What gives? I tried the video and get the message "video no longer available"
susano
· 1 year ago
That's weird. I just watched it.
aquarius2
· 1 year ago
I tried again and it is now working. Thanks for your comment because I wouldn't have tried again.
Bostonian_Queer_in_Dallas
· 1 year ago
And yet in Florida they have convinced a lot of senior citizen Jewish-Americans that Obama IS a Muslim and will bomb Tel-Aviv no later than March if he is elected. I've seen a lot of "Jewish-Americans for McCain" stickers around Dallas, which has a very large Jewish population. I also do NOT fathom why the Obama campaign has not gotten out the word that Michelle's cousin is a black Rabbi in an Ethiopian-American Jewish congregation in Chicago. Most of my Jewish colleagues had no idea about that until I told them. One of my Jewish students, very young, said the other day that Obama would use nuclear bombs against Israel. I wonder where he heard that shit?
jescot
· 1 year ago
As someone who lives in Florida I must warn you and others that on the ground here things have changed dramatically even with seniors since Palin is getting scrutinized. People are really trying to look past their own prejudices and look at medicare, domestic partnership etc . I was at an event with Ed Koch last weekend with about 400 Seniors - It even suprised me to find them so cynical of McCain now. Have faith.
Bostonian_Queer_in_Dallas
· 1 year ago
This is good news!I guess here in Dallas they will say anything to keep the GOP in power.
Ask John Stein, former mayor Wasilla, about Palin's Jew-baiting during the 96 election.
mirth
· 1 year ago
aquarius, the vid worked for me.
Profoundly beautiful. Like these Jews of good heart and mind, the whole world cries for the promise of Obama.
houstonray
· 1 year ago
"....the whole world cries for the promise of Obama."
I love that!
Video deeply moving, shows we all desperately want the right kind of change...
mirth
· 1 year ago
I'm still wiping tears, houstonray, not just for these Jew lovers of peace, but for the lovers of change and peace all over the world. The United States stands or falls on the coming electipn and the world prays we are worth their hope.
Slightly related:
Listen to Seal totally rock Sam Cooke's Change Is Gonna Come.
I hadn't even heard of the guy way back when (and I'm talking way back and when he was handing out free CD's in person at Gay Pride Seattle in the mid-90's).
Seal is a very talented man. He's gotten a bit shaky at times but I like his art.
He's an amazing artist when he keeps his wits about him.
mirth
· 1 year ago
Scottinsf,
I haven't followed his career, but I've yet to hear him sing a song that doesn't blow me away with his powerful, intense, beautifully full and melodious voice. Plus he's also on my top 5 Sexiest Man Alive list.
scottinsf
· 1 year ago
Loved the video! Thank you.
BarbaraGordon
· 1 year ago
Tremendous video; I cried. Then I sent it to my older Jewish friends/relatives, who are still convinced that Hussein is a Muslim and hates Israel.
The emails that went around the Jewish communities many months ago accusing Obama of hating Israel, being a Muslim, etc.... really did a number on many older Jews. Of course, there is the possibility that those are all excuses for not voting for a black man.
The good news is that Sarah Palin has pushed many of those people back into voting for Obama.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 1 year ago
beautiful production. for me, the script was marred by the unnecessary insistence that obama is not a muslim. that's intolerant and divisive in this context.
Fireblazes(CheetohsandCatfood)
· 1 year ago
Actually it is response to the lie being spread across our country, and especially to older people, Jew and gentile. To these people the belief that he is a Muslim is a deal breaker.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 1 year ago
i understand the context. but accepting muslim as a slur is not much different from accepting gay as a slur. i loved Mario Cuomo's reaction years ago to being called a homo by a big business tycoon. he demanded an apology -- to gays and lesbians! similarly, the best way to react to the right's use of muslim as a slur is to demand and apology to muslims! i know this is a political risk, but so is it a risk to keep your campaign ads honest.
PS: as i recall, Cuomo got his apology.
Fireblazes(CheetohsandCatfood)
· 1 year ago
You cannot ignore the attacks and hope they go away. The ad spoke the truth, he is not a Muslim. You interpret it as a slur. When the slur is by the people spreading the Muslim rumor as a bad thing are the bigots. You are wrong.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 1 year ago
you ignored my point. the video implicitly ACCEPTED that muslim was a slur. it's the equivalent of Mario Cuomo saying "nuh-uh i ain't no homo". i'm glad he didn't.
