Pajamas Media

112 Comments

1. CasualObserver:

Lee has his history wrong. The black power movement started well before the murder of Dr. King. In fact there were significant numbers within the black power movement who were working to marginalize Dr. King because they were advocating violence and armed struggle as the only means for gaining what they wanted. Dr. King’s unwavering stance for non-violent civil disobedience and political actions as the only effective way to gain true long term equality was still widely embraced by the power structure within the Black community.

Apr 10, 2008 - 12:17 pm 2. Assistant Village Idiot:

Of course. Lee merely politely said what he had said more energetically before, trying to shade it into the realm of “well, this could be an uncontroversial POV if you sorta squinted hard and blurred the edges.”

Except it isn’t, and everyone reading his remarks knew that. These spin efforts remind me of the threadbare excuses of teenagers who got caught. Their peers think the excuses are perfectly good, but no parent does. I use the image intentionally. Listening to Obama – excusers reminds me of nothing so much as my youngest son – or worse, me when I was his age.

Apr 10, 2008 - 12:20 pm 3. David Thomson:

“Real reeducation and serious dialogue is necessary.”

This would indeed a good thing to do. More importantly, a political price must be paid. Politicians must be compelled to condemn Revered Eric Lee’s obnoxious comments. It is time to stop “understanding” and cutting slack because of his so-called victim status. No, the hammer must be dropped. The Lees of the world should no longer be tolerated. They must be excommunicated from polite society. Hesitating to do this only encourages further misbehavior.

Let’s not kid ourselves. We can virtually take it for granted that Rev. Lee has uttered such nonsense in the past. Unfortunately, guilt tripped whites preferred to look the other way. Do you really wish to help America get past race? If so, then all bigots of whatever race or cultural milieu have to be taken to task.

Apr 10, 2008 - 12:25 pm 4. Yehiel Handlarz:

The American liberal Jews hear of antisemitism in academic
circles or the entertainment world don’t think it applies
to them. It reminds me of the German Jews who never thought
that Hitler meant them. The idiocy and ignorance continues.
First they came for the Jews…..

Apr 10, 2008 - 12:31 pm 5. JOEL GOODMAN:

As long as the Black community allows guys like this Lee person to speak for them the longer the “N” word will be in common usage.

Apr 10, 2008 - 12:39 pm 6. Richard Fagin:

Gee, a black preacher spouting Jew hatred and you all think this is news? What planet have you been living on? Anyone ever hear of the Crown Heights riots? Do you have any idea what the rioters were screaming when they came with knives drawn to stab a couple of Hasids to death? Hint: It wasn’t “shalom aleichem.” Do you seriously think the social pathology that caused those riots has abated in 20 years?

This Jew ain’t goin’ quietly when the hobnail boots come calling.

Apr 10, 2008 - 1:03 pm 7. david levavi:

What I find striking is that antiSemitism among African Americans flows from the pulpit. Religious and racial hatred have combined in black churches into a combustible Nazi-like mixture. Hitlerian speech, in both style and substance, passes for godly preaching among black ministers.

Unser Umblick, Hitler called the Jews. Our misfortune. The single mysterious cause of all German ills.The Jews caused Germany to lose The First World War. Jewish ideas were undermining German morals. Jewish blood was polluting German racial purity. Jews had brought on the depression that was starving Germany. Rev. Lee has an Arian soul brothuh he can channel.

Any moviegoer knows that portrayals of African Americans on film and commercial television are complimentary to the point of challenging credulity. There are proportionately far more African American doctors, mathematicians scientists on television than there are in real life. Whites in creative professions, especially thoise working in visual media, bend over backward to show blacks in good light.

The one image of blacks apparently common across America but never seen on screen is that of a foaming-at-the-mouth black Jew-hater in a dog collar. Maybe you can fix that in your next screenplay, Roger.

Apr 10, 2008 - 1:15 pm 8. Stuart Dauermann:

We need major media, political, and other iconic figures with the courage and the gravitas to stand up and call Lee’s behavior what it is: demagoguery and rabble-rousing. Why is such behavior not being denounced? That it is not being widely denounced and spotlighted demonstrates our moral decay.

As David Thompson says so wisely (above): “a political price must be paid. . . . It is time to stop “understanding” and cutting slack because of his so-called victim status. No, the hammer must be dropped. The Lees of the world should no longer be tolerated. They must be excommunicated from polite society. Hesitating to do this only encourages further misbehavior.”

Absolutely! His conduct is shameful, disgusting, and reprehensible, no matter how many people say “Amen.”

We may not be able to stop the Reverend Lee’s o the world, but we can sure call them what they are and deny them a platform.

Apr 10, 2008 - 1:22 pm 9. Patricia:

Who needs a “genuine dialogue” with a bunch of racist Black people? I don’t. Their idea of a genuine dialogue is to tell you how bad you are and then ask for something. This blue-eyed devil is sick to death with the African American community. Blacks hate whites. I know it from the way I get treated in downtown Atlanta. I’ve known it since the Black kids beat us up on our way home from school. They do not think of whites as human and their churches propate that sense to young members. We are expendable and hated. Chris Rock told us that the Black guy at work who is real nice actually hates you. It’s the haters problem to overcome their dysfunction. Whites can do nothing further to help Blacks until they grow up.

Apr 10, 2008 - 1:24 pm 10. buckw:

To Richard Fagin: You are spot on correct. Now, can you answer this question: If BHO is the democrat nominee, why will so many of your fellow Jews vote for him?

Apr 10, 2008 - 1:32 pm 11. Big Ben:

Assuming arguendo that Rev. Lee had legitimate grievences against the artistic work of some individual Jewish Americans in the entertainment industry, and perhaps felt slighted by the comments of the unnamed Rabbi who sought to foster some sort of Jewish- American- African -American joint venture, one wonders why he felt that the dinner honoring Ms. Ziman for her philantrophic work on behalf of African-American children was the appropriate forum for such remarks.

The only reason I can come up with is that Rev. Lee wanted to humiliate Ms. Ziman, as a Jew who in his view was somehow responsible for the actions of some or all Jews.
This is classical anti-semitism, of which there is no shortage in the African -American community.
The Jewish community, including Ms. Ziman can only blame itself for looking the other way at a viral spread of such hate, starting with the anti-Jewish campaigns targeting the alleged “slumlords” and teachers in the late sixties, escalating to the Crown Heights pogrom in 1991, and continuing with the Sharpton/Jackson Jew baiting and now the pandemic of out and out Jew hating with Wright, Lee, Farrakhan et al.

Gone are the “jewish” “slumlords” and “teachers” and in their place we have the “Jewish” “diamond-merchants” and Hollywood
entertainment moguls.
Its time for Jewish Americans to step forward and DEMAND that the political leadership of the African American community take a strong stand in confronting this base manifestation of Jew hatred.
If they refuse, we in the Jewish American Community should disengage and put our resources to work elsewhere.

Apr 10, 2008 - 1:36 pm 12. An Open Letter to Rev. Lee, Rev. Wright, Mnst. Farrakhan, David Duke, Pat Buchanan, Sen. Obama, and Obama-inspired Apologists | THE POSTHUMOUS LUGER:

[...] Simon just posted Reverend Lee’s response to the accusations against him –Lee says he was misinterpreted, and then he claims that the [...]

