Readers shared their opinions on the history of corruption in American political families, the militarism of Bernie Sanders, and Marc Lamont Hill’s reaction to attack from the Israel lobby. We have strong letters for “If There’s A Hell Below, That’s Where He’ll Go: The BAR Obituary on George H.W. Bush,” “Activists Demand Sanders Take Stand Against Militarism,” and “CNN Fires Marc Lamont Hill, Submits to Right Wing Mob.”
Bruce Dixon’s “If There’s A Hell Below, That’s Where He’ll Go: The BAR Obituary on George H.W. Bush” evaluates the immoral career of the deceased president as well as that of his father, Prescott Bush.
Doug Marvy writes:
“What with all the obits that mention Prescott’s collaboration with and support for Nazism during WWII, it might do good to mention daddy Joe Kennedy's support for same. I say, any chance to take a shot at the liberals should not be passed up.”
Bruce Dixon responds:
“When digging into the history of old establishment families like the Bushes and Kennedys, one finds oneself in a target-rich environment. You can only cover so much ground in 1,800 words. If you want lengthier treatments, that's what books are for. Russ Baker's Family of Secrets on the Bush dynasty, which I leaned upon for that article, is highly recommended and one of the best.”
Radio segment “Activists Demand Sanders Take Stand Against Militarism” spoke with David Swanson, one of 100 activists and intellectuals that sent an open letter calling on Senator Bernie Sanders to finally tackle the US war budget.
Matthew McLaughlin writes:
“He has a long, long history of standing to the right of other Vermont progressives while he's run interference for military contractors. It's really something to see someone like that compare himself to Eugene Debs and cast himself in his tradition when Debs went to prison to oppose militarism. It should be a scandal among anyone who considers themselves a socialist but I guess social democracy is just for we Americans and not all the brown people the military bombs.”
In “CNN Fires Marc Lamont Hill, Submits to Right Wing Mob”Glenn Greenwald looks at the recent firing of the black academic based on his call “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” as an example of how free speech is under threat by the powerful Zionists.
On Facebook, Makheru Speaks comments:
“Marc Lamont Hill made a courageous statement on Palestinian rights. Now he’s apologizing:
‘I take seriously the voices of so many Jewish brothers and sisters, who have interpreted my remarks as a call to or endorsement of violence. Rather than hearing a political solution, many heard a dog-whistle that conjured a long and deep history of violence against Jewish people. Although this was the furthest thing from my intent, those particular words clearly caused confusion, anger, fear, and other forms of harm. For that, I am deeply sorry.
As a communicator, I must take responsibility for the reception of my message. In this case, the final words of my speech became a dangerous and harmful distraction from my political analysis. Rather than talking about the plight of Palestinians, or engaging in tough but necessary conversations about a positive and successful way forward for both parties, the bulk of the conversation has been about my choice of words. To this extent, I did no favors to Israelis or Palestinians. For this too, I am deeply sorry.’
From “Marc Lamont Hlll: I’m Sorry My Word Choices Caused Harm”
Makheru Speaks continues: “People like Dr. Hill, who are trying to be everything to everybody, make it difficult to support them, because they are not truly grounded in the struggle for Afrikan liberation and empowerment.”
While the opinions of our readers are not necessarily that of BAR, we publish them to get everyone thinking. More of your comments on news and views from the Black Left next week.
Jahan Choudhryis Comments Editor for Black Agenda Report. He is an organizer with the Saturday Free School based in Philadelphia, PA.
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