‘Islam’s Anschluss’

Re: “Islam’s Anschluss,” Mark Steyn, Opinion, July 11, 2005. In his otherwise brilliant analysis of how British and European anti-Zionism cum Semitism is blinding them to the dangers posed by their own Muslim populations, Mark Steyn makes one serious mistake. He gives the impression that it is only since September 11, 2001 that anti-Zionism cum Semitism has spread to British shores. This is definitely not the case.

George Orwell, in his 1945 essay titled “Anti-Semitism in Britain” reports that he finds many of his fellow Brits are serious anti-Semites – of the “they control everything,” “they only care about money,” types. He also reports that even he must admit that he harbors some resentment toward the Jews because of their desire for a country of their own – he was an early anti-Zionist despite his brilliance, his avowed anti-British-colonialism views, and the strong pro-Israel feelings of his distinguished countrymen, Balfour and Churchill.

It is dangerous for us not to realize that our greatest ally has harbored this miserable resentment toward the Jews and Zionism since the days of the Palestinian mandate. They have never forgiven the Jews for interfering with their glorious dream (via their T.H. Lawrence) of a unified pro-British Arab world. God help us (and them) if we lose Britain as an ally in our war against terror.

DAVID M. O’NEILL
Manhattan

‘Greatest Contribution’

“9/11 Families Vow Daily Protests of Freedom Center Plan,” Daniel Hemel, New York, July 11, 2005. Thank you for continuing to report the controversy over the proposed Freedom Center at ground zero. Interestingly, in no account of this “universal narrative of hope” that I have read, is the greatest contribution to world freedom as much as mentioned: the American Revolution.

JEFFREY KNORR
Bronx

‘Shaw Abandons’

Re: “Shaw Abandons Mayoral Bid in GOP Race,” Meghan Clyne, Page 1, July 11, 2005. I don’t know who has been advising Tom Ognibene, but he should not throw in the towel against Mayor Michael (“Rino”) Bloomberg. When I was in Maspeth getting signatures for Mr. Ognibene, I heard bitter complaints about the increase in property taxes, the smoking ban, and the sales tax.

Mr. Bloomberg’s lack of support for President Bush was also mentioned as was his support of gay marriage. Mr. Bloomberg represents the kind of Republican who used to support Roy Goodman – who has since retired – the out of touch wealthy kind who lives on the Upper East Side and supports unlimited abortion rights. He does not represent the grassroots primary voter who rides the subway in the morning, does not like to pay high taxes, and does not like to see condoms distributed in laundromats under Mr. Bloomberg’s abortion supporting measures. Mr. Ognibene should not give up while the rest of us are still fighting to take back our party from the northeast liberal elite.

ALICE LEMOS
Woodside, N.Y.

The failure of Steven Shaw and Thomas Ognibene to make the bal lot due to fake Republican Michael Bloomberg’s enormous wealth is a sad day for New York City. If the Republican Party truly loves “competition” – and there is plenty of evidence it does not – then it shouldn’t fall behind Mr. Moneybags (regardless of the irrefutable fact that he’s a fake Republican). Come November, voters, as always, will get to choose between a candidate who loves Bigger Government, raising taxes, and spending tax dollars recklessly (the Republican) or a candidate who loves Bigger Government, raising taxes, and spending tax dollars recklessly (the Democrat). Although I’m a Democrat myself, I cherish a fair fight and would love to see Mr. Bloomberg beat Messrs. Shaw and Ognibene on a level playing field, something Mr. Bloomberg is scared to death of, because Mr. Bloomberg agrees with everyone else that, without his billions, he wouldn’t stand a chance against almost any opponent. When an incumbent mayor needs to spend 100 times more than his opponents to win reelection (and does so), our democracy is a lie.

CHRISTOPHER X. BRODEUR
Manhattan

‘Jerry Capeci Day’

I always consider Thursday “Jerry Capeci Day” at The New York Sun, and was pleased to see my favorite columnist hit the front page recently. But now I’m beginning to think that every day is “Bill Clinton Day” at the Sun. What’s on tap next? Bill Clinton goes shopping at a cigar store?

VAN WALLACH
Stamford, Conn.

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