Apr 10, 2008 - 1:47 pm 13. Barry:

Dr. King said that it would be easier to intergrate the South than it would the North, because the two races have more in common in the South.
To Southern Folk Eric Lee is nothing new, there have always been HATERS of both races. Because of Senator Obama’s success, people are looking more closely into the African American culture and finding out that there are HATERS that have not had their views challenged. Thank you Senator Obama, only with complete transparency can we heal the wounds of racism.

Apr 10, 2008 - 1:54 pm 14. Mike M:

Rev Lee’s obnoxious and hateful diatribe was aimed at a GUEST, who was at this meeting to receive an award. How is it possible that the individuals or organizations who invited her, and were giving her an award, have not come forward to denounce the boor who insulted her and her community? What is the matter with people who would behave in such a shameful and cowardly manner?

Rev Lee talks about pride and self definition, but a person or community with pride and self respect would never behave in this way toward a guest.

Apr 10, 2008 - 2:00 pm 15. Mr. Unite Us:

What exactly is anti-semitic about criticizing the media execs that mass market and distribute that gangsta rap crap? Nothing

People need to stop using religion to shield bad behavior. That goes for Catholics and Muslims as well.

Apr 10, 2008 - 2:14 pm 16. ThePosthumousLuger:

An Open Letter to Rev. Lee, Rev. Wright, Mnst. Farrakhan, David Duke, Pat Buchanan, Sen. Obama, and Obama-inspired Apologists

http://posthumousluger.com/?p=69

excerpt:

“America doesn’t need to begin a great dialogue on race, as this is not about black vs. white.

This is not about Jew vs. Christian vs. Muslim.

This is not about anything remotely difficult to comprehend.

This is about bigots vs. Everyone Else.”

Apr 10, 2008 - 2:26 pm 17. Sheena:

Demand that black preachers and political leaders cease their virulent racism in the pulpit? Yeah, right — maybe when Barack Obama stops defending his mentor and former pastor Jeremiah Wright Jr. and when the new pastor, Otis Moss III, vows to bring messages of love not hate to the pulpit.

Apr 10, 2008 - 2:42 pm 18. cfbleachers:

“one wonders why he felt that the dinner honoring Ms. Ziman for her philantrophic work on behalf of African-American children was the appropriate forum for such remarks.”

Big Ben, perhaps it has something to do with the political cover he has been given, because, after all…isn’t he just another “crazy uncle” who grew up in a time and a place where it now makes it reasonable and justifiable to harbor blind hatred?

According to a man running for the highest office in the land, blind hatred, vicious stereotyping, malignant falsehoods and all manner of vile oppobrium are a one way street when it comes to racial interactions in this country. Don Imus and Geraldine Ferraro are held to one set of standards, Jeremiah Wright, Rev Meeks, Rev. Otis Moss, Louis Farrakhan etc. are held to a different set of standards.

After all, we have to contextualize and morally equivocate when black preachers make racist statements and spreads vicious lies vs. when a shock jock makes one, trying to be funny.

Political cover for hatred, political cover for mistreatment, political cover for lies, political cover for racial warfare, political cover for class warfare.

This is the tune that has been called, the piper has been paid and he will play it.

It could not be more clear, that political cover for an “us” vs. “them” strategy is being played out. Those who believe in the notion of class warfare, those who believe in advancing an “us” vs. “them” agenda…will march in lockstep toward the outcome this November.

White people are “them”. Jewish people are “them”. Socialists, marxists, black liberation theology congregationalists are “us”.

Viral “Them”-ology has landed on your doorstep.

Get ready for some payback. There’s political cover for it now.

Apr 10, 2008 - 2:43 pm 19. Richard Fagin:

buckw: I have no idea. I’ve been a registered Republican since I was old enough to vote. The rest of ‘em are plum crazy.

Apr 10, 2008 - 3:04 pm 20. Californio:

Say, isn’t her husband the very wealthy owner of Arden Realty? Say, isn’t he and Ms. Ziman big-time Clinton supporters who practically never met a Democrat they didn’t like and Republicans, well…….. And haven’t they put their money where they hearts are and given large to the Democrats? And for this they can expect………… [I can see the Democratic party hacks looking sad as the Ziman’s complain about this very very terrible treatment. But at the end of the conversation the hacks will pat the Ziman’s condescendingly on the arm and say “Yeah, tough it out – I mean – who ELSE ya gonna give your money to? The Republicans? Ha HA HA!”

Sad to say, in the old days money to the right old school pols would buy you SOME loyalty. (if for no reason than personal pride – can you see them taking someone else dissing their major supporter – right in front of them? SHAME!)

Apr 10, 2008 - 3:19 pm 21. engineer:

My test is to mirror image the speech, transpose “white” for “black” and vice-versa and then imagine it coming out of a white face instead of a black face or vice-versa. If the consequent diatribe would exile a white speaker from polite company or end their career, then it’s out of bounds. Skin color doesn’t privilege bigotry.

Apr 10, 2008 - 3:22 pm 22. david levavi:

I hate to say it, but I’m with Pat. Rev Lee’s anger is rooted in frustration with the failures of African Americans at large. Rev. Lee would like to believe these are the fault of Jews. Or whites in general. Or America. Or capitalism. Or whatever.

But at heart, Rev. Lee knows, as everyone with eyes can see, that the problems of the black community–or the lack thereof–are in good part internal. May even be characterized as self-inflicted.

Demonic, blue eyed Patricia says African Americans need to grow up. Sounds condescending but its on the money.

Rev. Lee needs to stop selling absolution to his congregation by blaming others for their own sins. In place of the gospel of hate, Rev. Lee needs to preach the gospel of responsibility. Discipline. Temperance.

As for Jews, they need to stop trying to help black people. Butt out of African American affairs. The unctious, nosy rabbi Rev. Lee complains about helps neither Jews nor blacks. Any Jew with time and money to contribute can find outlets closer to home.

If I read Rev. Lee right, he’s saying that African Americans want to help themselves. By themselves. No Jews need apply. Well, this Jew’s with you, Brothuh Lee. Right on.

Apr 10, 2008 - 3:24 pm 23. DG:

Where are the African-American preachers who are not anti-Semitic and racist? Why don’t they speak up?

Apr 10, 2008 - 3:27 pm 24. Marshall:

I got this from Alison Mayerson of the ADL in LA. It’s a letter of apology from Reverend Eric. P. Lee to Daphna Zinman:

Date: April 10, 2008

To: Mrs. Daphna Zinman

From: Rev. Eric P. Lee

It is with deep regret and my sincerest apologies that any comments I have made have caused you pain and distress. It was never my intent to insult you or the Jewish community, with whom I have a respected and long standing relationship. It is my hope that any misunderstandings may be clarified such that both our communities may move forward with mutual respect and a commitment to our shared struggles against any form of injustice.

As a Christian, and as an African American, we have long embraced the history of Israel’s plight of slavery, oppression, deliverance and freedom as symbolic of African American’s plight against slavery, oppression, deliverance and freedom. Our communities are joined together in this struggle.

