The AJC (American Jewish Committee) Boston and JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Council) released the following statement regarding the behavior of Jewish activists at Thursday night’s community forum:
Here’s an excerpt:
“To our dismay, a group of activists – who have been identified in the media as members of the Jewish community – disrupted the proceedings. An African-American mother was heckled while discussing her own child’s experience of racism. There were loud contentions that the only concern worthy of discussion was anti-Semitism. The overall affect was to shift the focus of the meeting from concerns about anti-Semitism, as well as racism and homophobia to the conduct of the meeting itself.”
This is definitely worth the read. It also addresses global anti-Semitism.
In recent months there has been increasing concern regarding anti-Semitism, racism, homophobia and other matters that affect safety, civility and respectful relations in the Newton public schools. In an effort to allow community members to share their concerns and generate constructive discussion, Newton Mayor Setti Warren hosted a community forum on April 7th, which was attended by students, parents and interested community members – including representatives of our agencies.
There were presentations by high school students, teachers, a civil rights lawyer, the Newton Superintendent of Schools and others. Concerns were expressed about manifestations of bias and bigotry and how to build healthy community among diverse constituencies within the schools. It was an effort to initiate a much needed community dialogue and we welcome this effort.
To our dismay, a group of activists – who have been identified in the media as members of the Jewish community – disrupted the proceedings. An African-American mother was heckled while discussing her own child’s experience of racism. There were loud contentions that the only concern worthy of discussion was anti-Semitism. The overall affect was to shift the focus of the meeting from concerns about anti-Semitism, as well as racism and homophobia to the conduct of the meeting itself.
To be clear, anti-Semitism has once again emerged as a virulent global phenomenon. Members of the Jewish community have legitimate reasons for concern and reasonably wish to encourage vigilance and forthright measures to address anti-Semitic activity in our region. The recent string of anti-Semitic incidents in several Newton schools, for example, requires serious attention. Moreover, it is hardly a secret that pernicious elements exist that are seeking to import anti-Israel and anti-Jewish bias into American school curriculums. We share this concern. However, it does not justify conduct that was manifest at this meeting or the disrespect that was shown to neighbors, who also had difficult experiences of their own to discuss. These activities do not represent the broader sentiments of the Jewish community.
In a multi-cultural multi-faith society like our own, the struggle against anti-Semitism does not take place in a vacuum. It is part of a larger struggle to build respectful tolerant communities where citizens not only tell their own story, but are able to listen and have empathy for the struggles of others.
At the forum we also heard strong moral leadership from within our Jewish community, in the powerful voices of students like Rebecca Wishnie, a senior at Newton North, who said she has seen anti-Semitism in the hallways of the high school, but she has also seen racism and homophobia. “It does not diminish me as a Jew to say anti-Semitism is not the only issue,” she said.
We cannot fight anti-Semitism by showing disrespect to those from whom we also need understanding and support. Anti-Semitism is far too serious a problem for such ill-conceived activism. We need to build community with others in our common struggle against hate. As Josh Sims Speyer, a Jewish junior at North so eloquently stated: “When we say one type of hate speech is worse than another, we build walls in our community.”
We, therefore, affirm our commitment to respectful discourse and advocacy and encourage all concerned people to transform current challenges into opportunities for building a healthy and respectful community.
Respectfully,
Mel Shuman, President Adam Suttin, Chair
AJC BostonJewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston
Robert Leikind, Director Jeremy Burton, Executive Director
AJC Boston Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston
Why does it take patterns of 3 before the executive office declares ‘hurry-up’ knee-jerk urgency? Whether teen suicide, acts of racial discrimination, anti-semitism – one is left wondering from where does the prioritization come?
Why does it take patterns of 3 before the executive office declares ‘hurry-up’ knee-jerk urgency? Whether teen suicide, acts of racial discrimination, anti-semitism – one is left wondering from where does the prioritization come?
Excellent statement. I hope the Globe picks it up. It’s a shande when jerks like Jacobs tarnish our community by leading people to think this is representative of the local Jewish community.
