Public Comment

Editors, Daily Planet: 

Fight the philistines like hell! 

Ben Bagdikian 

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Editors, Daily Planet: 

In the New York Times exposé on the the campaign against the Berkeley Daily Planet (“In a Home to Free Speech, a Paper is Accused of Anti-Semitism” by Jesse McKinley, Nov. 28, 2009), McKinley doesn’t quote even one of the over 100 Berkeley Jews who signed the ad “We Are Jews and We Support the Berkeley Daily Planet...” nor does he mention our ad. 

Any one of us could have stated that the real issues are: 

1. Sinkinson and Gertz are ultra-right wing Zionists whose sole mission is to squelch any criticism of Israel and will fling baseless accusations of anti-Semitism to accomplish their objective. 

2. Sinkinson and Gertz do not speak for the vast majority of Berkeley Jews who welcome an open and honest debate about Israel and U.S. foreign policy. 

3. The whole thing is a tempest in a teapot, a manufactured controversy with no substance whatsoever. 

By turning the story into a “he said/she said” debate between O’Malley and Gertz/Sinkinson, McKinley gave far more weight to the anti-Daily Planet forces than they deserve. 

Very disappointing. But then again, what should we expect from a newspaper that provided propaganda cover for Bush’s WMD claims in the run-up to the Iraq war, and has routinely published highly biased, pro-Israel news about Israel/Palestine for decades? 

Matthew Taylor 

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Editors, Daily Planet: 

Your trial to establish freedom of thought reminds me of the old adage (aren’t they always old): If they’re coming after you, you must be doing something right. 

Your fight to assure the right to think, to print, to speak is also protecting my right to think, to print and to speak. Your fight becomes my fight. Should you lose, then we all lose. 

I am well aware of the lonely battles in life, but it is these encounters that give meaning to my life. Don Quixote must have been a member of the fourth estate. 

Ms. O’Malley, all lovers of free thought live vicariously through each other. A sort of mutual admiration society. I should like to leave you with this quote: “If all printers were determined not to print anything until they were sure it would offend nobody, there would be very little printed.” (From Benjamin Franklin’s “Apology for Printers,” 1731.) 

Kenneth Bonacci 

Salem, Mass. 

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Editors, Daily Planet: 

Use of the “race card,” the charge of anti-semitism, to stifle criticism of Israel ranks amongst the most vile tools in the hands of AIPAC, et al. If the gift of the Jews truly is history, that is the sense of “man’s” journey through the world as being marked by progress, one must then find it doubly ironic that those who would silence critics of Israel’s illegal settlement policy have no sense of that same policy’s historical error, flying in the face, as it does, of a demographic time bomb that will ultimately doom the State of Israel. I would argue sooner rather than later. The Daily Planet has a new fan in Portland, Oregon. Keep up the good work! 

Stephen Reichard 

Portland, Ore. 

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Editors, Daily Planet: 

It strikes me as mildly ironic that supporters of the state of Israel seek a fascist press in their home country, the United States. Imposing external editorial control at a small, underfunded paper, already struggling in an economy increasingly hostile to the printed word, just smacks of the steps taken by Italy, Spain and Germany to crush Jews, gays, the Roma, socialists, etc. My response is Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. Do they comprehend what they’re asking for? 

While I can’t specifically speak to the inbred hatred between Israelis and Palestinians, I can say with some confidence that Israel has indeed created its own second-class citizen, the Palestinian. Is it mere coincidence that President Jimmy Carter calls the Israeli regime an enforcer of apartheid? How is it that supporters of Israel seek press controls that have been historically and universally condemned when engaged in by authoritarian governments? Julius Streicher, editor-in-chief of Der Stuermer, and the architect of the Nazi press war against Jews, was hanged after his judgment at Nuremburg. Does anyone seriously believe his tactics were something to emulate and apply to a small, local paper like the Planet? 

Anthony Cowell 

Hamilton, New Jersey 

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Editors, Daily Planet: 

I read the article in the New York Times that reported on charges the Daily Planet is anti-semitic. I am Jewish and I defend your right to publish all opposing views, but here comes the big “but”. Your publisher was quoted as saying a particularly offensive piece—and I am paraphrasing—was the worst kind of hate mongering. So while “dissenting views” are acceptable, when you publish vile slandering, then you should be held responsible—and I don’t think it’s rocket science to know the difference. Yes, you have freedom of speech, but not freedom from accountability. 