I unequivocally denounce any anti-Semitic sentiments, statements and behavior and assure you that such hatred is not reflective of my character and my work. Specifically, I do not believe, and the SCLC does not subscribe to the belief, that Jews control the entertainment industries or are responsible for negative characterizations of African Americans. As the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated, “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” My commitment is to ensuring justice is promoted for all of G-d’s people.

I am reminded of a part of a Seder ceremony in which the children of Israel are fleeing Pharaoh’s army and celebrate the drowning of their pursuers in the Red Sea. G-d’s response was disappointment because all are His children. I wholeheartedly believe that we are all G-d’s children and in the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “we must learn to live together as brothers, or we perish together as fools”.

Yours truly,

Rev. Eric P. Lee

Apr 10, 2008 - 3:33 pm 25. Ed Wallis:

Insult in public, apologize in private.

The acts of a mental midget and moral coward.

Apr 10, 2008 - 5:06 pm 26. gringo:

There are a few things that should be done. Firstly, Eric P. Lee should be forced to go to some Jewish radio programs and synagogues and apologize profusely to the Jewish community. It would be good if he cried. Secondly, Eric should donate large sums of money to the pro-Israel groups, like PNAC. Lastly, after all this is done, he must be fired from his job.

Sounds like a plan? This is what Don Imus had to go through, for a much less offense. Fair is fair. B. Hussein Obama – are you supporting this plan?

Apr 10, 2008 - 5:22 pm 27. David Thomson:

“we must learn to live together as brothers, or we perish together as fools”.”

Was this really said with a straight face? Oh gosh, Rev. Eric Lee is probably concerned about the money drying up. It would, however, be foolish to forgive him and “begin a new dialogue.” Race hustlers like Lee have for too long taken advantage of white guilt. They are well aware that guilt tripped individuals will search for any reason to cut him some slack. It’s time to put a stop to this madness. Lee and his ilk must be cut off at the knees.

Apr 10, 2008 - 5:23 pm 28. Stuart Dauermann:

Either Mrs Ziman is misreporting the event, and misconstruing Lee’s comments, OR he is back-pedaling like mad.

The very WORST thing I could say is if Mrs. Ziman is trying to destroy Obama’s momentum due to her fealty to Hillary Clinton. But that would be Machiavellian in the extreme and I am going to hold off believing that.

So what say ye? (1) She misreported and misconstrued the talk; (2) He said what she said he said the way she heard it and now he is back-pedaling due to the professional and social cost; (3) She is slyly trying to destroy Obama.

Apr 10, 2008 - 5:41 pm 29. Harry W. Mazal OBE:

The Rev. Eric. P. Lee’s apology rings hollow after his vile and uncontrolled attack on the Jews. His foetid categorization of “the Jews” is just as racist as if one blamed “the African Americans” for his transgression. By condemning an entire ethnic group for the faults – real or imagined – of a few individuals, such rhetoric opens the door to what happened in Europe between 1933 and 1945.

The apology is wasted on me. His true feelings were expressed when he gave vent to his irrational hatred of all Jews. Mere words won’t make that disappear. It is now up to the Rev. Eric P. Lee to act like a man and remove himself from the pulpit. His apology is as if Hoess or Eichmann or Hitler himself stood atop the mountain of calcinated bones in Majdanek and apologized to their victims.

Let God (or as he quaintly spells it in the Orthodox manner as G-d) forgive him (and them). I can’t.

Apr 10, 2008 - 6:15 pm 30. Colette:

Stuart, if he didn’t say something along the lines that Mrs. Ziman claims, then why the apology? Wouldn’t he deny ever saying any such thing and add that he found such sentiments horrifying? In his apology, he doesn’t even deny her claims, he just says he didn’t mean to offend her. An apology instead of a denial indicates to me at least that he said what she said. And there’s no misconstruing that kind of hate speech.

Apr 10, 2008 - 6:27 pm 31. Californio:

note: I am the polar opposite of a Hilliary supporter. That being said, how does this turn into a double-tricky, secret, wink-wink Obama slam? I mean, wouldn’t Obama just explain away the comments of Rev. Lee – another crazy relative! – and use it to intone on about race ad naseum – the whole time decrying that he has to talk about race…..

At a point it all becomes a BS game: “Don’t stare at me, whiteman!” or “How dare you avoid eye contact with me – what, afraid of a black man!?” basically whatever is done will be used as a leverage point to get what the other person wants. Hey, everybody loves a pander, er I mean “panda”. [any truth to the rumor that the PRC Olympic team will ride in style during the opening ceremonies.................on tanks?]

Apr 10, 2008 - 6:41 pm 32. jw:

Many white ‘liberals’ (socialists) do not act from guilt for what has happened to Negroes. They act from feeling morally superior to their fellow Americans (who abolished racial segregation through the courts, passed the Civil Rights Act 0f 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965). Like so many socialists, they divide the human race in “us superior ones” and “them booboozies.” The hardline Marxists among them want to start a race war, so that they can take over, as Vladimir Lenin started the civil war in Russia in 1918 in order to take over as a tyrant.

Apr 10, 2008 - 6:48 pm 33. Robert H:

I’m not Jewish, and have never been to a Seder, so maybe I’m misinterpreting this. But it appears this “apology” ends with a condemnation of the Jews.

“a Seder ceremony in which the children of Israel are fleeing Pharaoh’s army and celebrate the drowning of their pursuers in the Red Sea. G-d’s response was disappointment”

Lee ends his “apology” by saying “God is disappointed” in the Jews…for supposedly celebrating a miracle God did in their behalf. My internet search of the scriptures says, on the contrary, that the Jews were in “awe and fear of the power of the Lord”.

“God is disappointed in the Jews”?

Some “apology”

Apr 10, 2008 - 7:00 pm 34. David in Boston:

Can someone here please tell me the name of the Haggada or any other book, that tells of the Jewish people celebrating the drowning of their pursuers?

Apr 10, 2008 - 7:21 pm 35. nichevo:

I would like to note that if this is the genuine text of the Lee apologia, verbatim, that I am impressed with neither the grammar nor the spelling. Perhaps his problem is ignorance or stupidity rather than evil. But of course there’s always D: all of the above.

Snarking aside, who can believe or say these things with a straight face? And read the first paragraph, the first sentence, and tell me it’s not gibberish – that was probably arm-twisted out of him, to boot.

Apr 10, 2008 - 7:49 pm 36. nichevo:

oh and for the record, iirc, it was not Jews cheering the crashing of the waves upon their pursuers. angels of the Lord set up this cheer-actually songs of praise.

maybe that was how the movie showed it, but it is different in the Torah. google ‘bible masoretic text jps 1917′ to find accurate english translation. the book is exodus of course, chapter and verse escapes me.

I trust the Jews are now acquitted of the offense of being glad to be alive. which is the only way we could vote for Hillary let alone BHO.

Apr 10, 2008 - 7:59 pm 37. Mike M:

Rev Lee writes in his “apology”

“I am reminded of a part of a Seder ceremony in which the children of Israel are fleeing Pharaoh’s army and celebrate the drowning of their pursuers in the Red Sea. G-d’s response was disappointment because all are His children.”