Excellent statement. I hope the Globe picks it up. It’s a shande when jerks like Jacobs tarnish our community by leading people to think this is representative of the local Jewish community.
Indeed @ellenish1 did pick up the story today However, she quotes Jacobs as having the chutzpah to use the AJC/JCRC statement as an endorsement of his witch hunt against the NPS. I hope the groups follow up on this.
Indeed @ellenish1 did pick up the story today However, she quotes Jacobs as having the chutzpah to use the AJC/JCRC statement as an endorsement of his witch hunt against the NPS. I hope the groups follow up on this.
It is clear that the behavior of the protesters at the meeting removed the focus from the issue(s) at hand to their unacceptable conduct at the meeting. Tolerance and understanding can’t be taught, shared, or learned in a toxic environment. The responses of our community to the signs of intolerance and their response to the mistakes made in addressing those signs—from the actions of the Mayor and Superintendent, to the words of the Police and the students– show a common agreement that the defense of tolerance and respect are the desirable and desired outcome for all who live and work in our City. Few of us would want to live or work here otherwise.
Going beyond that basic understanding, I would ask now for all who read the article above to carefully re-read the following words in that letter as they were written by the leaders of this preeminent organization:
“Moreover, it is hardly a secret that pernicious elements exist that are seeking to import anti-Israel and anti-Jewish bias into American school curriculums. We share this concern.”
Those two sentences gave me a chill. They are a loud challenge to Newton to do a careful review of the funding for and sources of what is being taught to our students, to be certain that what is taught is not history being re-written, but a carefully balanced portrayal of facts with opposing viewpoints and sources clearly identified.
It is 2016. In Newton. The Poster Child of cities for “tolerance”, exemplified by the call for the meetings to address the behavior that the majority of people in the City find unacceptable. That this knowledgeable religious organization in our community has uttered those words underlines a critical need to go further with haste…to ask our School Committee members and Superintendent precisely what policies are in place to address this concern? It is their responsibility to follow up on such observations with all due speed, even if they have done so in the past. In their investigations of this observation, they must use measures with the utmost transparency to demonstrate unequivocally to a waiting public whether or not our schools’ curricula are in any manner subject to the effects of the kind of influence alluded to in the letter referenced above!
It is clear that the behavior of the protesters at the meeting removed the focus from the issue(s) at hand to their unacceptable conduct at the meeting. Tolerance and understanding can’t be taught, shared, or learned in a toxic environment. The responses of our community to the signs of intolerance and their response to the mistakes made in addressing those signs—from the actions of the Mayor and Superintendent, to the words of the Police and the students– show a common agreement that the defense of tolerance and respect are the desirable and desired outcome for all who live and work in our City. Few of us would want to live or work here otherwise.
Going beyond that basic understanding, I would ask now for all who read the article above to carefully re-read the following words in that letter as they were written by the leaders of this preeminent organization:
“Moreover, it is hardly a secret that pernicious elements exist that are seeking to import anti-Israel and anti-Jewish bias into American school curriculums. We share this concern.”
Those two sentences gave me a chill. They are a loud challenge to Newton to do a careful review of the funding for and sources of what is being taught to our students, to be certain that what is taught is not history being re-written, but a carefully balanced portrayal of facts with opposing viewpoints and sources clearly identified.
It is 2016. In Newton. The Poster Child of cities for “tolerance”, exemplified by the call for the meetings to address the behavior that the majority of people in the City find unacceptable. That this knowledgeable religious organization in our community has uttered those words underlines a critical need to go further with haste…to ask our School Committee members and Superintendent precisely what policies are in place to address this concern? It is their responsibility to follow up on such observations with all due speed, even if they have done so in the past. In their investigations of this observation, they must use measures with the utmost transparency to demonstrate unequivocally to a waiting public whether or not our schools’ curricula are in any manner subject to the effects of the kind of influence alluded to in the letter referenced above!
Sallee, I found those words to be ambiguous. While there is certainly a problem nationwide, and especially at the college level, I think it would be wrong to legitimize the way this fringe group has gone after the NPS. The ADL released a clear statement in 2013 on this that’s worth reading.
