This is a question asked by Dalia, an important figure in Sandy Tolan’s outstanding book, The Lemon Tree. She is referring at that moment to how someone has dressed Itzhak Rabin in a German nazi uniform, to make a point. She figuratively shakes her head at the actions of this far right actor who thinks the Israelis should never agree to peace with the Palestinians. There are similar characters on the Palestinian ‘side’ of the argument of course.
I read that line several times and it made me think of Donald Trump, Marjorie Taylor-Greene, and others. Are the only people who disrespect boundaries of decency when exercising their right to free speech? Of course not…but they seem the loudes and most disturbing. Trump used the word “reich” in a recent speech. He calls President Biden awful names and tells lies to rile up his supporters who drink it all in. He has legitimized this kind of free speech – the kind that goes too far.
Where are the limits? great question, and who gets to decide. Seems like a slippery slope, on the surface. Boundaries require good judgment. I have always told my kids that “its the decisions you make” that define your life…this means learning to exercise good judgment. Who taught Donald Trump or Marjorie Taylor-Greene good judgment? Apparently no one.
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