"Ask the Rabbi" by R. Mermelstein
QUESTION: Dear Rabbi
Mermelstein:
After going over some of the posts to you by Jews that are afraid
of the U.S. turning on them, or that they are "guests" of this country,
I felt compelled to write you, because these folks should fear nothing.
I can't speak for others, but neither can anyone else, except maybe my
wife.
I would be more surprised than anyone if the U.S. as a nation turned on
Jews. When this nation turns on anyone, it is those that can think for
themselves, those that would uphold the Constitution and the right to
self defense. We are in a unique period of time thanks to technology
never available before. In New York we have Elliot Spitzer, who has
managed to tie gun control to speeding tickets. I lump him in with our
excuse for a governor, not with you, Rabbi. But some Jews seem to feel
many Gentiles will kill them because of the Spitzers of this world. The
only way I can think of to avoid this is to be armed and ready.
As to why Jews should own guns, I would imagine the same reasons that
anyone should own a gun. Why do some Jewish people decide they are
different (it does not read "why should 'anyone' own guns") and then
show fears of repression because they think they are viewed as being
different? In any breakdown of society, Jews will certainly be targeted
by some, for this reason alone they are insane to NOT be armed. If they
think social status, honesty or hard work will set them apart, I read
that in Germany, many Jews were astounded of the treatment they
received, as they served in WW1 for Germany, were honest and hard
working. Lot of good it did them. Those of high social status were the
easiest to be stripped of their wealth and herded away. Depend on the
Police? As is proven time and time again it's really 40% below iffy.
Anyway, wasn't it a form of police that put Jews on the concentration
camp trains? I've also just seen a History Channel special claiming
that Nazi Germany gave the impression of complete regimentation, but in
reality was totally out of control and sloppy. Sounds like the U.S. to
me.
As for leaving the country, if tomorrow I was warned that I must leave
this country because all those of Italian descent were to be herded
into work camps, and I knew this to be a surety, as many Jews were
warned in the thirties, I'd stay, just as they stayed. Only difference
is I'd be armed and ready. As with most issues, I agree with you 100
percent on this, Rabbi. When were people ever safe for long by running
away?
As for your long list of countries that ousted or bashed Jews, how long
is the list of countries that did this to ARMED Jews? Armed Anybodies?
Was there ever a country in which the Jews were armed, outside of
Israel? Why don't they learn from this? You did.
I really feel it is hopeless, people will never learn from history,
never see the writing on the wall, never wake up and run their own
lives as they should. I would care a lot less if they didn't drag me
down with them. If all you are ever going to do is whine over the past
and fear the future without taking steps to learn from the past and
secure the future, then you will spend the rest of your life on your
knees, or on your way to a death camp.
I really hope that someday you get through to them, Rabbi. If you do,
you will be owed a debt of gratitude from society that can never be
repaid. Please accept my gratitude for the ones you have reached. I
know there isn't anything I have said here that you have not said
already, but I hope you may find some of it refreshing anyway. If there
is something in this that you might not have thought of, feel free to
use it.
And always remember that the pen is mightier than the sword, but only
if you know where to stick it. Writing to try and convince people to
learn from the past, to defend themselves, must sometimes drive you
nuts like spinning your wheels on the ice. I admire you for never
letting up. Which is why I'm sending this, so you know some of us out
here are paying attention.
Enjoy the rolling blackouts and energy costs, while we here in the east
enjoy a cold lousy snowy rainy late winter, high heating bills, and
Elliot Spitzer. :)
Keep your powder dry,
Louis Muollo
03 April 2001
ANSWER: Dear Louis,
A note of appreciation to you for
your letter of support! The #1 question asked by visitors to this web
page is "Why do Jews support gun control in view of our history?" I
haven't yet arrived at a plausible answer. You say the situation is
hopeless, and there are days I tend to agree with you.
For a few years now, I've received many letters from pro Second
Amendment Christians of all denominations who recognize the roots of
their faith in Judaism. They write that they would take up arms to
defend Jews if we were to be evicted from America. Isn't that a novel
and fascinating concept? I certainly think so, considering our
treatment since the First Crusade in 1096. See http://www.jewishgates.org/history/jewhis/crusade.stm
And wouldn't that be the ultimate irony? Jews cowering like helpless
sheep in a slaughterhouse being saved by their historic persecutors?
We do, indeed, live in interesting times. Your warm letter was a great source of encouragement. My thanks, sir.
Sincerely,
R. Mermelstein
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