Sallee, I found those words to be ambiguous. While there is certainly a problem nationwide, and especially at the college level, I think it would be wrong to legitimize the way this fringe group has gone after the NPS. The ADL released a clear statement in 2013 on this that’s worth reading.
I read those words to mean outside Newton.
I read those words to mean outside Newton.
What Sallee said.
Here’s the quote:
“Moreover, it is hardly a secret that pernicious elements exist that are seeking to import anti-Israel and anti-Jewish bias into American school curriculums. We share this concern.”
Adam-
Where is the ambiguity?
Gail-
Where does it say from outside Newton…it says American school curriculums. Last time I looked Newton was inside of “American School curiculums.”
Why can’t this board admit that Jacobs’ group may have a point. I’m not saying they do or don’t. I’m saying there’s a chance. To shut the door due to their methods is horrible.
Also, my biggest fear is that this group will take away from the larger issue…hate.
What Sallee said.
Here’s the quote:
“Moreover, it is hardly a secret that pernicious elements exist that are seeking to import anti-Israel and anti-Jewish bias into American school curriculums. We share this concern.”
Adam-
Where is the ambiguity?
Gail-
Where does it say from outside Newton…it says American school curriculums. Last time I looked Newton was inside of “American School curiculums.”
Why can’t this board admit that Jacobs’ group may have a point. I’m not saying they do or don’t. I’m saying there’s a chance. To shut the door due to their methods is horrible.
Also, my biggest fear is that this group will take away from the larger issue…hate.
Tom – where does it say “Newton”? Newton is inside “all” American schools, but it doesn’t say that, either. Charges were listened to, many times, and dismissed. Did you read the ADL statement, or do you only read the propaganda sent out by Jacobs’ group?
Tom – where does it say “Newton”? Newton is inside “all” American schools, but it doesn’t say that, either. Charges were listened to, many times, and dismissed. Did you read the ADL statement, or do you only read the propaganda sent out by Jacobs’ group?
Tom,
It’s outrageous and irresponsible to continue to give any validity to this meshuganah group.
Did you check out the ADL statement? Did you know that this was addressed/investigated
ad nauseam FOUR years ago, and resurrected on a regular basis? Check out this quote from a TAB (and V14) op-ed by Matt Hills from NOVEMBER 2012!
“It is impossible for the School Department or School Committee to continually respond to allegations about materials we do not recognize or that are inaccurately portrayed. Shouting angry accusations at a School Committee meeting does not make them accurate. Repeating the same distorted sentence over and over does not make the accusation truthful. The McCarthy-ite tactic of waving an unopened book and claiming it is filled with terrible prejudices does not mean that the book actually contains such biased material.”
Read more: Hills Blasts ‘McCarthy-ite Tactic’ Of Those Accusing Newton Schools As Anti-Semitic | Village 14 City Of Newton, Massachusetts http://village14.com/newton-ma/2012/11/hills-blasts-mccarthy-ite-tactic-of-those-accusing-newton-schools-as-anti-semitic-anti-jewish-and-anti-israel/#ixzz45e12xiq0
@Tom: What Terry, Adam and Mgwa said. Please STOP giving this man any credibility. Follow the links, read the ADL memo and STOP speculating about something you’re apparently too lazy to look into.
Tom,
It’s outrageous and irresponsible to continue to give any validity to this meshuganah group.
Did you check out the ADL statement? Did you know that this was addressed/investigated
ad nauseam FOUR years ago, and resurrected on a regular basis? Check out this quote from a TAB (and V14) op-ed by Matt Hills from NOVEMBER 2012!
“It is impossible for the School Department or School Committee to continually respond to allegations about materials we do not recognize or that are inaccurately portrayed. Shouting angry accusations at a School Committee meeting does not make them accurate. Repeating the same distorted sentence over and over does not make the accusation truthful. The McCarthy-ite tactic of waving an unopened book and claiming it is filled with terrible prejudices does not mean that the book actually contains such biased material.”