I do not recall ever seeing this idea in a Hagadah. Of course, one can only guess what leftists may come up with in their “progressive” seders.

This is quite an apology. Are we supposed to thank Rev Lee for the information that G-d is disappointed with us?

Apr 10, 2008 - 8:25 pm 38. David Preiser:

Hey all you Bible scholars out there! Check out the actual text of Exodus XIV (or a good chunk of Parshat Beshallach):

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=2&chapter=14&version=31

See if you can find any reference to God being disappointed or any such nonsense. There is no such thing. Lee made it up. He knows that the pseudo-intellectual secularist media won’t know their Scripture, and will never bust him on it. It’s also an underhanded olive branch to the Jews.

What a crock. And he’s supposed to be some sort of clergyman, and spiritual leader to innocent people? Somebody really should expose this liar.

Apr 10, 2008 - 8:35 pm 39. glenn:

Re: Reverend Lees letter,

I wonder who wrote it.

Apr 10, 2008 - 8:43 pm 40. baldilocks:

david levavi:

I hate to say it, but I’m with Pat. Rev Lee’s anger is rooted in frustration with the failures of African Americans at large. Rev. Lee would like to believe these are the fault of Jews. Or whites in general. Or America. Or capitalism. Or whatever.

Sir. I think that you are the only person commenting in this thread who gets what this created (manipulated?) enmity is about: jealousy. That’s what all hatred of the Jews has been about. Think about it.

Apr 10, 2008 - 9:03 pm 41. Dave Hardy:

1. I’d classify that as a real apology. It may be BS, but the wording is not “I mispoke.”

2. I haven’t read the Old Testament in a long time, but cannot recall the almight rebuking anyone after the Pharoh’s army bit the dust. Or the water. Perhaps it was in there, but the theme is a narrow escape, which makes celebration in order.

3. One can debate over exactly what is meant by “black power movement,” but by any definitions it was well underway before 1968. 1968 was years after the Voting Rights Act and Civil Rights Act. It is, to be fair, possible that BP got a lot more press in 1968 onward, but it hardly was organized post 1968. A quick Wikipedia search shows frequent uses by 1966. It may date to Robert Williams’ resistance to the Klan, which occurred in the late 1950s. The Black Panthers were organized in 1966, and in 1967 marched on the CA state capitol.

Apr 10, 2008 - 9:19 pm 42. seePea:

To David in Boston:
Not just in the Haggada but in our daily prayers, every morning ,
Oz Yoshir Moshe u’Bnai Yisroel .

The issue of improper celebration was directed to the Angels who wanted to participate. The Angels are told that since they had no part in the situation and that the Egyptians were still G0d’s creatures, that it was not acceptable for them to celebrate the drownings in any manner.

Apr 10, 2008 - 9:29 pm 43. Jack Denver:

Actually the Rev. had it completely backwards about celebrating. At the Seder, when reciting the ten plagues that befell the Egyptians when they refused to release the Jews from slavery, we pour off some of the wine in our cups to symbolize that our joy is diminished because others had to suffer in order for us to achieve our freedom. But I would not expect a hater like the Rev. to be able to grasp such a Jewish concept – I’m sure his natural instinct would be to rejoice in the suffering of his “enemies”, even imaginary ones such as the Jews who never did anything to him.

Apr 10, 2008 - 9:32 pm 44. nichevo:

Preiser, I agree it’s not in Exodus, but it has been in my family’s haggadot for years. But I repeat, it is the angels who sing and whom God remonstrates.

Apr 10, 2008 - 9:33 pm 45. bour3:

characterizations of African Americans by whom

I do wish you’d work out the who/whom thing. Whom designates the object</b? of sentence. Do you need help with subject/object? It’s grating. I mention this only because it stopped me dead in my tracks. <– See what I did there? Reflective sentence; I’m both the subject and the object of that sentence. Whom got stopped? Me. Who Mentioned? I did. On the other hand, we could just give it up altogether. End pedantry.

Apr 10, 2008 - 9:35 pm 46. CFM:

Everyone seems pretty torqued about Rev. Lee. About time someone took notice of clods like him.

However, some of the rhetoric above suggests a reminder is in order: Black people are just that. People. With all the variety of opinion and behaviour that implies.

Bigotry, as practiced by the Rev. Wrights of the world, is a collectivist mindset. The best way to avoid bigotry is to remember that any individual is defined by their actions. By how they live their lives and how they treat others. Race, religion, weight, whatever, isn’t relevant.

Rev’s Lee and Wright can drop dead for all I care, but I hope Clarence Thomas lives for 150 years.

Richard Fagin: Good on ya. You won’t be alone.

Apr 10, 2008 - 9:44 pm 47. Sam:

His “apology” doesn’t sit well with me. You can’t say what he said, and then say “I’m sorry if I offended you, I didn’t mean it.” (He didn’t, of course even come close to saying that). The remarks obviously represent his beliefs and no amount of spin can erase what he said.

Perhaps more important, why didn’t our good Mayor and city officals who were present simply stand up and walk out. I haven’t read any comment from the Mayor’s office. By staying and listening, without protest, did they not lend dignity to vile anti-semetic comments made by a pillar of the African-American community. Being CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of greater Los Angeles is not an insignificant position. Perhaps the mayor is afraid of offending part of his political base, but then sometimes it becomes necessary for a politician to take a stand – if he or she is man or woman enough to do it – our Mayor obviously isn’t. Remember it when it comes time to vote.

Hooray for Ms. Ziman who had the courage to walk out.

Apr 10, 2008 - 9:53 pm 48. Blacks are letting their mouths, overload their asses. Ummm people…remember this number 13%. That’s what you represent in American society. « Tizona’s Weblog:

[...] Pajamas Media/Roger L.Simon [...]

Apr 10, 2008 - 10:37 pm 49. maya:

It appears to me that Ms. Ziman is trying hard to elevate us all to a place of kindness. She is standing up for the Jewish community and not allowing anti semitism to continue being a part of this election. I admire her courage. By the same token she’s not trying to hurt the African American Community at large. She issimply asking the guilty partiesto rise above their lies about the Jewish people.
I thank you Ms. Ziman.

Apr 10, 2008 - 11:01 pm 50. Sean:

I am hopeful but not optimistic that Ms. Ziman will rethink her service to that community now that she knows that her efforts are at best not appreciated and at worst disdained by the recipients. That nobody dared to speak against the racist is the worst part. That it happened at an event like this is outrageeous.

And Rev. Lee, your statements do reflect on you character, which is sorely lacking. I’m tired of bigots like you getting a free pass, and of all the people who make excuses for you and appoint you as their leader. One more thing: The next time you make a racist statement, do not try to wiggle your way out of it – it only draws attention to the dastardly little worm that you are.

Apr 10, 2008 - 11:45 pm 51. isad:

In the seder, as one commenter noted above, some of the wine is spilled. This is understood to symbolize that our joy at freedom is mixed with sadness that the Egyptians died.

