Discussion » Questions » Politics » So if Jeremy Corbyn doesn't practice what he preches on anti-semitism, why should we believe anything he says?

So if Jeremy Corbyn doesn't practice what he preches on anti-semitism, why should we believe anything he says?

On 4th. October, 2016,UK Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn went to an event to commemorate the 80th. anniversary of when various groups marched to protest against Oswald Mosley's British Fascist Party, in 1936. Also in 2016, fifty Labour MPs and counsellors were suspended for anti-semitism. To date, no one has been sacked from the party. The highest-profile figure was former London Mayor Ken Livingstone. Having been suspended for a year, Corbyn just suspended him for a further year. If Corbyn doesn't practice what he preaches on anti-semitism, why should we believe him when he says he will help the poor, or the disabled, or the workers? As we head into an election on June 8th., the two principle criticisms being made of Labour are the anti-semitism, and Corbyn's weak leadership. Most people say they prefer what Corbyn says about helping the less fortunate in our society, to Teresa May's clobbering of them, but even many who identify as Labour voters are saying they will vote Conservative, or for some other party, because of these two factors. In other words, people, it is playing as an election issue. Personally, I intend to vote Liberal Democrat. They are the only ones I feel I can vote for with a clear conscience.

Posted - May 15, 2017

Responses


  • 551
    I'm not convinced the Liberal Democrats are a whole lot better, this after all is the party for which David Ward and Jenny Tonge were formerly MPs. 

    I don't think the anti-Semitism issue will harm Labour electorally, except very locally in parts of North London and North Manchester. Lack of leadership potential, wavering on important issues like Trident or the EU, and the gulf between him and the rest of the PLP, will. This post was edited by Reverend Muhammadovsky at May 15, 2017 3:44 PM MDT
      May 15, 2017 3:26 PM MDT
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  • 6477
    For me Corbyn lost all my respect when he claimed there were no seats on a virgin train to try to demonstrate overcrowding.. Richard Branson then put out footage showing Corbyn walking past numerous empty seats...  That did it for me... I thought.. you are a lying goit and sorry I cannot even consider voting for a known liar.. The others might well lie too but he's a proven liar.. so no can do... 

    I honestly am stumped on this one.. 
      May 15, 2017 3:46 PM MDT
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  • 124


    From what I can remember the statements made by those members were NOT anti-Semitic. They were against the Zionist state of Israel, two different things.

    Take for example the EU.  The EU was formed by a number of elite many years ago.  However, the EU and the people who live in the EU are two very different things. If I say something bad about the EU, I am not insulting everyone who lives there.  Many people in the EU are divided over whether it should exist at all and this is the same for Jewish and non Jewish people both living in Israel and elsewhere.

    Many orthodox Jews do not agree with the State Of Israel because they believe that it goes against the Torah, hence they say that the State Of Israel is a secular ideology, in direct conflict with G_D's word, does that mean that they are anti-Semitic Jews?

    However, if someone outside the EU says something bad about the EU, we don't all get offended, some might, but not all. However, mistakenly if someone says something bad about the Zionist State Of Israel, every one thinks that it is anti-Semitic and all Jews should feel offended, it isn't. some still may feel offended because they want the Zionist ideology some do not because they believe it is a secular ideology and against the Torah and has caused conflict.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IapWP8hq9Mc

    As for Jeremy Corbyn, he is a wolf in sheep's clothing. That said, from the information I've gathered, so are all the others, they have the same goal, whether Tory, Liberal Democrats, Labour, or any of the main parties.


    This post was edited by Pepper Pot at May 19, 2017 10:34 AM MDT
      May 15, 2017 6:06 PM MDT
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  • 739
    Thank you, everyone, for responding. I agree with Reverend Baruch, I am not entirely convinced the Lib Dems are better, either. I have been voting for them, lately, despite that lack of faith, largely on the basis that they are the most pro-EU party, and I voted remain.
    I agree with Daydream about the stunt on the train. Corbyn's supporters say he is honest and principled, but evidence grows to the contrary.
    Pepper, I am the first to admit I don't really know much about Zionism, or Jewish history and culture. As there were fifty Labour MPs suspended for alleged anti-semitism, I don't know what each one of them said, or how genuinely anti-semitic it was, but I know many Jewish people believe there is anti-semitism in the Labour party. I tend to think that, out of such a large number, some of them must be genuinely anti-semitic. In the case of Red Ken, through the years, he has made many remarks which show a lack of sensitivity towards the Jews. Maybe not out-and-out hatred, but certainly insensitivity.
    I think the real issue is, it fits into the overall matter of Corbyn's weak leadership. He can't decide whether to sack the alleged anti-semites, so he just suspends them. He can't decide where he stands on immigration, so he announces he is for free movement, but he is not wedded to the idea. This is the case on all issues; he just can't make his mind up!
    Now, when it comes to Israel, as I said, I don't really know a whole lot about Zionism, but the state of Israel was formed by the UN in 1948, on the suggestion of the British, to protect the Jews from anything like the Nazi holocaust happening again, and I would argue that only a racialist would object to Israel existing on that basis, and within its pre-1967 borders. The occupation of Palestine occurred after the six day war of 1967, and has been declared illegal by the UN, and I concur with that. I would point out that Jeremy Corbyn has, rightly, condemned the occupation of Palestine, but announced that Russia is pursuing legitimate interests in the Ukraine, though the UN has also condemned that.
    I should probably remind everyone that we British used to occupy Palestine
    Last point here. Rev. Baruch says he does not believe that anti-semitism will hurt Labour electorally. Rev, I have heard a lot of people calling phone-in shows on LBC and Radio 5 Live, and saying they are disgusted by the anti-semitism, so I believe it IS hurting Labour. It is because I heard so many people mention this, that I asked this question.
      May 19, 2017 9:16 AM MDT
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