Read more: Hills Blasts ‘McCarthy-ite Tactic’ Of Those Accusing Newton Schools As Anti-Semitic | Village 14 City Of Newton, Massachusetts http://village14.com/newton-ma/2012/11/hills-blasts-mccarthy-ite-tactic-of-those-accusing-newton-schools-as-anti-semitic-anti-jewish-and-anti-israel/#ixzz45e12xiq0
@Tom: What Terry, Adam and Mgwa said. Please STOP giving this man any credibility. Follow the links, read the ADL memo and STOP speculating about something you’re apparently too lazy to look into.
The statement above is trying to get the focus back on the what we are trying to achieve in Newton.
“We affirm our commitment to respectful discourse … and encourage all concerned people to transform current challenges into opportunities for building a healthy and respectful community.” [This is] a part of a larger struggle to build respectful tolerant communities where citizens not only tell their own story, but are able to listen and have empathy for the struggles of others.”
I particularly like the quoted statements from the NNHS students.
“It does not diminish me as a Jew to say anti-Semitism is not the only issue,” Rebecca Wishnie said.
Josh Sims Speyer, eloquently stated: “When we say one type of hate speech is worse than another, we build walls in our community.”
We need to move away from the distractions, as compelling as it may be to respond, and stay the course leading to a better community for all.
The statement above is trying to get the focus back on the what we are trying to achieve in Newton.
“We affirm our commitment to respectful discourse … and encourage all concerned people to transform current challenges into opportunities for building a healthy and respectful community.” [This is] a part of a larger struggle to build respectful tolerant communities where citizens not only tell their own story, but are able to listen and have empathy for the struggles of others.”
I particularly like the quoted statements from the NNHS students.
“It does not diminish me as a Jew to say anti-Semitism is not the only issue,” Rebecca Wishnie said.
Josh Sims Speyer, eloquently stated: “When we say one type of hate speech is worse than another, we build walls in our community.”
We need to move away from the distractions, as compelling as it may be to respond, and stay the course leading to a better community for all.
What Marti so very eloquently said.
What Marti so very eloquently said.
When Greg accuses someone of being lazy, because he disagrees with the person’s comments, he is acting in a bullying fashion. To call someone a name like lazy, has been used against many groups of people throughout the years. We talk about inappropriate behavior by people in the community and beyond, and we need look no further than here on this site.
When Greg talks about understanding differences, and tolerating other’s view, does that only apply when they agree with you?
Why do the rest of you remain silent? You enable this. Don’t complain about the lack of civility in the world, when you won’t even address it when it right before you.
When Greg accuses someone of being lazy, because he disagrees with the person’s comments, he is acting in a bullying fashion. To call someone a name like lazy, has been used against many groups of people throughout the years. We talk about inappropriate behavior by people in the community and beyond, and we need look no further than here on this site.
When Greg talks about understanding differences, and tolerating other’s view, does that only apply when they agree with you?
Why do the rest of you remain silent? You enable this. Don’t complain about the lack of civility in the world, when you won’t even address it when it right before you.
Glass houses.
Glass houses.
Adam:
We could talk about what you mean; but that would divert from the issue. Is it ok to call people lazy? How about stupid? Should we go on?
Adam:
We could talk about what you mean; but that would divert from the issue. Is it ok to call people lazy? How about stupid? Should we go on?
You’re all unbelievable hypocrits. Greg, you call me lazy because I don’t agree with you.? You all preach respect and tolerance and listening to others and when they say something you don’t like or don’t want to believe you demonize them? I won’t. I don’t like how they said it, I don’t like the protesting but they have every right to say it.
This is my last post because you all are unbelievable. I have nothing left to say to any of you.
I have no problem when people disagree with me. That’s why I helped start — and participate — on this blog.
But I have a problem when people are being lazy and in the process disparage our city. And Tom was being lazy for clearly not going to the trouble of following the links provided by Terry, Adam and others here (or doing any of his own research into Jacobs’ widely discredited claims) before engaging in uninformed speculation.