Steve_in_CNJ
· 1 year ago
note that Cuomo's actual response did NOT ignore the attack. (sorry this was supposed to be an edit, not a reply).
Fireblazes(CheetohsandCatfood)
· 1 year ago
Whatever.
John Aravosis
· 1 year ago
Sorry, but I have to disagree. The fact remains that in America today, it is a slur when you're running for president, whether we like it or not - and worse, it's a slur that's being used effectively by the Republicans against Obama.
ShirleyGoodnessanMercy
· 1 year ago
I work in a largely Jewish community where pretty much everyone is for Obama, but this film clip needs to be seen by all those out there who have been deceived into believing lies about Obama. Please send this video to all you know.
sherifffruitfly
· 1 year ago
Wow.
That's up there with the AFL/CIO guy's video for Best Of Election.
Bush_Bites
· 1 year ago
It's a beautiful video.
I wish they'd buy time and show it in areas with large jewish populations.
For what it's worth, I sent it up to some Jewish friends in Michigan, who I'm sure will be passing it around.
grandma
· 1 year ago
Wow...beautiful and moving video...
4dogs
· 1 year ago
This really choked me up - it's beautiful. My mother lives in Florida, she's 89 years old. She and all her Jewish friends are for Obama. She doesn't know anyone there for McSame. This should absolutely be played in Jewish areas in every battleground state.
SarainKC
· 1 year ago
This video should be ran as TV ads in heavily Jewish states, no matter the cost. Not only for the Jewish community, but for the incredibly gullible who are actually afraid of a middle name, that Barack had no control over selecting. I am still amazed by people who's main argument against Obama is his middle name, as if that means something. I point out my middle name is Dobson, my mother's maiden name. Thank God no one jumps to the conclusion then that I must subscribe to the rantings of James Dobson. People need to be called out for being so ridiculous and this video does it beautifully. I hope it gets a wide audience.
tlsintx
· 1 year ago
that made me cry. wow.
covo
· 1 year ago
Beautiful.
MichaelS
· 1 year ago
MY GOD, what do we have to do to raise the funds to run this spectacular ad -- yes, the full-length version -- in Florida???
My wallet's ready and waiting to contribute.
BarbaraGordon
· 1 year ago
Mine too.
scottinsf
· 1 year ago
Me too. I've mostly been donating to Equality California and a few select congressional races lately, but if a 527 promises to blanket Florida with this video I'm there with a BIG contribution.
Millineryman
· 1 year ago
As an the artist my ultimate goal is to elicit an emotional response. This video brought tears to my eyes. Very well done.
"The list of rabbis attached to the release spans the Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Orthodox streams. "When 300 rabbis agree on anything, you know something is going on," says a headline on the groups website, rabbisforobama.com."
John, this might be the best vid I've seen so far.
doug
· 1 year ago
American Jews have historically always been progressive. It's only the few elite who are pushing Zionism and elimination of the Palestinians. It's this select few who wield great power in Washington and who persuade the president of both major political parties towards their agenda. It's my hope that Obama works for lasting peace in Occupied Palestine and ends Israeli oppression of the Palestinians.
mirth
· 1 year ago
Oh yes! You say it for me too, Doug.
jescot
· 1 year ago
Name me one prominent Israeli or American figure that is calling for the 'elimination of the Palestinians"...even among the neocons. You have no idea what you are talking about on even the basic level. No one "pushes" politicaL zionism in the halls of power but people speak forcefully all the time about protecting one the Middle East's strongest democracies and supporting an ally. I am SadDENED that someone who is probably very smart and reads this blog would write what you wrote.
ezpz
· 1 year ago
Well said, jescot.
mirth
· 1 year ago
No one is "calling for the elimination of the Palestinians?" Shameful actions speak words that are too shameful to say aloud.
It is shocking to me that there could be disagreement with what Doug wrote. To do so denies fact.
