A recent opinion piece in the Daily Hampshire Gazette contained a statement that is so blatantly false that it cannot be allowed to pass unchecked.
In “No moral qualms supporting Israel” (June 16), guest columnist Jay Fleitman wrote, “The antisemitism in the U.S. comes from the progressive left, not the right.”
Of course, left-leaning individuals are capable of antisemitism. However, having grown up in a Midwestern state that is heavily populated by white, Christian conservatives (including some members of my own family) I have heard enough antisemitic verbiage to say that, without a doubt, antisemitism exists on the right as well.
Almost certainly, Fleitman knows this. However, he seems unconcerned with truthfulness as he repeats right-wing talking points that characterize the so-called “progressive left” as a dark world of evil. Apparently, we are to believe that American conservatives are good natured, genial souls who want the best for everyone, regardless of race, religion, or country of origin. Personally, I’m skeptical of that.
It is unlikely that readers will be confused by Fleitman’s nonsense. Nevertheless, the Daily Hampshire Gazette should stop printing propaganda that masquerades as “opinion.”
Scott Norris
Florence