The anti-Semite whos haunting the left

[mcar]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/wp/2018/03/07/louis-farrakhan-is-haunting-the-left/?utm_term=.558e3a57e636

The latest round of left-infighting has focused on a man who some might be surprised to discover is still declaiming: Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan. Hatred for the “satanic Jew” has long been a theme of Farrakhan’s rhetoric, and since his popularity peaked with 1995’s Million Man March he has drifted toward the edges of the public consciousness. Now, though, he’s back — because organizers of the Women’s March movement brought him there.

Farrakhan gave a speech on the Nation of Islam’s Saviours’ Day in Chicago last week saying that “the powerful Jews are my enemy” and announcing to them “your time is up, your world is through.” This would have been just another day, had Farrakhan not shouted out the Women’s March’s Tamika Mallory, who attended the event. And had Mallory not initially refused to denounce his anti-Semitism when the Web took notice, responding instead that “If your leader does not have the same enemies as Jesus, they may not be THE leader!” And had other Women’s March bigwigs such as Linda Sarsour and Carmen Perez not defended Farrakhan in the past.

On Tuesday, after days of silence, the Women’s March finally released a statement acknowledging that Farrakhan’s views were “not aligned with the Women’s March Unity Principles, which were created by women of color leaders and are grounded in Kingian nonviolence” — but not outright denouncing him, and not apologizing for promoting him. The same day, a Jewish GOP group called for the resignation of seven Democratic representatives from Congress because of their ostensible ties to Farrakhan...

But just because the right has failed to confront anti-Semitism within its ranks doesn’t mean the left should fail, too. The Women’s March organizers should understand this better than anyone. It’s a poor look for those who call themselves activists, and who say they’re concerned with inclusivity and intersectionality, to defend someone who has crusaded against both of those ideas. Some may see Farrkhan as a truth-teller when it comes to race relations, but his record reaches beyond that. He’s an anti-Semite, he’s a homophobe and he’s a misogynist. Spearheading a movement that’s about building a better world for women of all colors and creeds means opposing advocacy that attacks women of any color or creed.

[MattP]

1. How did these people assume the leadership title of the march

[mcar]

3. I'm not sure

I attended the March and recall reading some things about how the original planners either brought them on or they just joined up.

It was notable, and disappointing, that they excluded HRC from the DC March speaker invites.

They need to step aside, IMO.

[brer cat]

5. +1000

Thanks for the OP, mcar. It needs to be said...loudly.

[mcar]

6. It should not just fade away, brer

The March was one of the best experiences of my life. I hate to see this movement tarnished by these questionable actions - and very lame response.

[MosheFeingold]

15. They showed up and did the work

No one wants to do the actual grunt work of leading these things.

I've found myself leading major political campaigns simply by being the only one who showed up, was organized, took notes, and did things. This vacuum leaves an opportunity for all sorts of unscrupulous people, like these types.

Sarsour and her fellow travelers have a long history of antisemitism. This is not an isolated incident.

They have no place in the progressive movement.

Always remember: the National Socialists of Germany were a benign, center-left, vaguely socialist party in the 1930s. And then a group of assholes came in and changed it into something foul.

[nycbos]

2. This can't be said enough.

[mcar]

4. The movement is more important than a few people

They are hurting it.

[David__77]

7. Question: are those demanding denouncement of Farrakhan "purists?"

...

[demmiblue]

8. A lot of people disregard anti-Semitism...

until the topic/discussion serves their own purpose. Shame on all of them.

[GaryCnf]

9. Exactly

Molly Roberts, fresh off scolding her female Harvard classmates for not flocking to the chosen one, wants to hang that mf Farrakhan on "the left" when the failure to condemn his garbage can be found all across the Democratic Party spectrum. This is a replay of how the same people tried to hang Jeremiah Wright on Obama, only to be masterfully outsmarted.

[mcar]

10. "The chosen one?"

Who is that?

[BigmanPigman]

11. It was posted on DU yesterday and I did NOT reply...

Last edited Wed Mar 7, 2018, 10:28 PM - Edit history (1)

I wanted more info before I rush to judgment. I support activist groups and I needed to hear their response. Thanks for posting.

https://demu.gr/100210324147
https://demu.gr/12234074

[mcar]

12. Always good to verify

This is discouraging.

[Behind the Aegis]

13. I am glad this is still being discussed.

Frankly, I am actually a bit surprised given that it is about anti-Semitism. In my estimation, many people really don't give two shits about Jews or anti-Semitism and are usually willing to overlook it, especially when it is their side doing the anti-Semitic bullshit. What really has me baffled, but apparently was picked up on by this author, is how the FUCK can three WOMEN who are part of the WOMEN'S MOVEMENT cozy up to a goddamned misogynistic, sexist pig?!?! Shouldn't the Women's Movement really find issue with that fact? FFS, it is almost as if these women went to a speech by a MRA.

So while I am a little relieved, and pleasantly surprised, that anti-Semitism is being taken seriously, except by the whiners, excuse makers, and bigots, a women's movement, which has leaders saddling up and defending their association with a KNOWN sexist is VERY troubling!

[mcar]

14. It boggles the mind

how the FUCK can three WOMEN who are part of the WOMEN'S MOVEMENT cozy up to a goddamned misogynistic, sexist pig?!?!

[Behind the Aegis]

16. It really does.

It is also just as "mind boggling" there are a few who think because the left often fails to combat anti-Semitism with any regularity, when it does come up, then we aren't supposed to talk about it or it's hypocrisy?! (see comment above to which you still haven't received an answer. Hint: the answer is someone who ran for president and won the popular vote)

[Skittles]

17. I don't understand it either

it is disgusting