Phylis Collier 

Taos, New Mexico 

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Editors, Daily Planet: 

The skewed and scurrilous attacks on Becky O’Malley and the Planet are the perfect example of an anti-free speech position.     

As it should, the Planet publishes everyone’s opinions—including those of the two major protagonists accusing the publishers of anti-Semitic bias. 

These Professional Jews who want to erase the reality of the blatant and criminal behavior of the Israeli government vis a vis the Palestinian population are those who need to look in the mirror.   No country’s policies, including Israel and the United States, are above criticism for the egregious violations of their hypocritical policies that fly in the face of their stated values. 

Many Israeli and American Jews have blinded themselves to fairness and equality when it comes to accepting the reality that all ethnic groups simply want to live. Yes, the Palestinians—and the Israelis—throw lethal bombs at each other in their quest to survive. This is called war, whether it is “official” armies or “rogue” militias. None of it is fair or helpful. 

But we need to know about all of it—and from both sides.   

Thank you, Becky O’Malley, and may the Planet thrive! 

Joan Levinson 

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Editors, Daily Planet: 

I just read the Nov. 28 New York Times article on the Berkeley Daily Planet. A publisher should not be afraid of sharing words, thoughts and writings about anything. Our country has suffered with the strong political Jewish lobby in Washington and it makes me so frustrated with our country. It is the big I.O.U the citizens of this country will have to pay. It is Israel, oil and the United States.... When will the people of this good nation wake up? 

Loretta Foreman 

San Diego 

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Editors, Daily Planet: 

Working in Cambodia and having just finished reading a recent piece in the New York Times regarding the pressure that the paper is being subjected to, may I suggest that those who continue to label any suggestion that Israel may share some fault for the current tragic mess as “anti-Semitic,” learn how to do it better than they are doing now e.g., pressuring advertisers to abandon the paper? The current leadership here merely labels any view that is not consistent with their own as “disinformation.” Journalists are routinely thrown into jail for their bravery. It is a blessing that the Jewish lobby and those who slavishly follow the approved-speak don’t have the power to do what the Khmer currently do. I find it astounding that many of those who have suffered the most from the horrors of genocide are deluded and “unskillful” in their attempts to stifle a free-flow of information, ideas and opinions that are different or contrary from their own.  

Gary Hearty 

Phnom Penh, Cambodia 

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Editors, Daily Planet: 

I just wanted to express my support in light of the criticisms against you and your paper for printing opinions critical of Israel. It has always been upsetting to me that any criticism of Israel translates by some into an expression of anti-Semitism. Because we are the primary source of support, financially and militarily, to Israel, Americans have a right and a duty to express their opinions when they feel that Israeli policy and actions are not in the best interests of the United States. We need that dialogue and any attempt to stifle it is a form of censorship. I wish you the best and sincerely hope that the heavy-handed attempts to discourage advertisers and contributors to the Planet fail. 

Jack Pepitone 

West Hempstead, New York 

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Editors, Daily Planet: 

I’m not one to find an anti-Semite in every pair of Zappos, but look, printing what is in essence, “Why we hate Jews,” is coming from someone wearing steel-toed Dr. Martins.  

Substitute any ethnic group, religious, or sexual persuasion for the word ‘Jew’ in this screed and ask yourself—if you’re honest enough—would you still print it? 

Barry Udoff 

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Editors, Daily Planet: 

I read with interest a piece in the New York Times about the fact that your editor is anti-Israeli pro-Palestinian and in some people’s view, anti-Semitic. I am certain this is untrue, what you being published in Berkeley. However some advice for your Letters Editor, should she want to end the unpleasantness in the Middle East she should undertake the following simple steps.  

First get the Hamas and PLO people to recognize the State of Israel as a Jewish State.  

Two, abandon the notion of right of return because it will never happen, they know it we know it and god knows the Israelis know it. Taking over Israel and all that has been accomplished by this Jewish State, by insisting it is yours in the first place is preposterous. 

Finally end the feeling the Hamas and Palestine people have of being victims. They can start their own Universities, invent their own semi conductors, build anything they like, god knows they have friends with money to invest, and build a strong competitive Palestinian State, rather then sitting around and crying about how they have been robbed. The statute of limitations is up on that issue.  

