Seriously, Conflicted?
The U.S. Consulate in Jerusalem has made it clear that it represents only the interests of Palestinians. The U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv represents the interests of Israelis. Eid messages of goodwill are lavishly extended to the Palestinians on behalf of the government of the United States. Somehow, goodwill messages to acknowledge the most holy of Judaism's days are overlooked. This is a new era, a new administration, representing a new strategy. Who knows where it all will lead?In Canada, one of the leaders of one of the opposition parties, decidedly left-socialist in nature, extends an Eid message to its Muslim voters with the invitation to "renew the spirit and faith in Islam". If I were Muslim I'd be offended; who is this Canadian man, Jack Layton, to urge me to renew my faith? In fact, one Muslim, Tarek Fatah, did take umbrage, quoting Mr. Layton: "We are not celebrating the end of Ramadan, but thanking Allah for the help and strength given throughout this special month."
Mr. Layton, leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada, has taken unto himself the mantle of Islam, including himself in the festivities of the faithful. Somewhat like the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, who as an intellectual in the United States found it expedient and comforting to consider the "we" option when speaking to Americans about American policy. We Canadians are so incredibly invested with the ability to understand what propels other cultures, nations, traditions, religions.
That's Canada for you. We're just so attuned to the world at large, so mindful of the underdog, so involved with throwing our weight over to balance the scale of fairness and justice. So much so that Canadian lefties have found comfort in espousing the agendas of fundamentalist Muslims - much to the dismay, incredulity and discomfort of ordinary Muslim-Canadians, no doubt. Assuming that they please all Muslims in so doing. Seeking that non-existent bloc-vote.
But does this explain the puzzling phenomenon where Canadian trade unions slam Israel and insist on barriers to trade, in solidarity with the Palestinian underdog? In that same process, overlooking the simple fact that unions have no presence in the Arab world, or the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, whereas in Israel they've a powerful presence. Just as "Queers Against Israel" parade their displeasure against Israel which protects the rights of gays, while Arabs abhor homosexuality and hound their unfortunate gays.
Congratulating themselves on their stance against human rights abuses and bigotry, they campaign on behalf of both, unashamedly, righteously. Upholding the rights of Muslims to hate and to slander Jews, while reeling back in aghast horror should a Jew ever question the integrity of their purpose. A minority group fast becoming a sizeable population in the country with a minority within it which exploits official multiculturalism, and blatantly rejects the civilizing effect of social pluralism.
Are they confused, deluded, conspiratorially involved in a shared distaste for a certain element of society, or simply politically motivated for potential gain, and in the end, diminishing the quality of the society they represent?
Labels: Canada, Human Fallibility, Political Realities
posted by Pieface @ Tuesday, October 06, 2009
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