Tom and Neal have quit this blog before, I suspect they will be back.
You’re all unbelievable hypocrits. Greg, you call me lazy because I don’t agree with you.? You all preach respect and tolerance and listening to others and when they say something you don’t like or don’t want to believe you demonize them? I won’t. I don’t like how they said it, I don’t like the protesting but they have every right to say it.
This is my last post because you all are unbelievable. I have nothing left to say to any of you.
I have no problem when people disagree with me. That’s why I helped start — and participate — on this blog.
But I have a problem when people are being lazy and in the process disparage our city. And Tom was being lazy for clearly not going to the trouble of following the links provided by Terry, Adam and others here (or doing any of his own research into Jacobs’ widely discredited claims) before engaging in uninformed speculation.
Tom and Neal have quit this blog before, I suspect they will be back.
Actually Greg, not only do you have a problem when someone disagrees with you, usually you show quite a temper as well.
It appears you think you can read others minds, knowing what Tom did or did not do, concluding he is lazy, deciding I had”quit”. I didn’t write that.
I just think if the others on this blog were true to themselves, they wouldn’t enable you, but instead call you out on it. Most of these recent threads are about people being impolite and saying things they shouldn’t. All the while you do the same.
You have a problem when people are lazy? So what. Keep it to yourself.
Actually Greg, not only do you have a problem when someone disagrees with you, usually you show quite a temper as well.
It appears you think you can read others minds, knowing what Tom did or did not do, concluding he is lazy, deciding I had”quit”. I didn’t write that.
I just think if the others on this blog were true to themselves, they wouldn’t enable you, but instead call you out on it. Most of these recent threads are about people being impolite and saying things they shouldn’t. All the while you do the same.
You have a problem when people are lazy? So what. Keep it to yourself.
Greg, there was a way to make your point without calling Tom lazy. Simply stating that his comments made it clear that he had not looked into the 5+ year history of this group’s issues with the curriculum would have sufficed.
Tom, I know your heart is in the right place on this. At the same time, it’s important to react with both heart and head in order to further the conversation. This group uses the tactic of making statements that seem so obvious, and sound just enough like the truth, that people can easily get sucked in. This has been going on for years, it’s been thoroughly examined by NPS and the state, and their charges have been answered. That they don’t like the answer doesn’t give them the right to continually try to hijack the discussion.
Greg, there was a way to make your point without calling Tom lazy. Simply stating that his comments made it clear that he had not looked into the 5+ year history of this group’s issues with the curriculum would have sufficed.
Tom, I know your heart is in the right place on this. At the same time, it’s important to react with both heart and head in order to further the conversation. This group uses the tactic of making statements that seem so obvious, and sound just enough like the truth, that people can easily get sucked in. This has been going on for years, it’s been thoroughly examined by NPS and the state, and their charges have been answered. That they don’t like the answer doesn’t give them the right to continually try to hijack the discussion.
Greg
I have to call your approach into question as well. You posted a “conversation” that you had with a protestor at the community meeting on a previous blog topic. It framed the protestor in a bad light, yet you had no proof that conversation happened. I’ve seen you remove other posts when there is no evidence that something has happened or has been substantiated. You have to hold yourself to that same standard.
Greg
I have to call your approach into question as well. You posted a “conversation” that you had with a protestor at the community meeting on a previous blog topic. It framed the protestor in a bad light, yet you had no proof that conversation happened. I’ve seen you remove other posts when there is no evidence that something has happened or has been substantiated. You have to hold yourself to that same standard.
“But I have a problem when people are being lazy and in the process disparage our city. And Tom was being lazy for clearly not going to the trouble of following the links provided by Terry, Adam and others here (or doing any of his own research into Jacobs’ widely discredited claims) before engaging in uninformed speculation.”
Hilarious.
Greg has a problem with people being lazy, yet attacking someone with the term “lazy” IS lazy- rather than explaining yourself as Tricia eloquently showed was possible.
He’s upset about Tom’s uninformed speculation, in this same exact sentence where Greg does the same thing!