Now I think it is time for your Letters Editor to agree she would not publish letters advocating Slavery be returned to the United States, she should also be competent enough to check if the facts being presented to her are correct. If she cannot find a fundage for same, I am sure there are many independently minded groups that could research for her.  

I am writing from the largest Island in the Pacific Ocean, actually just north of you and have enjoyed myself many times in your area, sadly though, since the election of George Bush I have not been in the United States, it is about the cavity search at the border, now there is a subject for discussion I would enjoy, why people have stopped visiting the USA. 

Lary Waldman 

Qualicum Beach, British Columbia,  

Canada 

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Editors, Daily Planet: 

I support you and your rights to freedom of the press and freedom of speech. I cannot believe that people are attacking you because of your views on Israel. I wrote a strongly worded letter to Mr. John Gertz letting him know that the people of this country will not sit by while people like him want to censor or limit the press. We need more openness in the press not less. In today’s corporate controlled environment, and the weight of advertisers limiting the selection of topics in newspapers, the time has come to fight back against those who want to control thought, dialogue and investigation of issues. Mr. Gertz needs a refresher course on the Constitution, and how many people had to fight and die in order to maintain freedom of the press. Maybe he should read about how the U.S.S.R. under Stalin controlled speech and the press. Maybe we should ‘sanitize’ all the news, just like what is on at night. Maybe the Daily Planet is holding the line, and is the last of its kind. Please do not succumb to outside pressures, continue to print any story you want. The people of the country are counting on you!  

P. Weisback 

New Jersey  

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Editors, Daily Planet: 

I am a 20-year resident of Berkeley. I served on two Berkeley city commissions: the Women’s Commission and the Peace and Justice Commission. I am not Jewish. I have family members who are Jewish.   

I believe that Israel’s destruction of Palestinian homes, neighborhoods, civilians does not promote security for Israel. Does this make me anti-Semitic?   

I believe in the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment rights. Does this make me anti-Semitic?   

I believe that suppression of dialogue and speech protected by the First Amendment is tantamount to McCarthyism. Does this make me anti-Semitic?   

I carry with me from law school days, the noble words of Supreme Court Justice Brandeis (a Jew and dedicated Zionist):  “…If there be time to expose through discussion the falsehood and fallacies, to avert the evil by the process of education, the remedy to be applied is more speech, not enforced silence.” (Whitney v. California, 1927.)   

Does this make me anti-Semitic?   

I respect Mr. Gertz’ right to say it, but deplore the arrogance with which it is said in the context of the interview: his dismissal of Ms. O’Malley as “…a second-rate intellect.” Is his intent to infer that he, as a Jew, is intellectually superior, more righteous in his cause, or more burdened than any other ethnic/religious group?  

Does this make me anti-Semitic?   

I believe that the United States should lessen its coerced dependence on Israel as its ally in the Middle East. Does this make me anti-Semitic?   

I believe that Mr. Gertz, et al are unduly coercing advertisers and subscribers to boycott and destroy the only community newspaper in Berkeley. Does this make me anti-Semitic?   

I believe that Mr. Gertz’ arrogance is pitting Jews against Gentiles; neighbors against neighbors. Does this make me anti-Semitic?   

Sheila Holderness   

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Editors, Daily Planet: 

All this anti-Semitic ranting directed toward you is thinly veiled censorship. The fact that any criticism of Israel anywhere is quickly denounced as anti-semitic and racist is very telling about open debate in America. The ugly truth being suppressed is that America’s favored relationship with Israel has not only cost us vast amounts of blood and treasure it has ruined our reputation in the world community. Kudos to you and those who are willing to get at the truth. 

Mark Lombardi 

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Editors, Daily Planet: 

Thank you so much for not caving in to the forces of censorship! I just read the New York Times article about the coordinated campaign to undermine the editorial freedom of your newspaper. It is for this reason that I feel compelled to write you a letter of encouragement. 

Thank you for not allowing anyone to enforce a taboo that says that we are free to talk about anything as long as it is not critical of Israel. The campaign against you by these pro-Israel groups amounts to defamation of character. I strongly suggest that you take these people to court. It is our constitutional right to free speech that is at stake here. Don’t give in to the forces of oppression!  