Where is your humanity?
jescot
· 1 year ago
So you are saying that some Israelis and Jews worldwide want a Palestinian Genocide- ? If you think I am denying facts find me a respected jewish leader in the world who wants to "eliminate the palestinians". Humanity ? The Palestinians suffer injustices by the Israeli's and there own leaders hands...THATS A FACT - what you and Doug are claiming is just hyperbolic and patently untrue. If you want to make a change and help the cause you feel so strongly about its best to not be a radical yourself or spout canards that do the search for PEACE no service.
mirth
· 1 year ago
While it is wrong yet understandable from her neighbors, particularly Lebanon, find me a respected leader in the world who advocates for the elimination of Israel. Ahmadinejad does not count.
Suggested reading for you, by the Israeli historian Ilan Pappe:
To affect change, truth must be spoken. But zealots rarely can hear it.
jescot
· 1 year ago
"While it is wrong yet understandable from her neighbors, particularly Lebanon, find me a respected leader in the world who advocates for the elimination of Israel. Ahmadinejad does not count."
What does that have to do with what you said originally? There probably is none but you still answered my original question. I am familiar with Pappe's writing and if you have ever lived in Israel like I have you would know that a vast number of Israelis since the Olso Accords Israelis accept what was called "revisionist history "like that of Pappe. The truth is already out there and is accepted but what you suggest doesn't change how to get to a lasting peace between both parties. I would rather argue about HOW to create a Peace than argue about who is the most righteous or who has history. There are no angels or devil here only humans.
mirth
· 1 year ago
Now you are being ridiculous and argumentative even as you speak of peace.
Pappe is not a history revisionist; he is a world-respected truthteller after decades of Israel creating a false history. And for his efforts he was forced out of his country.
You are the one who played the Israel-as-victim game, implying people of consequence in the world want to deny her right to exist. I asked you to name one. On the other hand, Israeli leaders have openly referred to Palestinians as cockroaches to be stepped on in defiance of world law and common decency.
There can be no peace in the Israel-created state of apartheid of the Palestinians.
Withdraw to the 1967 border, returning stolen Palestinian land and natural resources and pay restitution for the thefts and loss of livelihoods, free the thousands of Palestinians now imprisoned in Israeli jails, disarm the multitude of Israel nuclear weapons, never again a Lebanon, conduct their affairs in accordance with the nearly 100 UN resolutions against Israeli crimes.
Then we can get to the peace thing.
No justice, No peace.
jescot
· 1 year ago
Please reread this thread again . I never made Israel out to be the victim or implied anyone wanted Israel NOT to exist.
mirth
· 1 year ago
I interpreted your If you think I am denying facts find me a respected jewish leader in the world who wants to "eliminate the palestinians". to be a veiled reference to Israel's claims that (respected) leaders have called for their elimination. Re-reading the thread, I realize I misunderstood your meaning and I apologize.
More than anything else I was upset to read your "No one "pushes" politicaL zionism in the halls of power..." These and other falsehoods must end if ever there is to be peace there and an absence of foreign influence in our political and public lives here.
DemFromMem
· 1 year ago
To the person who mentioned that those "pushing Zionism" are the problem and not most Jews, 99% of Jews would likely consider themselves Zionists, including myself. Zionism means supporting a Jewish state in our historic homeland. It does NOT mean we are against a Palestinian state, sharing Jerusalem, or allowing Palestinians from around the world to return to a Palestinian state. There are extremists who are against all three of these but there views are not the mainstream Zionism that most of my fellow Jews support. But when you say you are against Zionism, you are basically saying you are against the homeland for six million of my fellow Jews who live in Israel. If this is not what you believe, then be mindful of your words, please.
mirth
· 1 year ago
Here's the deal:
Tear down the obscene walls, return stolen land and natural resources and recede to the 1967 Israel border, release the thousands of Palestinians (including women and children) from Israeli prisons, stop invading neighboring countries, and then we'll listen to your definition of Zionism.
DemFromMem
· 1 year ago
Umh, are you on the Board of the Oxford English Dictionary? You seem to think you can change definitions of historical words as some sort of punishment. Who are you, Big Brother in 1984? War is Peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strength.
mirth
· 1 year ago
Oh please, with the sarcasm and insults.