Once again, Greg lets his emotions get the better of him, and engages in behavior that detracts from a community blog.
Ad hominem attacks should not be considered acceptable on this blog.
Greg should apologize.
“But I have a problem when people are being lazy and in the process disparage our city. And Tom was being lazy for clearly not going to the trouble of following the links provided by Terry, Adam and others here (or doing any of his own research into Jacobs’ widely discredited claims) before engaging in uninformed speculation.”
Hilarious.
Greg has a problem with people being lazy, yet attacking someone with the term “lazy” IS lazy- rather than explaining yourself as Tricia eloquently showed was possible.
He’s upset about Tom’s uninformed speculation, in this same exact sentence where Greg does the same thing!
Once again, Greg lets his emotions get the better of him, and engages in behavior that detracts from a community blog.
Ad hominem attacks should not be considered acceptable on this blog.
Greg should apologize.
New Cit, that’s not how it works. Greg posts under his own name, and he related a conversation he had with someone. The posts that get removed are those in which an anonymous poster relates a conversation they claim to have had, or even worse, one they claim to have heard of. That’s something that those of us who choose not to post with our full names have to accept.
New Cit, that’s not how it works. Greg posts under his own name, and he related a conversation he had with someone. The posts that get removed are those in which an anonymous poster relates a conversation they claim to have had, or even worse, one they claim to have heard of. That’s something that those of us who choose not to post with our full names have to accept.
Tricia
Where in the guidelines does it say that? Perhaps I missed it.
I know it says in the guidelines state: Wherever possible try to avoid personal attacks of others, particularly other people who are commenting on a topic.
Saying Tom is lazy seems to fall under that.
Tricia
Where in the guidelines does it say that? Perhaps I missed it.
I know it says in the guidelines state: Wherever possible try to avoid personal attacks of others, particularly other people who are commenting on a topic.
Saying Tom is lazy seems to fall under that.
Thanks Neal.
You all need a reading class. You’re all so emotional about this issue its clouding your reading comprehension. Heres what I said:
“Why can’t this board admit that Jacobs’ group may have a point. I’m not saying they do or don’t. I’m saying there’s a chance. To shut the door due to their methods is horrible.
Also, my biggest fear is that this group will take away from the larger issue…hate.”
Where did I say they were right or wrong? I didn’t. I said they maybe right. The issue for me isn’t that they are right or wrong, it’s that they deserve to be heard. I don’t like their methods like everyone else.
Greg, you ignorant slut. I read the links. When 2 sides are in dispute I never believe either side, I feel the truth is always somewhere in the middle. So, Matt and co. can say anything they want…followers are going to enable and the rest will hold their feet to the fire. (Don’t confuse that statement as saying Jacobs is right, either).
Now I’m done.
Thanks Neal.
You all need a reading class. You’re all so emotional about this issue its clouding your reading comprehension. Heres what I said:
“Why can’t this board admit that Jacobs’ group may have a point. I’m not saying they do or don’t. I’m saying there’s a chance. To shut the door due to their methods is horrible.
Also, my biggest fear is that this group will take away from the larger issue…hate.”
Where did I say they were right or wrong? I didn’t. I said they maybe right. The issue for me isn’t that they are right or wrong, it’s that they deserve to be heard. I don’t like their methods like everyone else.
Greg, you ignorant slut. I read the links. When 2 sides are in dispute I never believe either side, I feel the truth is always somewhere in the middle. So, Matt and co. can say anything they want…followers are going to enable and the rest will hold their feet to the fire. (Don’t confuse that statement as saying Jacobs is right, either).
Now I’m done.
New Cit, commenting rules state:
“On occasion, specific comments may be removed based on the subjective judgment (see guidelines below) of Village14.” As an example, in an earlier thread on this topic, Greg posted: “A comment was removed because it included confidential information by an anonymous poster whose identity is not known.” Judgement call, well explained.
