Shame on Labour and Blair

William Rees-Mogg, in an article in the Times, highlights the disgraceful conduct of the British Labour Party, and by extension their leader, Prime Minister Tony Blair. At issue is their portrayal of Michael Howard, Conservative Party leader, as Fagin. This is no less than blatant anti-Semitism, and goes a long way in explaining recent polls that show an abysmal British attitude to Jews, to Israel, and to things Jewish.

Paying lip service to stamping out anti-Semitism, and mouthing platitudes in commemoration of the freeing of Auschwitz, is totally meaningless in the face of such conduct. I know politics is a dirty business. But this wasn't dirty, it was putrid. What does Michael Howard's Jewishness have to do with the upcoming election? If the Opposition Leader were a Muslim would Labour run ads superimposing his head on a pig?

This sort of blatant, anti-Semitic, characterization of an opponent differs not one whit from the Palestinian portrayals of Ariel Sharon as a butcher with blood dripping from a knife. If there be any difference at all it is that some might consider the British to be civilized, although I am beginning to question even that.

Britain, of course, is part of the Quartet, the all-knowing oracles involved in the Road Map to peace between Israel and the Palestinians. This really confirms my confidence in the even-handedness of the entire process. But there is still President Bush, and he may just prove to be the equalizer.