This based on a midrash (teaching of the rabbis) that several commenters mentioned – it is not in Scripture. The midrash says that the angels began singing in praise of God at the splitting of the red sea. According to the midrash, God rebukes the angels for praising him while Egyptians die. As pointed out, angels were rebuked, not the Jews the way Dr Lee presents it.

Based on this teaching, in our seder we indicate that our joy is mixed even though we praise god for our liberation. (This is not the only explanation of the custom to spill the wine, but it’s the common one).

Apr 11, 2008 - 12:55 am 52. Person of Choler:

The nice thing about Obama’s candidacy is that the likes of the Revs. Lee and Wright are suddenly

In the next months we may learn much about the ideas espoused and promoted by the intellectual leaders of the Melanin-enhanced Community.

Apr 11, 2008 - 12:55 am 53. Yehudit:

I want to know why he said it in the first place. I notice most of the vile anti-Semitism comes out kind of like a Tourette’s tic. I am not saying it has a medical basis – it is entirely psychological. But sometimes you are having a normal conversation with someone, or you are talking about Jews or Israel … and this stream of ugly stuff bursts out. It’s weird.

Apr 11, 2008 - 1:35 am 54. Dodgeblogium » Reverend Eric Lee’s Anti-Semitism: A Personal Story:

[...] Lee has responded; not exactly helping his cause one has to [...]

Apr 11, 2008 - 4:06 am 55. Chris Worden:

I don’t feel adequately informed to speak on who “controls” the entertainment industry, except to say that as a function of the overall population, I see a lot of jewish surnames for very successful producers. I don’t think you can extrapolate that to “controlling” the media. But one thing I do know is that the media isn’t controlled by black folks. And the other thing I know is that whoever said they depiction of black people is so positive that it strains credulity….well, I don’t know what you’re watching. Scan the last two decades of movies and find an action movie (excluding one where Will Smith stars) where the black man doesn’t die. I promise you, you can’t. But, while we’re on “positive movies,” even as a white people, are you telling me you can’t see the insulting undercurrent in many of these movies? I can, and I’m a white guy. The black man too often is shown as being a “good guy” by “saving” the white man (The Legend of Bagger Vance, anyone?) Think about GLORY. This movie wasn’t content to just show a bunch of black men being marched off to their deaths in a suicide mission. Oh no, the final shot is the dead white leader laying next to the dead black man. THAT is the message. It was saying, “Look how we redeemed ourselves as white people. SURE, we sacrificed the lives of a bunch of expendable soldiers for no apparent military gain, BUT TWO white guys died, too.” Hollywood (and whoever “controls” it) never seems content to just show black people as the central characters until they started greenlighting Tyler Perry movies, and a lot of those funds are coming from black investors and producers. If “Hollywood” were doing such a great job with their depictions, I assure you that so many black folks would not be jumping on these black-run, black-written movies.

Apr 11, 2008 - 4:21 am 56. Jonathan Burack:

The only thing I did not like about Daphna Ziman’s powerful statement was her call for an “apology.” The concept of apology has been so corrupted in this day that it should not surprise us in the least that the Reverend Lee can deliver one on demand even as he re-states the vile bilge he supposedly aplogizes for.

By the way, I was glad to see that the first comment here corrected Lee’s inane and ignorant “mistake” about Black Power. MLK was dealing with that twisted deformation as early as 1965 when Stokely and others began spewing it out. My mother’s cousin, Kivie Kaplan, was president of the NAACP from 1966-1975. It took a long time for black nationalism to gain the romanticized hues it now has with a generation of African Americans who do not even yet know their own “roots.”

Apr 11, 2008 - 4:36 am 57. Brian Macker:

They always raise more questions than they answer because being racists they don’t think properly.

Apr 11, 2008 - 4:52 am 58. Hot Air » Blog Archive » Rev. Eric Lee’s convenient apology:

[...] Simon has two follow-ups in one post today.   Lee attempted to give a half-baked apology/explanation, which wound up falling flat.  Later, [...]

Apr 11, 2008 - 4:55 am 59. Dave:

Note that, in his apology, the scripture Lee decides to quote is a story about Jews celebrating the suffering of their enemies, and God chiding them for wanting bad things for those ‘other people’ who gave them trouble.

THIS IS JUST A DIFFERENT WAY OF HIM MAKING HIS POINT.

IT isn’t an apology at ALL. The words appearing around this quote are just to provide cover for it.

He is still insulting the Jews for their arrogance. Can you believe it?

What a jerk.

Apr 11, 2008 - 5:23 am 60. Chaya:

Martin Luther King did indeed say this:

“When people criticize Zionists, they mean Jews, You are talking anti-Semitism.” [from “The Socialism of Fools: The Left, the Jews and Israel” by Seymour Martin Lipset; in Encounter magazine, December 1969, p. 24. ].

From: http://www.jewish-history.com/mlk_zionism.html

Apr 11, 2008 - 5:40 am 61. Jack:

Unglueck = misfortune

not
umblick = look around

Apr 11, 2008 - 6:01 am 62. Jeff:

Speaking as what Barak Obama would call a “typical white person”, I have to say that the garbage put forth by Rev. Lee make me realize how far we still have to go in this country to have racial harmony. The first step forward would be for the black community to get leaders who can perceive the difference between fantasy and reality. It also would be nice if Obama would step into this and tell Lee that he should shut up. I think I will have along wait for that.

Apr 11, 2008 - 6:15 am 63. Kirk:

I have never been in a black church. Now that I understand what they are based around…Wow. It explains a lot of the blind hate I’ve seen from total strangers. How could blacks not be constantly seething after being fed this weird concoction of hate and god and tin foil hat conspiracies? I imagine the white power camps you read about every now and again sound similar. Barack Obama’s bid for the presidency sure has had an unintended consequence : teaching whites about black hatred. I hope Condolezza Rice and Colin Powells churches don’t sound like this…that would be scary.

Apr 11, 2008 - 6:28 am 64. Morgan:

Kirk I guess you have never been in a ‘confederate presbyterian church’ either. Hatred runs on both sides of the fence where churches and racist rhetoric are concerned.

Church, the place where you go to learn to hate. Sad and disgusting.

Apr 11, 2008 - 6:52 am 65. S Silverstein:

OK, it is time to issue an edict:

Those who use all-inclusive terms such as “the Jews” – or “the Blacks” – or any other such broad terms when characterizing behaviors of the small number of individuals within that group that they may have observed – will immediately be asked to STFU.

Because any such statement by itself is bigoted, Archie Bunker-style (or worse), if not “racist” (whatever that term means anymore).

This type of statement should no longer be tolerated as a means of civil discourse. Bad ideas and broad characterizations have, and will continue to have, bad consequences.

It’s time for purveyors of this filth to name names if they bear a grievance, not groups.

And the dyspeptic, vitriolic lunatic ravings of a Rev. Moore are even worse, as they are de facto incendiary and bear no redeeming social value.

Apr 11, 2008 - 7:52 am 66. S Silverstein:

OK, it is time to issue an edict:

Those who use all-inclusive terms such as “the Jews” – or “the Blacks” – or any other such broad terms when characterizing behaviors of the small number of individuals within that group that they may have observed – will immediately be asked to STFU.

