Recognizing and calling out antisemitism in dog whistles and euphemisms

Have you heard the anti-Jewish conspiracy theory about Maryland’s debate over congressional redistricting? 

Echo opinion published in the Baltimore Sun by Howard Libit:

Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore district 49) blocked redrawing the maps because he’s bought and paid for by Jewish donors.

Yes, you’re reading that correctly. During the recently concluded legislative session, emails landed in the president’s office making that antisemitic accusation.

A decade ago, we might have dismissed these kinds of letters and emails as conspiracy foolishness to be ignored, tossed right onto the crazy pile. But today, after years of surging antisemitism in all parts of American society, we don’t have the luxury of disregarding any hatred against Jews.  All accusations must receive pushback.

Whether it comes from the dog-whistle social media posts of elected officials and those who want to play a role in local and national politics, or podcasts filled with references to writings and ideas of antisemites, hatred against Jews is making its way into too many areas of our political discourse.

And the drive to say our elected officials are controlled by Jewish donors continues to infect our political debates. 

Frequently, this antisemitic talk is masked by linking Jewish donor donations to organizations that support Israel or other Jewish causes, such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and the Democratic Majority for Israel.

Where did the specific antisemitism conspiracy about Ferguson originate from❓ It’s hard to say for sure, but a good place to start looking for answers is the Reddit posts from his primary election opponent. These posts talk about campaign contributions from a donor who also happens to be an AIPAC board member. He continues to target the evil AIPAC donations in literature he is distributing within the legislative district.

Across our political landscape in Maryland and across our country, we are seeing growing references to the supposedly evil intentions related to campaign donations coming from members of the Jewish community.

If an elected official or a candidate for office makes a commitment or takes an action that we don’t like, it must be because they’re controlled by Jewish money. We’re seeing that implication being raised in congressional primaries here in Maryland — much like we did two years ago — and we’re sure to see more of it as Election Day approaches. One primary congressional challenger here in Baltimore seems to be centering much of his campaign around calling out the incumbent for having been backed by donors who support a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.

It’s antisemitism, pure and simple.

When leaders in the Catholic community (or pick your faith of choice) make campaign contributions to a particular candidate, no one accuses that candidate of being controlled by that faith group. We only see that smear being made when Jewish campaign donors are involved.

The Jewish community is being held to a different standard than others, and this creates an atmosphere ripe for the antisemitism pervasive in today’s society. And it isn’t much of a stretch to see words get translated into action.

Consider the vandalism this year of Shaare Tefila Congregation in Olney. Or the murders last May of two staff members of the Israeli embassy outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. Or the arson attack on a peaceful march for the hostages being held in Gaza in Boulder, Colorado, over the summer that left a Holocaust survivor fatally burned. And, most recently, the attack on a synagogue and its preschool in Michigan.

Of course, our leaders who create this atmosphere through their not-so-subtle social media posts and coded language insist they’re not responsible for the threats, vandalism and violence against Jews. They say they’re just exercising their free speech and that they can’t be held responsible for what their statements and actions ultimately encourage their supporters to do.

This isn’t partisan. It’s coming from the left and the right. This must stop💥❗ The dog whistles. The wink-and-nod statements about Jewish money. We must tell our elected officials and those who want to get elected that there’s no place in our public discourse for antisemitism and hate against Jews.

And getting back to the Jewish donors who supposedly manipulated Ferguson’s efforts to block mid-cycle congressional districting. As best as I can tell, many of those Jewish donors gave campaign contributions to Gov. Wes Moore and lots of other Democrats — including many who were champions of the effort to redraw Maryland’s congressional districts. Hmm. Somehow, the Jewish donors don’t control them, only Ferguson.

It’s essential for all of us to disinfect antisemitism from our politics — locally, in Maryland, and nationally.

Howard Libit (hlibit@baltjc.org) is the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council.

Republicans are enabling the destruction of America. Impeach Trump NOW! Attention Senator Susan Collins

Baltimore Sun opinion echo by Tom Jurkowsky

The unwillingness of our U.S. friends, allies and alliances to help the U.S. in its efforts against Iran should come as no surprise.

Donald Trump has spent time during both of his terms in office criticizing, insulting and demeaning NATO leaders — even going so far as to insult the wife of French President Emmanuel Macron and criticizing the pope.

Unfortunately, Trump’s bullying style of diplomacy does not engender a willingness by allies and friends to step forward and provide assistance to our efforts in Iran. Berating foreign leaders who complained about his tariffs, continuing with threats to take over Greenland and accusing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer of cowardice are just a few examples that don’t create feelings of warmth, friendship and respect.

After a recent meeting in the White House with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump berated allies and told Rutte that he was considering reprisals against NATO countries for their lack of support in the war against Iran. According to Politico, the conversation was nothing but a tirade of insults.

