Obama: U.S. Does Not Recognize 'Legitimacy of Continued Israeli Settlements'

In declaring that it is time for Middle East peace "without preconditions," President Obama used his speech to the U.N. General Assembly Wednesday to fire a warning at Israel that "America does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements."

Obama's stark declaration, which drew applause, was coupled with a call for Palestinians to end their "incitement of Israel."

But it was the use of the U.N. forum to carry the settlement message to Israel that drew the most enthusiastic response on the floor -- and incredulous reaction outside its walls.

Obama just put Israel "on the chopping block," said former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton.

Obama said he met Tuesday with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was not in attendance at the speech, and agreed that the two have made some progress in both strengthening security and facilitating freedom of movement, which have allowed the economy in the West Bank to grow.

You selectively quoted from the Bible. You quoted in a way that was clearly focused on "them" vs "us" (have you considered that all mankind is "stiff-necked"?). If you were make a comment following the tale of a drunk driver that "Irish are a bunch of drunks" it would be offensive as well.

But the bottom line is this: I did not call you anti-Semitic. I said that your quote was. If you were even marginally aware of the history of Christianity vs Judaism, you would have a better grasp of the inappropriateness of your comment.

Early in the Second Century, Justin Martyr wrote an anti-Semetic screed called "A Dialog with Trypho the Jew" in which he constantly made reference to "a stiff-necked people." It started a trend that continued to the 16th Century, when Martin Luther wrote his nasty little tract called "Jews and their Lies" where he makes reference to a "stiff-necked people" - which is repeated to this day. For what it is worth, both Martyr's and Luther's work were published by the Nazis.

Yes. Your comment was anti-Semitic. And no, I am not Jewish.

Let’s clarify something right now. My comment was made based upon a post about the Jews who supported Obama period. My comment was not inclusive of all Jews. I’d be willing to bet a years salary that Jews in Israel are not supportive of Obozo. Second, this thread involves discussion about Israel and comments made about Jews who voted for Obozo. Therefore I have no obligation to include all humankind in my comments about Jews supportive of Obozo being stiff-necked. You are only seeking to sew the seeds of discord here, nothing more.

Being the granson of a minister, and a college graduate, I think I’ve spent a good deal of time reading about and studying the history of Christianity and Judaism. My “grasp” of that history is fine thank you very much. If you were offended, that’s your problem. I have no obligation to go through life trying to avoid offending someone else - there’s no constitutional protection against being offended.

No, my comment was not anti-semetic. That’s your interpretation. My comment came from the Bible and was directed towards the Jews in this country who voted for and support Obozo, who is nearly as dangerous to Israel as is the President of Iran IMHO. You’re trying to make a mountain out of a valley. You don’t like my chosen admonition for those who voted for Obozo, go pound sand.

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