Because any such statement by itself is bigoted, Archie Bunker-style (or worse), if not “racist” (whatever that term means anymore).

This type of statement should no longer be tolerated as a means of civil discourse. Bad ideas and broad characterizations have, and will continue to have, bad consequences.

It’s time for purveyors of this filth to name names if they bear a grievance, not groups.

And the dyspeptic, vitriolic lunatic ravings of a Rev. Moore are even worse, as they are de facto incendiary and bear no redeeming social value.

Apr 11, 2008 - 7:53 am 67. Jack:

This what I suggest all white people do: If you support any black charities or organizations, stop doing it.

Instead, support blacks that you know personally. You’ll have to pay the price of not taking a tax deduction, but you can work that by decreasing the financial help you provide by what you loose in tax savings.

And of course, you have the benefit of cutting out the Reverend middle-man, who takes the lion’s share of the money, anyway.

Don’t give money to the NAACP, give it to a black man going to college. Give it to a black mother at a shelter. Just don’t give money to any black organizations.

Apr 11, 2008 - 8:17 am 68. Believer:

This is for Eric P. Lee:

None of us can know your heart. But God does.

Should your attention now be turned to Him – perhaps another apology?

For the Word says, “If you hate any man, you hate Me.” And “What you do unto the least of these, you do unto Me.”

Consider also this: If you, in fact, teach hatred and unforgiveness to your parishoners, are you not enslaving them in a far more perilous manner than anyone you might accuse of the same? That is, if you are indeed a Christian, and value their souls.

Apr 11, 2008 - 8:49 am 69. baldilocks:

I have never been in a black church. Now that I understand what they are based around…Wow.

I am black and have been to many “black” churches. None of them have been based around “Black Liberation Theology” or hatred of the Jews. Evil people like Lee are anomalies and as with most like them, they find the largest platform to spew from. (I say that they’re evil because they profane the name of God by claiming to speak in His name.)

Apr 11, 2008 - 8:56 am 70. Big Ben:

I respectfully disagree with the majority of posters who reject the apology.

A plain reading of the text(sans Midrashic interpretation) lends itself to the understanding that Rev Lee regrets his statements.Thats enough for me.His apology stems the poison that has flowed from the Wrights and others of his ilk.

It does not matter whether he is motivated by sincere regret or othere, more banal reasons. I am sure that in the future, he will be more careful in his criticism of Jews.
As a Jewish American, I would not want to reject an apology for anti-semitism, whether or not sincere,and I Halevi we would hear these apologies from Wright, Sharpton, Obama et al.
The capacity for real change and remorse can be gleaned from the amazing story of Julius Lester.Mr Lester had a radio program in the late sixties when tension between Jews and Blacks over the New York City school system and the construction of new high rise projects in middle class areas flare up to unprecedented levels. Mr Lester stoked those flames by reading a student’s poem, “Hey Jewboy with that yarmulka on your head, hey you pale faced Jewboy, I wished you were dead.”

Mr. Lester, an African- American, subsequently converted to Judaism, and has become a scholar of Jewish religious texts.

Apr 11, 2008 - 9:02 am 71. dsinope:

Just so I’m clear here.

Rev. Lee repeated a pernicious lie about Jews.

He apologized, and in the same text created a whole new pernicious lie about Jews.

Is that about right?

Apr 11, 2008 - 11:16 am 72. tanstaafl:

Paraphrased, the Rev. Lee first says that the “Jewish controlled” Hollywood entertainment industry has shafted the black man, particularly after the assassination of King, giving rise to a (hugely justified) Black Power movement.

Next, he says we’re all the children of the living God and shouldn’t hold resentments against one another.

I’ll vote for Door #2.

And someday, one of these radical/Liberation Theology black preachers should acknowledge that their rhetoric and bombast are (for the most part) vehicles for their own personal self-aggrandizement.

And that (in service to their their own egocentrism) they’re keeping the hatred alive and doing their listeners and followers a real disservice in terms of coming forward into the blaze of enlightenment.

Apr 11, 2008 - 11:28 am 73. CJ:

“A plain reading of the text(sans Midrashic interpretation) lends itself to the understanding that Rev Lee regrets his statements. Thats enough for me…. It does not matter whether he is motivated by sincere regret or othere, more banal reasons.”
Big Ben,

A plain reading indicates he “regrets his statements” only to the degree that they caused him problems. Not only is that not sincere, it is a textbook example of a non-apology apology.

Notice how he never denies saying what he said. Nor does he choose to say, simply and clearly, that he doesn’t actually believe what he said: That Jews influence media content and Jews fueled back rage by depicting African Americans negatively in various media. He. Never. Says. It. There is every reason to conclude they he still believes it, and – since he only regrets causing public uproar – he will continue to say it, being careful that it’s among a group of like-minded people.

As for his “Red Sea” analogy…seems like he likens Jewish people to the pursuers. Who are killed. An odd reference, given the circumstances.

Finally, as has been noted, the people who need to answer for themselves are not this racist nut, but the politicians who associate with the likes of him, and sit silently when he preaches hate.

Apr 11, 2008 - 12:00 pm 74. Big Ben:

CJ;
No one can know what thoughts repose in the crevices of anouther man’s heart. Rev. Lee does address the specific charges:
“Specifically, I do not believe, and the SCLC does not subscribe to the belief, that Jews control the entertainment industries or are responsible for negative characterizations of African Americans.”

I think, and this is only conjecture, that the “Red Sea” remark was meant to be a plea for foregiveness and he was likening himself to the Egyptians and realized that what he said was inappropriate.
My main point is that we see the contrast between Rev. Lee,who offered an apology, and all
of the race baiters who see nothing wrong with their anti-semitism.
I am a little troubled that there appears to be no recording of his exact words and Ms Ziman is just a tad too close to the Clinton campaign to be an objective witness.
I do agree 100% with your last comment.

“Finally, as has been noted, the people who need to answer for themselves are not this racist nut, but the politicians who associate with the likes of him, and sit silently when he preaches hate.”

Apr 11, 2008 - 12:46 pm 75. John Boyle:

No one could come any where near depicting black Americans in a more unfavorable light than Lee himself. Except maybe the others just like him in the black faux-clergy-politician disguise.

If I were Ms Ziman, I’d return the award in a trash bag and shut down “Children Uniting Nations” today.

Jews need to wake up and stop making contribution to NAACP and SCLC and all similar revolutionary fronts that use race as the pretext for their hate-fueled power games.

Apr 11, 2008 - 1:02 pm 76. Free Mark Steyn!:

[...] FUN WITH JEW-BASHING: “Reverend Lee’s Response Sounds Like The Protocols of the Elders of Zion” …. [...]

Apr 11, 2008 - 1:17 pm 77. Rubicon:

All in all, the comments of the Rev. Lee only prove to me that racism is alive & well in America, AND, it comes from all races to all races!
No one is above it or excluded from it. And preaching it to others is simply indoctrination of the inocent.