Throughout his terms in office, Trump has continued to repeat claims that the NATO alliance has never done anything to help the U.S. He continues to ignore the fact that when the U.S. was attacked on 9/11, many NATO countries supported our efforts in Afghanistan. In fact, approximately 3,600 NATO-led coalition troops died in Afghanistan, while over 23,000 were injured. The president’s staff should remind him of those numbers. Failing to acknowledge NATO’s contributions during our 20 years in Afghanistan is insulting.

Donald Trump’s inept style of failed diplomacy stands in stark contrast to that of former Secretary of State George Shultz, who served under President Ronald Reagan.

Shultz compared diplomacy to gardening. “You go around and talk to people, you develop a relationship of trust and confidence, and then if something comes up, you have that base to work from.”

Shultz used his “tending the garden” metaphor throughout his tenure as secretary of state. He said the term described the continuous, daily nurturing of international relationships and diplomatic alliances. Shultz felt that neglecting those relationships, like neglecting one’s garden, will grow weeds.

Trump obviously is unwilling to buy into Shultz’s experienced foreign policy style, choosing instead to bully, threaten and belittle allies and friends because they would not send naval forces to help open the Strait of Hormuz.

Clearly, the Iranian regime is evil. Its sponsorship of global terrorism and murdering dissident citizens if they deviate from the Iranian ideology should not earn the country sympathy. Nor should Iran earn gold stars for supporting its murderous network of allies that includes Hamas and Hezbollah.

However, the unwillingness of countries to answer Trump’s call for help in Iran is understandable. First and foremost, Trump did not provide an argument to either the American people or Congress for his decision to attack Iran. He similarly failed to consult with any allies or friends about the war in advance of his taking kinetic action. This was reckless and careless. Many of our European and Asian allies are dependent on oil and gas from Iran. Blind-siding them with his actions on Iran was a fundamental mistake.

Did Trump not realize what Iran’s reaction would be to being attacked — closing the Strait of Hormuz and a resultant global economic impact? There have been many war games conducted regarding the Middle East over the last several decades. Not one has ever left the Strait of Hormuz open.

Nicolas Burns, a former ambassador to NATO, said, “If you prepare the ground diplomatically before you go in, even if they don’t want to fight alongside you, they understand your strategy, and you get so much more buy-in.”

Two former defense secretaries writing in The New York Times, Chuck Hagel and Leon Panetta, say problems arise when our country engages in conflicts that drift without clear objectives and end points. “They often become tragic, unwinnable wars that history does not remember kindly,” they contend.

“America needs allies, trading partners and friends. But now, instead of working together with them to maintain a global system that has brought real geopolitical and economic benefit to us all, we are isolating ourselves,” say Hagel and Panetta.

Unfortunately, Trump’s thoughtless “do it alone” actions have destabilized the world and are cultivating anti-American sentiment not just in Europe but among people in the Middle East and Pacific. Many countries in those regions are looking to China as a better strategic economic partner.

One of my foreign service friends once told me that diplomacy is based around “ships.” Being a Navy guy, I immediately thought he meant the use of seapower and Navy ships when discussing diplomacy. He quickly corrected my train of thought by saying diplomacy centers around three different kinds of “ships” — partnerships, relationships and friendships.

Adhering to those three ingredients in one’s diplomatic pouch will lead to a weed-free garden that George Shultz strove to achieve, along with friends and allies who will support you. Donald Trump should take heed.

Tom Jurkowsky is a retired rear admiral in the U.S. Navy who served on active duty for 31 years. 

#ImpeachTrumpNOW❗

End hardships for working Americans: Donald Trump and maga Republicans must stand in the long airport lines they created to fly our of Washington DC

No breaks for Congress until TSA funded | A Baltimore Sun editorial.

Wait in long TSA security lines at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in the Queens borough of New York, Monday, March 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Ryan Murphy)

Whatever modest (untrained) help is provided by the Trump administration’s decision to deploy Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers to help reduce long lines at airport security this week, it’s time Congress approves at least a stopgap measure to fund the Transportation Security Administration, if not the entirety of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

And if Democrats and Republicans can’t find common ground on such thorny issues as the masking of ICE agents or when exactly those agents must use judicial warrants❓💢 Negotiators should be locked in a room until they agree to some compromise.

That would be an inconvenience, but it would also be a relatable experience to Americans now so often stuck in outrageously long security lines at BWI Marshall Airport and many of its counterparts across the country.

As for any members of Congress planning to go on break at the end of this week for the Easter holiday, we’re with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who said that won’t happen while the DHS funding issue remains unresolved. 

We would expect House Speaker Mike Johnson to do the same even if the current impasse rests in the other chamber. 

