My response to Rabbi Shmuley’s blog:  Ahmedenijad, Media Rock Star

Amen, Amen, and Amen to you Rabbi!  I have felt, ever since I was in college, lines should be drawn when it comes to giving platforms to the hate-mongers of the world.  I understand that colleges and the news too, think if they draw a line - where will it end?  They think the people should be able to decide for themselves the worthiness of a person's ideas, platforms, etc. 

I have always felt that any attention or legitimacy given to these people at all is irresponsible at best, more like unbelievably inexcusable.  At a time in history when so many people are truly trying to repair the world (tikkun olam) with acts of loving kindness, I don't think there is a word to explain just how much of a "shanda" it is to give any credence to these people.

I do understand the saying “keep your enemies closer than your friends,” and since Ahmedenijad is a leader of a country with a death wish for Israel, I can understand wanting him to attend the United Nations' opening session.  Maybe, although extremely doubtful, someone can talk some sense into him.  The press, however, other than reporting his presence, should not give him voice. 

I don't understand, with Iran being geographically so close to Israel, how he thinks Iran would survive a nuclear attack on Israel.  Does he hate us so much he doesn't care how many others die along with us including himself?  Rhetorical question. 

What truly needs to happen is for non-Jewish people to speak out against him and Iran, Hamas, etc.  Jewish people can and should speak out, but we seem to be a collective lone voice.  I need not remind you, as you are very well aware of the fact, this is what fueled Hitler to keep going with his Jewish annihilation plan, better known as the Holocaust.  Evil can only spread when "good" people do nothing.

Speaking out against Ahmedenijad is but a part of an even larger problem.  Your explaining the horrific treatment of women in Iran should bring home the realization evil affects EVERYONE.

The world needs to WAKE UP, and realize deeds of loving kindness are great, but FAR from enough.  These loving deeds alone will not repair a world which embraces and allows evil to proliferate.  I am referring to your disgust at the press treating Ahmedenijad as a "rock star". 

We each need to take responsibility for our actions, and the news in all forms most especially.