[sy2]

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB116852889902273906.html?mod=home_whats_news_us

ATLANTA -- Fourteen members of an advisory board at the Carter Center resigned today, concluding they could "no longer in good conscience continue to serve" following publication of former President Jimmy Carter's controversial book, "Palestine Peace Not Apartheid."

You need a WSJ account to read the full article, but another site (digg.com) has this up and someone in the comments section posted the letter from the article:

"Dear President Carter,

As members of the Board of Councilors each one of us has been proud to be associated with the Carter Center in its noble struggle to repair the world. However, in light of the publication of your latest book Palestine; Peace Not Apartheid and your subsequent comments made in promoting the book, we can no longer in good conscience continue to serve the Center as members of the Board of Councilors.

In its work in conflict resolution the Carter Center has always played the useful and constructive role of honest broker and mediator between warring parties. In your book, which portrays the conflict between Israel and her neighbors as a purely one-sided affair with Israel holding all of the responsibility for resolving the conflict, you have clearly abandoned your historic role of broker in favor of becoming an advocate for one side."

*EDIT: The end of the letter, from the LGF site:

"It seems that you have turned to a world of advocacy, including even malicious advocacy," the board members wrote in a letter, a copy of which was reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. "We can no longer endorse your strident and uncompromising position. This is not the Carter Center or Jimmy Carter we came to respect and support. Therefore it is with sadness and regret that we hereby tender our resignation from the Board of Councilors of the Carter Center effective immediately."

Little Green Footballs has this up here along with a related article:

Melvin Konner, physician and professor at Emory University, declined an invitation to be part of a group advising President Carter and The Carter Center on Carter's recent book on the Mideast. Konner notes especially that "President Carter has proved capable of distorting the truth about such meetings and consultations in public remarks following them. In particular, he mischaracterized the meeting he had with the executive committee of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Phoenix, saying he and they had positive interactions and prayed together, when in fact others present stated that the meeting was highly confrontational and that the prayer was merely a pro forma closing invocation." Konner says also that "in television interviews I have seen over the past week, President Carter has revealed himself to be so rigid and inflexible in his views that he seems to me no longer capable of dialogue."

 

[Fidelista]

I usually don't read much "left" material anymore because right-wing stuff is more fun!.
I did however receive a copy of President Carters book as Christmas present , and am reading it now. A interesting book. Much is history , but Carters personal interactions with others is interesting. A worthwhile book if one is not afraid to read all sides of a issue.
It does not give Israel a pass on all that happened , which , I believe is part of the "Board of Rabbi's" problem.
I think this statement is totally false { and I have't even fiinished the book} --hogwash>>>
"In your book, which portrays the conflict between Israel and her neighbors as a purely one-sided affair with Israel holding all of the responsibility for resolving the conflict, you have clearly abandoned your historic role of broker in favor of becoming an advocate for one side."
Carter clearly states both sides of question , and places blame on both parties--as well others including himself.
It does not come as shock that anything remotely critical of Israel brings about the wrath of Rabbi's and their lobby--happens all the time. Verboten subject . >
Next thing you know , Carter will be accused of be a pro-nazi --racist--anti-semite.
He is a good man , practicing Christian , and IMO , cares about Israeli and Arab both.
As an American he should , as we are sucked into their hateful games. >f
Another article >>>
MIDDLE EAST: Scholars too silent against Carter critics

By Richard Bolt
For the Journal-Constitution
Published on: 12/27/06

Many in the United States and in other countries are frustrated and tired with the turmoil of the Middle East. Undeniably, there is an increasing desire for us to distance ourselves from both the Jews and the Arabs who each are split amongst themselves.

Former President Jimmy Carter's book "Palestine: Peace not Apartheid" is a successful attempt at stimulating thought. As such, it should be praised.

Intellectual honesty and academic freedom are the cornerstones of our educational system. It is regrettable that two Emory University professors (Kenneth Stein and Melvin Konner) have reacted in predictable and typical fashion by lashing out at Carter angrily and without substance.

By so doing they validate the concept that Israel and the Jewish community continue to choose their tragic and centuries-old alienation rather than deal in a conciliatory fashion. It is regrettable that Emory University and its many scholars have remained silent to the embarrassing actions of Konner and Stein.