They are very well organized and ruthless in their approach. Their goal is single: Enforcing the rule that Israel is simply above criticism. Please take note of the tactics they use to try to stiffle any and all criticism of Israel and its illegal occupation of Palestine (in violation of UN resolution 242). 

To see who you are up against in the battle to preserve our right to free speech see these pro-Israel censorship organizations below. www.camera.org, www.honestreporting.com, backspin.typepad.com 

Let me remind you that you perform a valuable service for the community by voicing opinions that increasingly have no outlet. Whatever you do, do not give into this organized campaign of censorship!  

Thank you again for fighting the good fight! Just remember, the only thing the pro-Israel lobby fears is the truth. 

RT Barbour 

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Editors, Daily Planet: 

I just read the article in the New York Times about some local pro-Israeli types trying to stifle your newspaper by scaring away advertisers. I’m glad you’re not buckling. In fact, I’m so heartened by your stance I just contributed $20. I wish I had a business in the East Bay so I could put in an ad. I’m Jewish myself, and I guess your nemesis might call me a “self-hating Jew” because I don’t fall for the line that criticizing Israel is by its nature anti-Semitic. I believe, along with probably a majority of American Jews, that when the government of Israel commits reprehensible acts, it is just as worthy of being called to justice as the government of the United States. I also believe that the way your opponents are conducting their campaign is underhanded and un-American. By all means, let them write some op-eds in your paper, but for them to try to drive you out of business because they don’t agree that you can publish other controversial views than theirs is just—oh, what’s the word—sleazy. 

Peter Henry 

Edmonds, Wash. 

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Editors, Daily Planet: 

I was sickened by the accusation of anti-Semitism slung at the Daily Planet. Any time a voice speaks out to question the Israeli juggernaut it is crushed. It takes guts to say what is right and the fact that Palestinians are being strangled and mutilated in Gaza. What is the word for one who is a serial anti-Semitism accuser? There should be one. Perhaps “Gertz” would be appropriate. 

Bill Colohan 

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Editors, Daily Planet: 

I would like to put a question to those campaigning against the Berkeley Daily Planet, most specifically Mr. John Gertz, who protests the paper publishes letters and articles that are, according to Gertz, “anti-Semitic.” The Miriam Webster Dictionary defines anti-Semitism as “hostility towards or discrimination against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group.” And to most on the planet, anti-Semitism is also identified as a generally hateful movement and/or mind set. Does Mr. Gertz limit his advocacy against hostility and hate only toward that directed against those of Jewish belief and descent? Why does Mr. Gertz fail to extend this same courtesy and advocacy against all hateful speech, including his own? I refer to his website references to the owner/editor of the Berkeley Daily Planet as “brutish,” “a second-rate intellect” and “ungifted,” merely for publishing letters he does not agree with. Can Mr. Gertz truly justify his own campaign against the hateful speech he claims is being published the Daily Planet—who is, we should be reminded again, merely publishing letters written by independent readers of the paper. Is Gertz of the opinion that only his speech and that he agrees with is protected by the First Amendment? This seems a great hypocrisy and a sign that Mr. Gertz should examine his own use of the gift of free speech.  

Jessica Youngsmith 

Davis 

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Editors, Daily Planet: 

Thank you for your fight to keep and maintain the protections guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America. Don’t let them rob us of our right to free speech and freedom of expression. Maintain your stance for American values not Israeli ‘values’. Print the accounts of the Israeli war crimes in Gaza as detailed by their own soldiers who were sickened by the abuse of civilians in their slaughter of Palestnian People. There are millions of us out here who support you. 

Ronald J Zera 

Greensburg, Penn. 

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Editors, Daily Planet: 

I was pleased to see that the New York Times wrote a real article about the delusional campaign against the Berkeley Daily Planet, despite its significant omissions. 

It’s always irked me that your paper doesn’t get enough coverage or acknowledgement from other papers and various other medias. They figure your paper is too iconoclastic so they’d rather not reflect on your untrendy integrity and first-amendment ideals.   

It makes them look so compromised in comparision. They’d rather pretend you didn’t exist. 

Richard Fabry 

Point Richmond 

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EDITOR'S NOTE: An inappropriate letter originally published at the end of this group because of an editorial error has been deleted.