Video: Blumenthal, Rosenberg, Davis debate BDS on Al Jazeera English

{ 6 comments... read them below or add one }

1. pabelmont says:

   April 26, 2012 at 1:50 pm

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   MJRosenberg’s statement that a total-Israel BDS (full court press so to speak) is tantamount to saying that Israel shouldn’t exist (4:46) is silly.

   I’ve written it up here.
2. Dan Crowther says:

   April 26, 2012 at 2:38 pm

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   Its always a little (funny, awkward?) to see the concession of any moral stance from liberal zionists when discussing these issues – MJ knows full well there isnt another “people” as he says on the planet he would accept this type of behavior from. When equal rights and babies are the biggest “threats” to a society, that society is truly lost.

   The other thing I was surprised to hear was Rosenberg say “every “people” have a right to a piece of land etc” — as his fellow American I find this view to be really strange, when considering that “american” denotes no ethnic or religious identity, and replaces the former national/ethnic/religious identity in those who immigrate here. In other words, yes, every “person” has a right to land etc and every “people” have a right to self-determination, but MJ Rosenberg belongs to the “American People” where he, as an american, is afforded (inherently, with no exception) all the rights to liberal citizenship as a person, without mention of his religious affiliation. When I hear Americans, who benefit tremendously from this model in a whole host of ways, advocate its radical opposite in Israel, my first thought is – well, move there. Frankly, I dont think Rosenberg would like it – just look at his personal style, visible undershirt (and sneakers), he just wants to do his thing, a guy like this isnt looking for preferential treatment. It’s one thing to care about Israeli’s – I know I care about everyday Israelis – but to care about this abstract entity called “Israel” is to care a little less, in my opinion about actual people. The same holds for americans vs america.
3. HarryLaw says:

   April 26, 2012 at 3:48 pm

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   Do not agree with MJ here he was also totally eclipsed by Max, the occupation is caused by all Governments of Israel since 67 , not by the settler movement per se , all Israeli Governments have supported policies of expansion and ethnic cleansing, as Max Blumenthal said settlements are in the dna of the zionists , who can stop them, they are a rogue criminal state, who must be stopped by any means available, BDS against the whole State is the least the International community can do until they go back to the 67 borders,it does not mean the end of an Israeli state, no more than the end of apartheid meant the end of the white presence in South Africa, only white privilage, the Israelis will not go back to the 67 borders of course, peacefully at least, thats why I see a train wreck ahead.
4. Philip Munger says:

   April 26, 2012 at 4:45 pm

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   It is good to see Blumenthal’s differences with Rosenberg articulated so fully here. Beyond that, Max is deferential to MJ. MJ seems a bit peeved at the upstart, who he doesn’t fully understand.
   • Blake says:

     April 29, 2012 at 2:27 pm

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     Max nailed it (but seemed a little nervous), was pleasantly surprised by Walt and MJ was a huge disappointment.
5. AlGhorear says:

   April 26, 2012 at 10:00 pm

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   Disappointing to see MJ stumble. Perhaps his (forced ?) resignation from Media Matters has cowed him into towing the line.