entire middle east except for Israel.