Tom – yes, two sides are in dispute: NPS and Jacobs. But you’re ignoring all the legitimate third parties (local rabbis, the ADL, the JCRC, state education officials) who have concluded that Jacobs’ continued claims and accusations are not only without merit, but often deliberate attempts to distort the facts.
I’m sure I could have said this better. Sorry to those who were offended. But here’s an analogy:
Imagine we were discussing global warming and Tom wrote:
Hypothetically I might be inclined to respond by writing: “Tom is a moron.”
Or I might give Tom the benefit of the doubt and assume he just hadn’t looked at any of the evidence and conclude that he was just being lazy.
New Cit, commenting rules state:
“On occasion, specific comments may be removed based on the subjective judgment (see guidelines below) of Village14.” As an example, in an earlier thread on this topic, Greg posted: “A comment was removed because it included confidential information by an anonymous poster whose identity is not known.” Judgement call, well explained.
Tom – yes, two sides are in dispute: NPS and Jacobs. But you’re ignoring all the legitimate third parties (local rabbis, the ADL, the JCRC, state education officials) who have concluded that Jacobs’ continued claims and accusations are not only without merit, but often deliberate attempts to distort the facts.
I’m sure I could have said this better. Sorry to those who were offended. But here’s an analogy:
Imagine we were discussing global warming and Tom wrote:
Hypothetically I might be inclined to respond by writing: “Tom is a moron.”
Or I might give Tom the benefit of the doubt and assume he just hadn’t looked at any of the evidence and conclude that he was just being lazy.
Tom: we said they were heard. Again. And again. Genug!
Tom: we said they were heard. Again. And again. Genug!
Tom, It would be absolutely ludicrous for anyone, on this blog or anywhere else, to “admit that Jacob’s group may have a point.” They have been discredited at every turn – by the ADL and the state, just to name two.
It seems emotion is all you deal in – you agree on one post, disagree on another but mainly you make no decisions yourself and land squarely in the middle of maybe anything could be true. Of course you didn’t say they were “wrong or right” because that would mean time spent learning the facts and determining an informed opinion. You prefer instigating doubt.
You may not like being called lazy but calling anyone a s**t is way past exceptable language anywhere.
Tom, It would be absolutely ludicrous for anyone, on this blog or anywhere else, to “admit that Jacob’s group may have a point.” They have been discredited at every turn – by the ADL and the state, just to name two.
It seems emotion is all you deal in – you agree on one post, disagree on another but mainly you make no decisions yourself and land squarely in the middle of maybe anything could be true. Of course you didn’t say they were “wrong or right” because that would mean time spent learning the facts and determining an informed opinion. You prefer instigating doubt.
You may not like being called lazy but calling anyone a s**t is way past exceptable language anywhere.
This isn’t about Greg.
People who were actually at the meeting were very upset by the level of uncivil discourse. They were upset that a meeting with a clear agenda planned for our community was hi-jacked by a group with their own agenda.
What can I say – it was upsetting. People who watched the live stream missed some of the heckling in general. Specifically, they missed the intensity of watching an African American mother be heckled as she described the unacceptable experiences her son has had in school. They completely missed the individual who made an obscene gesture to the superintendent.
This isn’t about Greg.
People who were actually at the meeting were very upset by the level of uncivil discourse. They were upset that a meeting with a clear agenda planned for our community was hi-jacked by a group with their own agenda.
What can I say – it was upsetting. People who watched the live stream missed some of the heckling in general. Specifically, they missed the intensity of watching an African American mother be heckled as she described the unacceptable experiences her son has had in school. They completely missed the individual who made an obscene gesture to the superintendent.
@Jane: It has become about Greg, because he has injected inappropriate language into the conversation, by acting in a bullying manner, and calling someone a name. In fact, it mirrors quite well the very topic. He is trying to stop some people from speaking, because he doesn’t like to hear from them. Whether it is because he thinks they are lazy, or because he doesn’t like what they say. Sound familiar? It is an example of the very thing he claims to not like, and is profoundly guilty of it himself.
