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Fetterman staffer’s ‘nuanced’ views not so nuanced
It is positively laughable that Carrie Adams, Sen. John Fetterman’s communications director, should insist that her views on Israel are more valid than the senator’s because of her “much more nuanced view of the region.” (“Fetterman spokeswoman tells reporter she doesn’t agree with her boss on Israel, Gaza,” online, August 19). What is truly pathetic is that she attributes those more “nuanced” views to being part of, in her mind, the more insightful “generation” of young people.
By now, many of us have seen videos posted online showing reporters interviewing young people at pro-Palestinian rallies, seeking to understand what the protestors actually know about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Yes, these reporters are admittedly pro-Israel, but that does nothing to counter the ridiculous responses to questions such as, “What river? What sea?” (responses show protestors’ obvious ignorance of, not only history, but also geography), and, “Do you know Israel hasn’t occupied Gaza since 2005?” The dumbfounded look on the protestors’ faces, the inability to articulate a response and, ultimately, the defiant stances show they have no idea what they are shouting about — nor do they have any intention of learning about the issues.
Simply put, protesting against Israel has become the “in” thing to do, and donning keffiyehs has become the fashion. And, like lemmings they go.
What is even more absurd in Carrie Adams’ actions is that she made a special point of calling the author of the article following his interview with Sen. Fetterman to express those viewpoints. How presumptuous of her to think anyone should care about her views. After all, as the article points out, she is not the one who was elected to serve and represent a constituency.
The article concludes by telling us, “Adams has since changed the settings on a social media account to make it less public and only visible to those whom she approves.” And, in so doing, Adams becomes like so many of the youthful cowards who worship social media. She wants only to hear from, and engage with, those who agree with her views.
What a sad state of affairs for our nation if our future lies in the hands of self-important individuals who don’t care to engage in meaningful conversations about important issues because their views are already so “nuanced” they have nothing to learn.
Ellen Roteman
Pittsburgh
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