This silence supports the unspoken belief of many that to speak critically of Jewish doctrine leads automatically to the impeaching label of being anti-Semitic. Emory University and the Carter Center should be proud that Carter has such empathy for Israel that he has the courage to say what many agree with. Emory University and particularly its faculty should be ashamed that Konner and Stein go unchallenged as they have embarrassed themselves and the university.
http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/opinion/stories/2006/12/27/edbolt1227.html

 

[bassetman]

...Next thing you know , Carter will be accused of be a pro-nazi --racist--anti-semite.
....

You mean he hasn't been yet?

 

[LANMaster]

Is there anyone who really doesn't think that Jimmy Carter is an anti-semite and a staunch, far-left pro-Communist?

 

[sy2]

These are fourteen people who've dedicated portions of their lives to carrying out the ideals of Carter and his foundation. They've been entrenched within the place for who knows how long, and I'm sure they've got a much clearer grasp on the inner-workings of the place than a physician writing an opinion peace.

Fourteen people, all on his Board of Councilors, all condemning his actions/attitude. And what about this bit?

"President Carter has proved capable of distorting the truth about such meetings and consultations in public remarks following them. In particular, he mischaracterized the meeting he had with the executive committee of the Board of Rabbis of Greater Phoenix, saying he and they had positive interactions and prayed together, when in fact others present stated that the meeting was highly confrontational and that the prayer was merely a pro forma closing invocation."

Give me a break

This guy has lost it already and it's getting to the point where it's just disingenuous.

 

[Fidelista]

Is there anyone who really doesn't think that Jimmy Carter is an anti-semite and a staunch, far-left pro-Communist?

Me. I don't believe Carter is anti -semite , and certainly not a pro-communist.
A liberal yes.
I read up on the guys making most noise , one Konner , and Stein.
Nothing much about Konner other than he is outspoken atheist.
Stein on the other hand >>
Stein to speak at local shul
By Rachel L. Axelbank - Tuesday January 9 2007

Kenneth Stein
Professor critical of Carter book

Kenneth Stein, who resigned from his position as the Middle East Fellow of Emory University’s Carter Center after the publication of Jimmy Carter’s book “Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid,” will be speaking at Temple Emanuel on Jan. 1

A professor of Middle Eastern History and Political Science, Stein will speak as part of the Newton event sponsored by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee entitled “Corruptions & Truth: Telling the History of the Arab-Israeli conflict.”
“The event itself is an opportunity for Boston-area AIPAC members to hear more about AIPAC and the policy conference, the major pro-Israel event that happens every year at the D.C. convention center,” said Jennifer Cannata, a spokesperson for AIPAC. The organization expects approximately 200 people at the Temple Emanuel event.

“He [Stein] has been speaking in front of AIPAC audiences for a number of years,” Cannata said.
---------------------------------------

What should one expect from someone who entertains AIPAC audiences ???
Maybe a past -President {or a current one } should ask approval from APIC before speaking or publishing???.
I can understand why some disagree with Mr. Carter politically and even personally in some case, but to call him a bigot /racist . anti-semite is way out of line IMO.:down:
Sign of the times however.
No supprise to me.

>f

 

[Mulderator]

Me. I don't believe Carter is anti -semite , and certainly not a pro-communist. A liberal yes.

What's the difference between a liberal and a pro-communist?

 

[plschwartz]

What's the difference between a liberal and a pro-communist?

I guess under the new rules I should ask:
Mulder can I attack you personally?

 

[Fidelista]

I found what is said be the center of dispute .
This is what Carter said in book >>>>
"It is imperative that the general Arab community and all significant Palestinian groups make it clear that they will end the suicide bombings and other acts of terrorism when international laws and the ultimate goals of the Roadmap for Peace are accepted by Israel."
------------------------------------------------
My opinion >To me its obvious , it is "imperative" that all such killing has to end if any chance of peace is expected. Its equally expected that if Israel does not respect Resolutions -- there will be no peace. I didn't see anything strange about this statement --just a fact, not nice , but a fact.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Here is what the lobby has to say >>>>
"

As someone who has lived his life as a professional reader and writer, I cannot find any way to read this sentence that does not condone the murder of Jews until such time as Israel unilaterally follows President Carter's prescription for peace. This sentence, simply put, makes President Carter an apologist for terrorists and places my children, along with all Jews everywhere, in greater danger.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr Carter condoning murder of Jews ??????.
I believe this is not about murder at all, but about the fact that Carter insists Israel needs to honor agreements , the American "roadmap" , other agreements with Reagan and other admis--- and resolutions. This more than enough to provoke an attack from the lobby.
Saying that Carter thinks Jews should be murdered --is the imagination of the far right --nut cases and radical Zionists. >f

 

[Mulderator]

I guess under the new rules I should ask:
Mulder can I attack you personally?

