I originally posted a reaction to Albach's column. Although I have been asked for an explanation, I won't give one. The title of this blog is "a personal account..."
I am not trying to use this in a professional capacity. What are blogs for if not people's reactions to what is printed in the media?
When I decided to be a journalist, I accepted that what I put in print is going to be read (hopefully) and praised and criticized.
I did not become a journalist to reaffirm my views.
Likewise, I did not become a journalist to evangelize my views.
The opinion pages are for people like Albach who want to do political commentary. As a huge supporter of the First Amendment, that's where opinions should be. Bear in mind that comments and reactions will not always be what you want them to be. If you are looking for reaffirmation, join a niche paper. Work for a liberal publication where your audience will agree with what you write. And that's fine.
All opinions are valid.
I have been asked for a calm reaction to Albach's column.
I thought it was inappropriately timed. Albach claims to see no connection between the Holocaust and criticism of Israel, but this is only from his perspective. Many Jews do see the connection. The way I feel, and many supporters of Israel feel, is that Israel is put to harsher criticism than other countries.
No, I don't hate Indians, I was making an analogy. I'll change the analogy if someone was offended. I hate to see that I may have offended someone I have respect for.
There's a holiday coming up: Israeli Independence Day. I think this day would be a very appropriate day to criticize Israel's legitimacy.
If my opinion is going to be muted by my fellow writers, that's fine. I prefer to stick to the news section.
But I still retain the right to have an opinion, whether or not it's deemed justified by others.
A place to stay in Western Massachusetts:
