Pardon My Politics

Are you an unintentional anti-Semite? The U.S. State Department’s “Office of Global Anti-Semitism” in its 2008 report to Congress warns not just of conscious, intentional anti-Semitism but of another lurking form of potential bigotry: unintentional anti-Semitism.

This consists of criticisms of Israel, which, though true, might be manipulated by others to Israel’s detriment. To avoid assisting Israel’s enemies, the State Department recommends that every comment about Israel (including its leaders and military) first be scrutinized for whether it could put Israel in a bad light. If so, it shouldn’t be said. Only then can we consider ourselves “free from anti-Semitism.” (more…)

Pope Benedict XVI is in Washington, D.C. on a mission to energize the U.S. Catholic community. Benedict arrived yesterday, and it’s first visit to the U.S. Earlier today, more than 9,000 people greeted the Pope at a White House ceremony. This evening, Bush will host a birthday party in Benedict’s honor. He’s 81 today.

On his trip over to the U.S., the Pope chose to bluntly address the sex scandal within the Catholic Church, saying he’s deeply ashamed by the action of the pedophile priests. The Pope is also likely to address the U.S.-led war in Iraq and the upcoming presidential election. (more…)