People who try to divert attention away from impolite behavior, be it in a public meeting, or a public blog, are in fact the real problem. The individual who conducts himself poorly, is one thing, a name caller is even worse, but those that sit by and let it happen, by saying we are off topic when someone confronts the abuser, are the enablers, and perpetuate the problem in our society.
We have seen this time and time again, This local blog is another perfect example of it.
Glad to see some have finally spoken up, but Greg’s biggest compatriots here, remain unsurprisingly silent when Greg calls someone a name.
@Jane: It has become about Greg, because he has injected inappropriate language into the conversation, by acting in a bullying manner, and calling someone a name. In fact, it mirrors quite well the very topic. He is trying to stop some people from speaking, because he doesn’t like to hear from them. Whether it is because he thinks they are lazy, or because he doesn’t like what they say. Sound familiar? It is an example of the very thing he claims to not like, and is profoundly guilty of it himself.
People who try to divert attention away from impolite behavior, be it in a public meeting, or a public blog, are in fact the real problem. The individual who conducts himself poorly, is one thing, a name caller is even worse, but those that sit by and let it happen, by saying we are off topic when someone confronts the abuser, are the enablers, and perpetuate the problem in our society.
We have seen this time and time again, This local blog is another perfect example of it.
Glad to see some have finally spoken up, but Greg’s biggest compatriots here, remain unsurprisingly silent when Greg calls someone a name.
Marti Bowen,
google the term…..”ignorant slut”. I’m sure Greg got the reference. You must be young.
Marti Bowen,
google the term…..”ignorant slut”. I’m sure Greg got the reference. You must be young.
Wow, Tom, I thought you were so insulted you quit the blog. Guess that’s another incident in which you can’t make a decision.
I’m older than you are so I got the reference. Doesn’t make it any more socially acceptable to continue to say s**t in conversation. I think you comments should be pulled.
If you were just a little observant, you would know that in many conversations you have participated in with me on this blog I’ve indicated my age and other things.
Wow, Tom, I thought you were so insulted you quit the blog. Guess that’s another incident in which you can’t make a decision.
I’m older than you are so I got the reference. Doesn’t make it any more socially acceptable to continue to say s**t in conversation. I think you comments should be pulled.
If you were just a little observant, you would know that in many conversations you have participated in with me on this blog I’ve indicated my age and other things.
Thank you Neal Fleisher for your posts. I’m sure that you will be shut out from posting soon because you keep speaking against the “proper” view. The apology of “I’m sorry you feel that way” is no apology at all. Like recent events in the city, people are unwilling to admit that they are wrong.
Thank you Neal Fleisher for your posts. I’m sure that you will be shut out from posting soon because you keep speaking against the “proper” view. The apology of “I’m sorry you feel that way” is no apology at all. Like recent events in the city, people are unwilling to admit that they are wrong.
@New Cit:
Village14 immediately placed my comments on hold for review, after my first (or second) comment on this thread. It isn’t the first time a blog associated with Greg and Gail have done it ( they did it a few times with the TAB, but all in all they usually let you say your piece. ( the restriction was lifted pretty quickly this time as well)
The Newton Tab under Andy Levine is a whole other matter, he refused to post my comments after I commented on one of his editorials regarding endorsement of incumbents. When questioned, he would not even give an explanation, and when I questioned his boss I didn’t get any better response. While under no legal obligation, you would think people who supposedly studied journalism would recognize the importance of opposing views, not just in a select few columns they print, but as a general rule.
@New Cit:
Village14 immediately placed my comments on hold for review, after my first (or second) comment on this thread. It isn’t the first time a blog associated with Greg and Gail have done it ( they did it a few times with the TAB, but all in all they usually let you say your piece. ( the restriction was lifted pretty quickly this time as well)
The Newton Tab under Andy Levine is a whole other matter, he refused to post my comments after I commented on one of his editorials regarding endorsement of incumbents. When questioned, he would not even give an explanation, and when I questioned his boss I didn’t get any better response. While under no legal obligation, you would think people who supposedly studied journalism would recognize the importance of opposing views, not just in a select few columns they print, but as a general rule.