Absolutely--just as long as I can attack you back because in a battle of wits--I've got a distinct advantage--although I'll admit you have the upper hand at being underhanded!

 

[Fidelista]

What's the difference between a liberal and a pro-communist?

A lot!!! -- what is difference between cats and dogs???.
If someone ---{looking for word}--- believes in Marxist theory , or desires to promote "Communism" ? { don't want to debate the difference} they are pro -communist.
There has never been a pro-communist U.S. President ---not even close .
Anyone who believes so is full of..... well, I will be nice...... .
>f

 

[poochee]

Is there anyone who really doesn't think that Jimmy Carter is an anti-semite and a staunch, far-left pro-Communist?

I have never heard him say anything to indicate this. I have not read the book myself, so will not comment on it.

 

[Fidelista]

I have never heard him say anything to indicate this. I have not read the book myself, so will not comment on it.

And you won't.
He is neither a Marxist , a promoter of "communism" or a anti-semite.
He is --- a ex-military officer-- a southerner-- a Christian Baptist { very religious} and a libera---of sortsl.
My opinion is -- he cares about people and the state of affairs worldwide---why else commit time -travel-- $$$ and effort for all these years?????---nothing to win or prosper with.
Does anyone think for one minute that --for example --that a Dick Cheney , or a Rummy will dedicate his latter years to promoting peace??? . I don't ,they are a-holes, believe in nothing.
At least Carter works for others , and agenda is in line with the least of us.
Here is his site , and if critisism is offered , it should be on merit >>>
http://www.cartercenter.org/homepage.html
I would suggest anyone read his book esp conservatives ---it is a good one.
I have always thought reading opposition opinion is most productive -- I even read all Pat Buchanon books !
Poochee , I think your instincts are correct. Mr. Carter is no monster---just someone trying perhaps --to put his beliefs in motion.
>f

 

[poochee]

He really cares about humanity and speaks out so he will be attacked.

 

[Fidelista]

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS
A "peacemaker" is one who seeks to bring harmony and reconciliation between those who are estranged. Peacemaking seeks to produce right relationships between persons. God hates those who sow discord and stir up trouble (Proverbs 6:19)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perhaps ???? . If so , he has rough road . >f

 

[poochee]

BLESSED ARE THE PEACEMAKERS
A "peacemaker" is one who seeks to bring harmony and reconciliation between those who are estranged. Peacemaking seeks to produce right relationships between persons. God hates those who sow discord and stir up trouble (Proverbs 6:19)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Perhaps ???? . If so , he has rough road . >f

He can walk it.

 

[linskyjack]

Carter is not an anti-semite. He is far to the left, which automatically means that you have to dislike Israel beyond helpful criticism.

 

[bassetman]

Carter is not an anti-semite. He is far to the left, which automatically means that you have to dislike Israel beyond helpful criticism.

Helpful criticism from whom?

 

[linskyjack]

From moderates who are looking for a just peace in the region rather then the destruction of the State of Israel.

 

[Fidelista]

Carter is not an anti-semite. He is far to the left, which automatically means that you have to dislike Israel beyond helpful criticism.

The only people I know of that don't accept the reality of Israel--want to eliminate-- is not the left --but extreme right.:down:
Nearly everyone wants a just and peaceful solution. Few have worked as hard as J. Carter.
I don't know of anything that is considered "helpful criticism" of Israel however -- bait for attack, and will get immediate response from lobby. Off limits for Americans and others in the west. In some nations in Europe -- even speaking of disagreement with official descritption of holacaust can land one in jail--a fact. Thank goodness we still honor freedom of speech in U.S. --right or wrong >f