October 19, 2006
Democrats and Republicans again; Suissa’s Pico-Robertson ‘hood; A correction
Follow JewishJournal.com on 
(Page 2 - Previous Page)
I attended the funeral of a soldier killed in Iraq in fall of 2004. The soldier was a former student whose younger brother was, at the time, a current student. I will never forget the wailing of this young man's parents as he was laid to rest. I can still hear his mother scream as I write this letter. Policymakers in Washington should have attended this funeral, as well as some 2,729 others. So should any Jewish Journal reader who doesn't really care about the war, "since no one I know is actually fighting."Rachel Rubin Green
Los Angeles
Party Lines
I am a Progressive Democrat and an active Jew--there is no contradiction between the two. Torah commands us to "Love you neighbor as yourself." Torah instructs us that all human beings are created "B'Tzelem Elohim--in the image of God." Torah tells us, "Remember the stranger for you were once strangers in a strange land." Torah instructs us that "God redeemed us with an outstretched arm."
I am a Democrat because I believe the only party in the United States that has policies that embody the principles of Torah is the Democratic Party. My party believes in the dignity of all human beings, and sees God in all human beings. We have never promoted the idea of a "Welfare Queen" and we stand up for national health care that provides medicine, and coverage for all people -- a policy which recognizes the unifying principle -- we are all children of Adam and Eve, we are all family, and because I have money and someone else does not, cannot mean I am more entitled to medication.
I am a Democrat because the Republican Party acts with one principle: money and might make right. This is not a Jewish value. I am Democrat because I stand for peace and justice over war and injustice. I am Democrat because I can patriotically criticize my government and stand like Washington, Jefferson, Abraham, and Moshe Rabeinu against tyranny and oppression. I am Democrat because I can stand like Lincoln for a unified vision of America that sees, as our Constitution, and our Torah tell us, "All ... are created equal." Not as the Republican party seems to see it, "All rich people are entitled to whatever they want and the poor should be grateful for whatever scraps they receive from the table of plenty."
I am a Democrat because even if one person in Los Angeles will go to bed tonight without dinner, then America is not doing fine. I am Democrat because Social Security, and Medi-Care, and Medic-Aid are promises to all Americans that we are a moral and just society. I am Jew who believes that when Torah came at Sinai and our gathered ancestors read, "Tzedek, tzedek, tirdof" they knew, as I know now, that the pursuit of justice is not just for us, but for all.
I am a Democrat because Israel is a promise to the world that "Never Again" is not a catch phrase but a covenant. I am a Democrat because the Republican Party is silent on Darfur, and loud on Iraq. I am Democrat because North Korea has a nuclear bomb and can sell it to Iran and Bush; Dennis Hastert and Bill Frist did nothing.
I am Democrat because I love Torah before wealth. I am a Democrat because like the Constitution, Torah is a covenant with its adherents, and the Republican Party violates its covenantal obligations. I am Democrat because lying about adultery is far less evil than 2,500 dead American soldiers in Iraq and at least 50,000 dead Iraqis. I am a Democrat because "To save one life is to save the world."
I am Democrat because the Republican party loves Israel and hates Torah. I am a Democrat because to love Torah is to love Israel.
Ari E. Moss
Los Angeles
Correction
Rabbi Mel Gottlieb, the dean of the Academy Jewish Religion, CA's Rabbinical School and Chaplaincy Program was himself not identified as a rabbi ("Wanted: Someone to Help Suffering Jews," Oct. 13). We regret the error.
THE JEWISH JOURNAL welcomes letters from all readers. Letters should be no more than 200 words and must include a valid name, address and phone number. Letters sent via e-mail must not contain attachments. Pseudonyms and initials will not be used, but names will be withheld on request. We reserve the right to edit all letters. Mail: The Jewish Journal, Letters, 3580 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1510, Los Angeles, CA 90010; e-mail: letters@jewishjournal.com; or fax: (213) 368-1684
1 | 2 |