Just as neo-conservatives have morphed the historical meaning of Conservatism, likewise neo-Zionists have brought changes to the historical meaning of Zionism.
Read Chomsky or, better yet, the brilliant Israeli historian Ilan Pappe to better understand how zealotry has denigrated the once noble understanding of Zionism.
troqua
· 1 year ago
jeex, that actually made me tear up. Beautiful.
bunnyjump
· 1 year ago
Thank you, thank you to the people who appeared in this lovely video.
Even tho I'm an non-believer, wish us the best and if you are so inclined say a prayer for this nation.
Plisko
· 1 year ago
I'm sorry. I will probably catch hell for this. . . but I found this video a little disturbing because I guess I don't understand how it's OK to do this.
I am certainly pro Obama and all for a strong alliance with Israel but we often talk about American Jewish voters interest in Israel like we do about evangelical voters interest in abortion. . . and that confuses me. Domestic ideology is one thing but how do you get to have two COUNTRIES in an American election?
I appreciate the blurring of the lines between the Jewish religion and Jewish nationalism but does that really give Jewish American citizens the right to be the political equivalent of double agents and/or foot soldiers for another country? How is it that our American elections can be propagandized openly by members of a foreign nation without anyone thinking twice?
I don't feel like I am all paranoid that there is a Jewish conspiracy or anything. I'm just trying to understand the practical ramifications of mixing another nations interests so tightly into our own nations interests.
What if what's best for America is LESS support for Israel? There are plausible scenarios that suggest it's possible. I don't mean to imply that it is the best option but shouldn't it be disturbing to Americans that we can't even consider it? Shouldn't we resent that this is accepted as some kind of heresy whether it benefits us or not?
jescot
· 1 year ago
You ask very challenging questions and I hope you don't catch any flack for doing so. This video was created by Israelis who are expats. I think its loaded for your because it is Israel and yes it is a loaded issue (often very unfairly so). I think there is a real hunger for may of our allies for us to be wise in our choice as they are effected by OUR VOTES. I personally think its good for Americans who don't have a passport ( or who recently got one wink wink) to know what the rest of the world thinks. We are a global community and although we should always to what is in our interest we need see ourselves through other eyes to get perspective. The US really controls the overall global agenda and while they cant vote they want us to know how they feel.
paulbe
· 1 year ago
Lets hear from Syrians for Obama now, Outer Mongolians...Oh wahtzat? not enough dollars to play?
All Comments
GOP in power.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgHHX9R4Qtk
(Video on going down to Florida to get your Jewish grandparents to vote for Obama.)
http://rightweb.irc-online.org/gw/2813
Profoundly beautiful. Like these Jews of good heart and mind, the whole world cries for the promise of Obama.
I love that!
Video deeply moving, shows we all desperately want the right kind of change...
Slightly related:
Listen to Seal totally rock Sam Cooke's Change Is Gonna Come.
http://perezhilton.com/2008-10-03-sealful
I hadn't even heard of the guy way back when (and I'm talking way back and when he was handing out free CD's in person at Gay Pride Seattle in the mid-90's).
Seal is a very talented man. He's gotten a bit shaky at times but I like his art.
He's an amazing artist when he keeps his wits about him.
I haven't followed his career, but I've yet to hear him sing a song that doesn't blow me away with his powerful, intense, beautifully full and melodious voice. Plus he's also on my top 5 Sexiest Man Alive list.
The emails that went around the Jewish communities many months ago accusing Obama of hating Israel, being a Muslim, etc.... really did a number on many older Jews. Of course, there is the possibility that those are all excuses for not voting for a black man.
The good news is that Sarah Palin has pushed many of those people back into voting for Obama.
PS: as i recall, Cuomo got his apology.
truth, he is not a Muslim. You interpret it as a slur. When the slur is by
the people spreading the Muslim rumor as a bad thing are the bigots. You
are wrong.
That's up there with the AFL/CIO guy's video for Best Of Election.
I wish they'd buy time and show it in areas with large jewish populations.
For what it's worth, I sent it up to some Jewish friends in Michigan, who I'm sure will be passing it around.
