Jews: A Confused and Confusing People

Look, I'm Jewish. But, do I understand Jews. Not for a moment.

Actually, I do understand some Jews. I understand the Orthodox. They are unashamably for Israel, except for the Naturi Karta. But then explaining the Naturi Karta is like trying to explain your crazy uncle.

Then there are the Reform Jews. They want to be part of the warp and woof of the American public (whatever that is). They hate the concept of "exceptionalism." Israel is not exceptional. America is not exceptional. Their leader, a Rabbi Yoffe, enters into a cooperative agreement with the ISNA, apparently oblivious to the fact that if you trace the roots of the ISNA and their legal arm, CAIR, the trail leads to none other than Saudi Arabia.

I have nothing against the Saudis. They too are exceptional with their capital punishment by decapitation, their caning of people caught drinking, their stoning of women who are found to be adulterous, and their abuse of people found to be gay. Yes, dear reader, truly exceptional.
(In their defense, I must confess that when they decapitate, they use a very, very sharp sword.)

Okay, enough of the Reform. Let's get to the Conservative Jews, the group to which I belong.

I see my old friend, Sol, and say, "So, what do you now think about your friend Obama?"
And, his reply, which I've quoted in an earlier blog, was, "for me his health care plan is the most important thing."

I explain that I too am for health care but that the plan passed by an overwhelmingly Democratic Congress won't fly. Its costs are far too enormous.

But, Sol then continues, "Look, I'm first and foremost an American."

Now this stuns me. He knows that I too am an American. But, it's more than that. I am keenly aware that this shouted cry of "I'm an American" raises the issue of dual loyalty. And, of this, I'm deeply resentful. If the Irish can cheer their Catholic brothers in Northern Ireland and the Muslims can cheer the Palestinians, why can't I appreciate the far better arguments of the Jews in Israel? And, if that means opposing Obama and his crew (J Street, George Soros, and the minor leftist party in Israel, who are out to diminish Israel), then it should not require me to defend my patriotism.

I shake my head in confusion. Jews vote, by and large, Democratic. It's something they picked up from their parents who were doing that most sensible thing -- back in the 30's. It's now 2010 and it's the Republicans who they should be supporting. Unfortunately, they're still locked in the mindset of the 30's. What I find incomprehensible is how so many non-Jews can think we're smart!