Stop conflating anti-Zionism with antisemitism

Like everyone, I too was shocked by the attack on Pearl Street. But seeing the response so far, from local to national media, I find it both frustrating and sad. I’ve lived here for nearly 30 years, and I know that we in Boulder have no shortage of issues to argue about.

The relevant difference right now is that, after decades of conflict with Palestinians, the Israeli government’s current response to Hamas terrorism is far more inhumane than any of us have ever seen. The whole world sees that they have moved from a violent military action with overwhelming force, to genocide; and now they appear intent on extermination.

And we as Americans are paying for it. Many of us remain — against our will — enabling this horrific human tragedy. Most of us also understand that Israeli actions, just like those of Hamas, endanger not only our Jewish neighbors but all of us.

Additionally, Americans seem to be either too lazy or defensive of the Israeli state to have a coherent conversation about terms like “antisemitism” or “Zionism.” People will always argue about these terms, and their meanings change over time, but today, the common usage of “Zionism” refers primarily to Israeli nationalism, and NOT the Jewish faith. By conflating these terms, we invite those of bad faith to advance their destructive and violent causes, from outrageous attacks on universities to actual antisemitic rhetoric and violence.

Long ago, the Boulder City Council could have taken some time to have the painful community conversation, define their terms, and pass a resolution expressing our common humanity and desire for peace.

We have done it on many other issues. In a democracy, we do these things. It might have done much to bring light, and lower the temperature, in our public spaces.

— Patrick Comer, Boulder

It is time for us to be woke

I am woke, at least I hope that I am.

I say, that if you are not woke, you are asleep. Before “woke” was demonized by some politicians who use it as a pejorative, woke meant being “alert to injustice and discrimination in society, especially racism.” How can being alert to injustice, discrimination and racism be a bad thing? It has always been my understanding that part of American core values was the fight against injustice, discrimination, and racism; I pray that it still is. When we try not to be aware of racism, it becomes normalized. When we ignore injustice, it becomes a normal part of life. I do not want that to happen.

Somehow a diverse society has become a bad thing. Somehow fighting for equality has become a bad thing. Somehow including those on the margins of society has become a bad thing. Caring for the environment; caring about voting rights and gay rights; and working to ensure good childhood nutrition have all become woke. I for one, find value in all those pursuits.

It has been said that the U.S. “will be woke no longer.” I say that it is time to make a special effort to be aware of injustice, discrimination and racism in our country, and to do something about it. It is time to be woke.

— Rick Stewart, Longmont

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