My wallet's ready and waiting to contribute.
http://blogs.jta.org/politics/2008/09/09/1536/r...
http://www.rabbisforobama.com/
"The list of rabbis attached to the release spans the Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Orthodox streams. "When 300 rabbis agree on anything, you know something is going on," says a headline on the groups website, rabbisforobama.com."
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename...
It is shocking to me that there could be disagreement with what Doug wrote. To do so denies fact.
Where is your humanity?
Humanity ? The Palestinians suffer injustices by the Israeli's and there own leaders hands...THATS A FACT - what you and Doug are claiming is just hyperbolic and patently untrue. If you want to make a change and help the cause you feel so strongly about its best to not be a radical yourself or spout canards that do the search for PEACE no service.
Suggested reading for you, by the Israeli historian Ilan Pappe:
The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine.
To affect change, truth must be spoken. But zealots rarely can hear it.
What does that have to do with what you said originally? There probably is none but you still answered my original question. I am familiar with Pappe's writing and if you have ever lived in Israel like I have you would know that a vast number of Israelis since the Olso Accords Israelis accept what was called "revisionist history "like that of Pappe. The truth is already out there and is accepted but what you suggest doesn't change how to get to a lasting peace between both parties. I would rather argue about HOW to create a Peace than argue about who is the most righteous or who has history. There are no angels or devil here only humans.
Pappe is not a history revisionist; he is a world-respected truthteller after decades of Israel creating a false history. And for his efforts he was forced out of his country.
You are the one who played the Israel-as-victim game, implying people of consequence in the world want to deny her right to exist. I asked you to name one. On the other hand, Israeli leaders have openly referred to Palestinians as cockroaches to be stepped on in defiance of world law and common decency.
There can be no peace in the Israel-created state of apartheid of the Palestinians.
Withdraw to the 1967 border, returning stolen Palestinian land and natural resources and pay restitution for the thefts and loss of livelihoods, free the thousands of Palestinians now imprisoned in Israeli jails, disarm the multitude of Israel nuclear weapons, never again a Lebanon, conduct their affairs in accordance with the nearly 100 UN resolutions against Israeli crimes.
Then we can get to the peace thing.
No justice, No peace.
More than anything else I was upset to read your "No one "pushes" politicaL zionism in the halls of power..." These and other falsehoods must end if ever there is to be peace there and an absence of foreign influence in our political and public lives here.
Tear down the obscene walls, return stolen land and natural resources and recede to the 1967 Israel border, release the thousands of Palestinians (including women and children) from Israeli prisons, stop invading neighboring countries, and then we'll listen to your definition of Zionism.
Just as neo-conservatives have morphed the historical meaning of Conservatism, likewise neo-Zionists have brought changes to the historical meaning of Zionism.
Read Chomsky or, better yet, the brilliant Israeli historian Ilan Pappe to better understand how zealotry has denigrated the once noble understanding of Zionism.
Even tho I'm an non-believer, wish us the best and if you are so inclined say a prayer for this nation.
I am certainly pro Obama and all for a strong alliance with Israel but we often talk about American Jewish voters interest in Israel like we do about evangelical voters interest in abortion. . . and that confuses me. Domestic ideology is one thing but how do you get to have two COUNTRIES in an American election?
I appreciate the blurring of the lines between the Jewish religion and Jewish nationalism but does that really give Jewish American citizens the right to be the political equivalent of double agents and/or foot soldiers for another country? How is it that our American elections can be propagandized openly by members of a foreign nation without anyone thinking twice?
I don't feel like I am all paranoid that there is a Jewish conspiracy or anything. I'm just trying to understand the practical ramifications of mixing another nations interests so tightly into our own nations interests.
What if what's best for America is LESS support for Israel? There are plausible scenarios that suggest it's possible. I don't mean to imply that it is the best option but shouldn't it be disturbing to Americans that we can't even consider it? Shouldn't we resent that this is accepted as some kind of heresy whether it benefits us or not?
I think there is a real hunger for may of our allies for us to be wise in our choice as they are effected by OUR VOTES. I personally think its good for Americans who don't have a passport ( or who recently got one wink wink) to know what the rest of the world thinks. We are a global community and although we should always to what is in our interest we need see ourselves through other eyes to get perspective. The US really controls the overall global agenda and while they cant vote they want us to know how they feel.