Apr 11, 2008 - 1:52 pm 78. Todd:

I am so tired of the group-victimology routine displayed by so-called black leaders. Black individuals will never prosper until they come to terms with this fact—individualism is the way to prosperity in America. Blacks who rely on their so-called group leaders to “show them the way” are being sadly guided to the back of the bus, only this time its not whitie that’s doing it!

Apr 11, 2008 - 2:07 pm 79. Pinchas:

You call that an apology? Shuk’in n Jiv’in may work for some, but not for me.

Apr 11, 2008 - 3:26 pm 80. mihaela:

I am shocked at the deep and aggressive racism of black people in this country; I am shocked that white people take insult after insult without any response. Racism is wrong. But at least now when the word racism is pronounced it is not going to be associated automatically with white people. Thanks to BHO and his “uncles” racism is associated nowadays with the blacks and black church. Interesting twist!

Apr 11, 2008 - 4:25 pm 81. Mike H.:

What’s a ‘dog collar’?

Apr 11, 2008 - 4:29 pm 82. califlefty:

Apparently Rev. Lee has made inflammatory statements regarding Latinos as well see: http://www.latinola.com/story.php?story=4036

Apr 11, 2008 - 4:35 pm 83. Phillip:

Actually the tradition of the Seder is exactly the opposite of Lees characterization. The Seder is the oral recounting of the Exodus. The Seder’s portions relevant to this topic — how should/does a Jew respond to the misfortune/suffering of his enemy — relate to the Seder’s requirements to drink four cups of wine and to list the ten plagues. HOWEVER, the tradition requires the spilling out of wine from your cup upon the mention of each plague. WHY, because drinking wine is joyful and a Jew may not fully celebrate the suffering of his fellow human-beings (even if they are enemies committed to his murder); so, we remove ten portions of our cups of joyous celebration. THAT IS THE TRADITION AND THE LESSON.

Apr 11, 2008 - 4:50 pm 84. Anne:

Throughout history Jews have been scapegoats. They have a history of suffering. But wherever they have ‘landed’, they have become the merchants, scholars, doctors, successful people. And they have been resented for this! It doesn’t take long for Jewish people to turn nothing into something! They just can’t be kept down! (I am an American…of non-Jewish descent). However, I can recognize a brilliant people when I see them! As a Christian, I can see they are God’s chosen people. “Reverend” Lee and “Reverend” Wright do not know their Bible very well if they think that Jesus Christ was anything but a Jew..(he wasn’t black, guys…READ the Bible…study..and you will know the truth) So they claim to be Christians..followers of Christ..but deny his Jewishness…and are anti-semites! I think the two of them can just be classified as racists! Simple! They both hate anyone who isn’t Black! I pray they will both reap what they have sown…and soon America will see them for what they are.

Apr 11, 2008 - 6:33 pm 85. Believer:

Oh, thank you, Phillip!

Wherever you are, I wish I could hug you. Your explanation of the Seder brings me to tears. How beautiful it is. It means so very much to me as a Christian.

You cannot know how much I love Israel. I just know she is in God’s hands and we must stand with her.

God bless and keep you.

Apr 11, 2008 - 7:21 pm 86. J.J. Sefton:

Actually, the ir-Reverend Lee has a genuine Hollywood insider who’s always telling it “like it is” – Spike Lee (no relation [I think]), that great auteur who gave us “Mo Better Blues.” Remember the portrayal of the Jewish manager? It makes Shyklock look like Glenda the Good Witch. All of this malignant little dwarf’s flicks have an anti-white/anti-Jewish bent to some degree. I’d say go rent MBB but the thought of any royalties going to this Jew-hater and his co-hort (yes, dear reader, Denzel is as rabid as Tomas Torquemada) makes me ill.

Apr 12, 2008 - 6:08 am 87. John Lewis:

I found what I believe to be an incredible insight into the African-American psyche written by an African-American economist. Has anyone read Black Rednecks and White Liberals by Thomas Sowell? The first segment of his book details a fascinating timeline through history and documents some very radical ideas on how today’s Black ethos developed.

It gave me a totally different set of glasses when I look at the issue.

Apr 12, 2008 - 6:12 am 88. tanstaafl:

I love reading anything by Thomas Sowell.

Anything at all.

Apr 12, 2008 - 6:58 am 89. I agree with Believer!:

All Christian know and we are taught the gospel of God.
Romans 1: 16, I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation of everyone who believes: first the Jew, then the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written:
“The Righteous will live by faith”
Mr. Lee, Mr. Wright, and the Black Theology Reverends who preach hate from their pulpit should read Romans 1: 16-32.

These wicked men (Preachers of black theology) know they suppress the true gospel , they suppress the truth through their wickedness, what should be known about God is plain to them, but they neither glorify him or give thanks to him. Their hearts have been darkened by hate.
It is all there, and it is the gospel.
For the record Jesus is a Jewish man and his people will be called first. Mr. Wright says Jesus is a black man, but no Jesus is not from Africa, he is a Jew. His people will be called first, and he wanted his people to forget, because he loves you and he loves all who believe. I believe.

Apr 12, 2008 - 8:20 am 90. Denney Crane:

Have you thought what this does for white supremacist groups… It helps them grow!!! WSG’s have kept their mouthes shut and keep stocking their arsenals…

Apr 12, 2008 - 8:34 am 91. J.J. Sefton:

Great, maybe they’ll give me half a klan membership.

No thank you

Apr 12, 2008 - 8:50 am 92. I agree with Believer!:

WSG’s are the same as the Black Theology Teachers, they know the truth but they preach lies and hate.
Satan is always at work and Satan uses the racist hate mongers to do his bidding.
The two are the same, because they use God to lie and twist the written word.

Apr 12, 2008 - 10:06 am 93. Pajamas Media » Blog Archive » Reverend Eric Lee’s Anti-Semitism: A Personal Story [video]:

[...] [UPDATE: Reverend Lee’s response is here.] [...]

Apr 12, 2008 - 1:56 pm 94. boazhorribilis:

Yeah, sounds like someone stepped on this imbecile’s weewee pretty hard. Do not believe a word this stinking bigot spews. It is important though for black Americans of good faith to understand that his words will hurt them more than the intended target. Jews struggled to help black Americans achieve equality under the law and asked nothing in return. It was the right thing to do. It is ironic how shamefully some bite the hands that landed much needed help in times of anguish. Disgustingly ignorant!

Apr 12, 2008 - 3:11 pm 95. The Anti-Semitism of Reverend Eric Lee « The New Centrist:

[...] L. Simon has a couple of posts on a troubling anti-Semitic outburst by Reverend Eric Lee, president of the Los Angeles branch of [...]

Apr 12, 2008 - 3:25 pm 96. Bozoer Rebbe:

The midrash about the angels has God rebuking them for singing while his creatures, the Egyptians, are drowning. The angels answer by pointing to the Israelites, singing the Song of the Sea, and God responds by saying that they were saved (while the angels were not), so it’s appropriate for them to praise Him.

Apr 12, 2008 - 6:29 pm 97. miriam:

Are you sure this chap is a Rev? He sounds more like a mullah to me. He’d be right at home in the West Bank, spewing hatred every Friday to a Fatah congregation.

