‘HBO Documentary Draws Woman’s Ire’

While I commend The New York Sun for its piece, “HBO Documentary Draws Woman’s Ire,” I must note that according to forensic reports posted in cyberspace, “a tank” did not kill James Miller, a bullet did [Elizabeth Nesoff, National, August 10, 2004].

Phrasing it this way subliminally suggests that Miller was killed like Rachel Corrie, by a bulldozer or tank.

Second, while the film was assembled from footage shot before Miller’s death, his death was, amazingly, captured by a Palestinian camera crew. It is shown early on and haunts the film.

Third, Miller said that all along he had intended to interview Israeli children but after his death his intention was not honored. Indeed, the film is based on interviews with three Palestinian children only. There are no interviews with Israeli children.

Finally, in all the numerous calls I made to HBO on behalf of Pierre Rehov’s films, which I have since posted on my own Web site, www.phyllis-chesler.com, no one ever asked me whether I had a specific assignment for this piece.

As the author of thousands of articles and of 12 books, I always have a deadline and a press venue. I initially requested a preview of the film on July 27, 2004. I still have not received it.

PHYLLIS CHESLER
Manhattan

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Why We Marched

The New York Sun’s front-page article “America Is ‘Negative Force,’ Protesters Tell Our Poll” presents statistics suggesting that the majority of those protesting the Bush administration policies on August 29, 2004, were part of the radical left, viewing America negatively, pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel [Eric Wolff, August 30, 2004].

I marched with many friends from the Workmen’s Circle. We do not view America negatively; we love our country even though we disagree with some of its policies.

We are not pro-Palestinian or anti-Israel; we believe in and support Israel as a democratic Jewish state and are deeply concerned for the security and wellbeing of our brothers and sisters there, even though we disagree with some of its policies.

I did not take a survey, but those I saw and spoke with were, to a large degree, there because they believe that the social and economic thrust of the current administration is detrimental to America; that the loss of jobs, the increase in those without health insurance, tax breaks for the wealthiest 1% while producing an enormous deficit that my children and grandchildren will ultimately have to bear, are not good for America.

That is why we marched. Be cause we believe in America.

ROBERT A. KAPLAN
Past Executive Director
The Workmen’s Circle
Manhattan

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Principal Accused

The New York Sun states that the bankruptcy trustee for Allou Distributors has sued Arthur Meisels and African Market Trading Inc. alleging “money laundering” [“Principal of Brooklyn Yeshiva Accused of Playing Role in Money-Laundering,” David Andreatta, New York, August 10, 2004].

This firm represents Mr. Meisels and African Market Trading Inc. The bankruptcy trustee’s court filings only contain allegations, not evidence.

His filings represent post hoc theories of attorneys who were not involved in these transactions. His filings are not evidence of any wrongdoing on the part of Mr. Meisels.

Moreover, as stated by counsel for United Talmudical Academy, the subject transactions were either charitable contributions or loans that were repaid, not “money laundering.”

In fact, while the phrase “money laundering” has been included by the trustee in the lawsuit, the suit fails to cite any of the laws concerning money laundering, and it has not set out any violations of those laws.

ROGER J. BERNSTEIN
Attorney at Law Manhattan

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