October 19, 2011 2:49 PM

RNC blast Dems for lack of "outrage" at alleged anti-Semitism at Wall Street protests

By
Lucy Madison
Topics
Economy

A participant who asked not to identified and a dog begin the day along with others at the Occupy Wall Street protests at Zuccotti Park in New York, Monday, Oct. 17, 2011 as the protest enters its 30th day.

(Credit: AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)
As Democratic leaders increasingly begin to lend their support to the "Occupy Wall Street" protests, the Republican National Committee (RNC) is targeting those who have supported the movement for a lack of "outrage" over a string of alleged anti-Semitic incidents that have recently been reported at the protests.

In a memo on Tuesday, the RNC's Sean Spicer writes that Democratic leaders who have come out for "Occupy Wall Street" (OWS) have "been silent" when it comes to "protestors' extreme anti-Semitic, anti-Israel comments."

"Where's the outrage?" he asks. "While protestors are seen spewing hate against Jewish Americans, President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz have declared their support for the demonstrations. Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Steve Israel even circulated a petition saying he's 'standing with' Occupy Wall Street."

A handful of conservative blogs and Jewish organizations have recently pointed to anti-Semitic incidents at the Wall Street protests - most recently in the form of a video put out by the Emergency Committee for Israel (ECI), among whose board members include former presidential candidate Gary Bauer and conservative columnist Bill Kristol.

The video shows protesters making disparaging and offensive comments about and/or directed at Jews, including one man's cry that "Jews control Wall Street."

"Why are our leaders turning a blind eye to anti-Semitic, anti-Israel attacks?" the narrator in the ad intones. "Tell President Obama and leader Pelosi to stand up to the mob. Hate is not an American value."

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which fights anti-Semitism in America and abroad, has also called on OWS organizers to condemn the remarks - but the organization has noted that the incidents do not appear to be widespread or characterize the protests.

"I really don't see any endemic anti-Semitism at these rallies at all. Anybody can show up at these things," said Oren Segal, director of the organization's Center on Extremism, in the Jewish Week.

ADL National Director Abraham Foxman noted in a statement that "There is no evidence that these anti-Semitic conspiracy theories are representative of the larger movement or that they are gaining traction with other participants."

Jesse Ferguson, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, argued in a statement that the calls of anti-Semitism had been "discredited" and that Republicans were using the issue as a "distraction" from the real issues at play.

"We're not going to listen to lectures on anti-Semitism from the same Republicans who continue to stand behind one of their biggest donors, the Koch Brothers, doing business with the Iranian regime that threatens Israel's very existence," said Ferguson, referencing reports tying the Koch brothers to business deals with Iran.

"Republicans are casually throwing around discredited accusations of anti-Semitism against top Jewish leaders in an attempt to distract from the fact that hundreds of thousands of Americans are rightfully angry about Republican economic policies that led to lower home values and incomes, fewer jobs and weaker retirement savings."


  • Lucy Madison

    Lucy Madison is a political reporter for CBSNews.com.

Add a Comment See all 94 Comments
by noloyalisti October 20, 2011 1:42 PM EDT
ANYTHING that is said against the US-funded apartheid, genocide and terrorism in Israel against the Palestinians is anti-Semitism to the Grand Oil Party bozos.
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by ruffiannd October 20, 2011 1:10 PM EDT
Straight out of the Karl Rove playbook. Right-wing sleazeball Bill Kristol and christian fundamentalist nutcase Gary Bauer cobbled together a video capturing some anti-jewish sentiment at a rally somewhere. Then distributed the video in hopes that it would stick, and maybe defame the Occupy movement. What a couple of jackasses.
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by MTATL67 October 20, 2011 12:45 PM EDT
The GOP has become so desperate that they are now leveling anti-Semitic accusations. That is more than sad. Hey GOP where are the jobs. GOP what have you done to improve this country. The only thing GOP seem to be able to do is hurtle accusation.
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by DrJJJ October 20, 2011 12:26 PM EDT
I'm thrilled to see the occupy crowd move into our big cities! Those in the big cities think /vote with these folks and should embrace them! I say put up a big welcome home sign, expand the tent cities and call it a permanent home! Raise the taxes on city folks to pay for the tent cities and let's make our parks home for those that prefer to ask what their country/city can do for them!
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by dzaffina October 20, 2011 1:36 PM EDT
you sound like one of those"patriots" from the Tax Evading American Party
by wdrussell1 October 20, 2011 12:06 PM EDT
Republicans can't even tell the truth to each other, why would you expect them to tell the truth to America.
Reply to this comment
by Sloughfoot October 20, 2011 10:55 AM EDT
In America I can stand on most any street corner and shout, Jews control Wall Street. That is a National right millions have given their life to guarntee. Like wise I can shout Blacks control Harlem, Whites control...S. Dakota. These are my views on life and I can express them in this Nation based upon free speech. Should the GOP be opposed to that is is because they are basically opposed to free speech, assembly, thoughts and beliefs (some call it reliegion)
Reply to this comment
by nolalou October 20, 2011 9:47 AM EDT
How about the GOP apologize for scr--ing over the American people, and favoring the banks and wall street! How about they apologize for their policies of de-regulation that got us into this economic mess that they now blame Obama for! Oh wait, they can't apologize, since they are proposing we go back to that same failed policy! I feel sorry for this country if the voters are duped into voting for any one of these idiots!
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by America_is_Great October 20, 2011 9:53 AM EDT
How about the Democrats taking some of the blame for the Banking disaster? Have they apologized yet? I feel sorry for the democrats who find it ok for their party to do it but not the other
by garddthetruth October 20, 2011 10:38 AM EDT
Sine it was Clinton who deregulated the banks and the demos congress who in 2007 started the destruction of the economy by refusing to regulate Fannie MAe and Freddie mack that caused the meltdown and refusing to regulate wall street and the banks ass BUSH insisted was needed to prevent the colapse I would say you are pointing the finger at the wrong party but I bet you alredy know that and just do not care.
by Goofer-Buddy October 20, 2011 8:55 AM EDT
You mean every time the protesters pick a target it just so happens that the people behind the target are a certain race? Hmmm? Is this a coincidence? Obviously some Israeli funding is needed for the protesters so they can join in with the Dems and Reps in singing the praises of Israel with all of its American Supporters and Followers.
Reply to this comment
by America_is_Great October 20, 2011 8:49 AM EDT
by GOPeconomicterror October 19, 2011 6:57 PM EDT
YOU LIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/8601-503544_162-20122699-2.html?assetTypeId=41&blogId=503544&tag=contentBody;commentWrapper#ixzz1bKG7CJZz


As do you ALL the time, so why are you complaining
Reply to this comment
by America_is_Great October 20, 2011 8:48 AM EDT
by GOPeconomicterror October 19, 2011 6:57 PM EDT
Yep, the anti American GOP economic terrorists that deregulated Wall Street while cutting taxes for the rich and running Trillions in deficits, 2000-2008, should be tried for treason.

Read more: http://www.cbsnews.com/8601-503544_162-20122699-1.html?assetTypeId=41&blogId=503544&tag=accordionB;commentWrapper#ixzz1bKFVvtmU

So do us a favor and bring up charges. Oh wait, you can't and won't because you are not smart enough, and two the Democrats would go down with them. Poor Marine. He just can't get anything right. It must suck to be in his shoes
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