Apr 13, 2008 - 1:17 pm 98. isad:

“The midrash about the angels has God rebuking them for singing while his creatures, the Egyptians, are drowning. The angels answer by pointing to the Israelites, singing the Song of the Sea, and God responds by saying that they were saved (while the angels were not), so it’s appropriate for them to praise Him.”

The only thing I’ve found is the first sentence. There is nothing about the Jews one way or another from the angels or from god! Look it up, megillah 10b.

Apr 13, 2008 - 3:48 pm 99. YOCHANAN DEODAT JOHN:

this socalled rev. eric lee and other such reverends do not need much help from anyone to keep black people enslaved !
shame on the sponsers of the event.

Apr 14, 2008 - 8:36 pm 100. Daniel:

Once a bigot, always a bigot. I’d like to see people from within his religious community speak up. Say that that is not what they believe and that there is absolutely no place for a man like that on a pulpit or in any position of religious authority. What a disgusting an inexcusable speech he delivered. To denigrate a person that was invited for humanitarian award, serving the black community and no less… and inject venimous religious stereotypes. There can be no explanation or excuses for Rev Lee’s behavior and any people that choose to condone or excuse his racist views are just fanning flames of racism which will only serve to hurt everyone including themselves.

Apr 14, 2008 - 9:02 pm 101. Debo:

After sharing this story at length with my German girlfriend she asked me what it means to me to be Jewish.

My response: I have little connection to Judaism as a religion because I don’t really believe in religion. What it means to me to be Jewish is that I am hated by some for no reason other than the fact of whom I was born to.

I whole heartedly acknowledge that I, in many cases, can hide my Jewishness where as a black person cannot hide their blackness. But it does not change the fact that to many – Black Americans, White Americans, Muslim Americans, and Christian Americans alike – my persecution would be acceptable and allowable.

I am more fearful of being persecuted for being Jewish than for being female, or for being gay. Yet being Jewish is the part of me with which I actually identify the least.

Apr 15, 2008 - 6:42 am 102. Mr. Unite Us:

Why the brown hand with Star of David and the swastika.
Seems like race baiting to me.
I could be wrong.

But what I’m not wrong about is the level of Jewish anti-blackism, displayed on this site based on unsubstantiated claims by Clinton fundraiser.

We can do better people.

Apr 15, 2008 - 9:21 am 103. B.G.:

I’m sick of blacks blaming whites and Jews for their own stupidity. Its time they start preaching to black girls to stop getting pregnant to get a guy to love them. And start preaching to black boys that to get girls pregnant does not make a man. Any rabbit can do it !!

I was one of those lousy Jews who donated to black organizations and collages, but no more. Until they grow up, I’ll give my hard earned money to people who appreciate it.

Apr 15, 2008 - 9:45 am 104. Nicolo M.:

“Why the brown hand with Star of David and the swastika.
Seems like race baiting to me.
I could be wrong.”

That is the cover of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, Mr. Unite Us. Why don’t you look it up in Wikipedia? Just for your education, I mean.

Apr 15, 2008 - 7:12 pm 105. susan N.:

Three days before a jewish holiday. I think of the slaves that were set free during this time. Never did I ever think that I would harbor feelings of resentment or feelings of hatred. However, after reading and hearing what he said. You reverend disgust me. Open your eyes and see what the JEWISH people have done through the years for the African American. The jewish people were there for you during the civil rights movement. How quickly you forget that.

Apr 16, 2008 - 1:28 pm 106. protocols of the elders of zion:

[...] has responded to accusations of anti-Semitism by Daphna Ziman of Children Uniting Nations. But hashttp://pajamasmedia.com/blog/reverend-lees-response-sounds-like-the-protocols-of-the-elders-of-zion/Column misunderstands Jewish-German relations Brown Daily HeraldTo the Editor: As an Israeli who has [...]

Apr 18, 2008 - 5:33 pm 107. Hamas agitprop:

“The single mysterious cause of all German ills.The Jews caused Germany to lose The First World War. Jewish ideas were undermining German morals. Jewish blood was polluting German racial purity. Jews had brought on the depression that was starving Germany. Rev. Lee has an Arian soul brothuh he can channel.”

Now, read Chapter 23 of the Hamas Charter:

http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/mideast/hamas.htm

For a long time, the enemies have been planning, skillfully and with precision, for the achievement of what they have attained. They took into consideration the causes affecting the current of events. They strived to amass great and substantive material wealth which they devoted to the realisation of their dream. With their money, they took control of the world media, news agencies, the press, publishing houses, broadcasting stations, and others. With their money they stirred revolutions in various parts of the world with the purpose of achieving their interests and reaping the fruit therein. They were behind the French Revolution, the Communist revolution and most of the revolutions we heard and hear about, here and there. With their money they formed secret societies, such as Freemasons, Rotary Clubs, the Lions and others in different parts of the world for the purpose of sabotaging societies and achieving Zionist interests. With their money they were able to control imperialistic countries and instigate them to colonize many countries in order to enable them to exploit their resources and spread corruption there.

You may speak as much as you want about regional and world wars. They were behind World War I, when they were able to destroy the Islamic Caliphate, making financial gains and controlling resources. They obtained the Balfour Declaration, formed the League of Nations through which they could rule the world. They were behind World War II, through which they made huge financial gains by trading in armaments, and paved the way for the establishment of their state. It was they who instigated the replacement of the League of Nations with the United Nations and the Security Council to enable them to rule the world through them. There is no war going on anywhere, without having their finger in it.”

Nazis and Islamists. Spot the difference.

Apr 19, 2008 - 7:35 am 108. Howard:

When I first hear about this, I was outraged. I agree that our so called leaders, like the mayor and councilmen at the meeting should have stood up against Lee, or at least walked out, as Ms. Ziman did. The scary thing is to realize that this type of anti-semitism is going on in black churches all over the country. And, the most scary thing is that Barack Obama, who didn’t stand up, or walk out on Jeremiah Wright over a 20 year period, could actually be our next President of the United States! Americans must organize and not allow this to happen!!!

Apr 24, 2008 - 8:35 am 109. shiri:

I just hope she returned that award.

Apr 28, 2008 - 3:51 pm 110. Pajamas Media » Healing the Rift between Blacks and Jews on Holocaust Day [video]:

[...] Previous Pajamas Media coverage is here [video] and here. [...]

May 2, 2008 - 8:22 am 111. Zur:

I think this Revered Eric Lee should focus more on preaching love, friendship and help for the needy and less on: pointing fingers, hatred, and instigation.

his congregation should consider replacing him with someone who isn’t such a big hater.

that is what i think.

Jun 19, 2008 - 11:03 am 112. Faith:

Eric Lee’s in the news again, http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-sclc11-2009jul11,0,1372647.story. I’ve run into your writings from time to time, but thsi is the first time I totally disagree with you on a point. I understand the vehement and visceral response to anything that sounds like it comes from the totally BS handbook of the anti-zionist movement which has deeply infiltrated african american culture. Responding with, Racism? What Racism? is dumb and it does nothing to bring back the Black Jewish Connection which can empower both our peoples. Just my 2 cents, XOXO _Faith

Jul 13, 2009 - 9:25 pm

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