OPINION:
America’s slowness in denouncing the atrocious actions of terrorists in Israel on Oct. 7 sent a message that the world could target the Jewish culture with antisemitic rhetoric and get away with it (“Dear Merrick Garland: Will you indict Hamas leaders?”; web, Oct. 30).
Recently, members of Congress — including the women of “the Squad” — opposed a resolution condemning Hamas. Our education system went along for the ride by allowing hateful demonstrations. City mayors approved of protests and public rallies denouncing Israel. Now our moral clarity is at risk.
When this happens, confusion moves in like a poison plant in a garden. Israel’s issue isn’t with Palestinians; it’s with terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. Multiple news outlets try to obscure this fact by placing blame on Israel and downplaying the barbaric actions of terrorists against innocent civilians.
Meanwhile, social media misleads our youth into celebrating murder. We’re allowing the radicalization of the next generation, creating homegrown future terrorists. My mother said Palestinian propaganda reminds her of the hatred spewed by the Ku Klux Klan during the Jim Crow era.
The adults among us must make clear immediately and at all levels that this type of public hatred is unacceptable. And Arab leaders must denounce terrorism. (Aren’t they concerned with the exploitation of Palestinians by terrorist groups?)
We must also draw hard lines on immigration. President Biden’s open-border policies are granting foreign nationals visas so they can remain here and spread their bigotry. Federal law requires any foreign national who “endorses or espouses terrorist activity or persuades others to endorse or espouse terrorist activity or support a terrorist organization” to be deported at once.
The First Amendment prohibits the use of words that incite violence. So why are those protesting against Israel and in support of Hamas not being arrested or prosecuted?
People living in and relocating to this country need to respect our values or get out. I have spent decades counseling youth on tolerance, but now I see adults acting with intolerance. I wish they would accept accountability for their words.
GREG RALEIGH
Washington
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