The sooner any compromise produced in the Senate can be approved by the full Congress, the better. All members should be embarrassed by this failure. It’s not a partisan thing; it’s a good government thing.

No doubt senators are hearing plenty of negative feedback from constituents who travel. They’ll hear even more if the long security lines impact Easter travel. And keep in mind, it isn’t really just about having to wait — heavy travel days sometimes force delays, no matter whether TSA agents are getting paid or not — but the sheer stupidity of it all. How ICE conducts enforcement is an important and hotly debated issue, and it’s understandable that neither party is eager to cede ground. Now, can we also agree that the political leverage of a budget bill can only be asserted so far❓

Priorities such as saving political face and boosting chances in the midterms should come after looking out for American voters who are facing punishing lines and missing flights across the country.

We get the performative elements of politics. It’s always been this way. But ,this is also a time when voters have clearly lost patience with all the theatrics coming out of Washington, D.C., and expect their elected officials to behave like adults.

The current crop of D.C. movers and shakers have already demonstrated that they aren’t quite as embarrassed by a government shutdown as they ought to be — last year’s edition lasted a record 43 days. The DHS shutdown is already approaching that historic number.

All those Americans standing in a line right now that did not have to exist are likely asking, when do members of Congress do their own jobs and find a compromise❓ The last thing to do is reward any of these players with a nice holiday vacation. Keep everyone at their posts. It’s the least they can do.

Baltimore Sun editorial writers offer opinions and analysis on news and issues relevant to readers.

Donald Trump and maga Republicans must fire incompetent people on the Trumpzi cabinet and then impeach Donald Trump.

Echo opinion published in the Baltimore Sun newspaper:

If one way to judge the quality of a leader is to look at the caliber of the people who are appointed to important positions, then Donald Trump’s presidency has failed monumentally. 

Kristi Noem, queen of lavishly expensive self-promoting photo ops and leader of a department responsible for fatal overreactions only to call the victims of those overreactions “domestic terrorists,” is now out. Unfortunately, several other key Trump appointees are still there (“Trump fires Homeland Security Secretary Noem after mounting criticism over her leadership,” March 5).

We still have pro-measles, anti-science Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. filling his department with extreme anti-vaccine people, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who allowed a reporter to listen in on secret war plans, can barely contain his bloodlust and can’t stop from cheap political attacks as he describes the war with Iran.

There is also Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who claimed he cut off all contact with pedophile Jeffrey Epstein in 2005, only to have later admitted he visited Epstein’s island in 2012 and had been found to be in a business arrangement with Epstein until 2018.

And there is also Attorney General Pam Bondi, whose shameful weaponization of the U.S. Department of Justice (with its dismissed indictments of James Comey and Letitia James) is mitigated only because of its incompetence.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio may have committed the worst sin of all, at least in the eyes of Donald Trump. He apparently lapsed into the truth when he said that the U.S. attacked Iran last Saturday because “we knew that there was going to be an Israeli action” that would “precipitate an attack against American forces.”

After hearing Trump say that no, the Israelis probably attacked because we were going to attack, Rubio explained quite clearly the next day that he didn’t say what he had said. Ah.

😕❓

Apparently, being a sycophant is really not what makes for a good servant of the people.

From Steven P. Grossman, in Pikesville, Maryland

#ImpeachDonaldTrumpNOW

Donald Trump and maga Republicans are clearly in violation of the Constitution's Emolument's Law Article II Section 4

Echo opinion letter published in the Baltimore Sun, in Maryland:  Trump has set new record for grift

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge1X5B_51E8

It is widely reported that among Donald Trump’s family business ventures since he was reelected president in 2024 was a $500 million investment by the United Arab Emirates in the family’s crypto business (“Politics 101: Recognizing nonpartisan opportunities,” Feb. 10).

Trump is no ordinary grifter. Rather, Trump does corruption on a scale that has previously never been known in U.S. politics❗ 

But, that’s not all. 💢The UAE got something out of their generosity toward the Trump family that was very important to them and their Chinese friends — hundreds of thousands of advanced artificial intelligence computer chips that could not be purchased by non-U.S. parties prior to Trump’s 2025, inauguration.

Trump’s White House counsel does not dispute that these transactions occurred. Instead, he defends them by claiming that Trump followed “ethical principles” when he made the deals. Ethical principles❓ Trump❓

From Benjamin Rosenberg, in Baltimore

P.S. Emoluments Clause❓  

Murders in Minneapolis by evil ICE are the result of Gestapo tactics deliberately targeting innocent American citizens

Echo opinion letter published in the Baltimore Sun, in Maryland:

Noting that courageous protesters in Minneapolis are tracking the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (evil ICE) activities and coordinating protests through online chats and databases, Vice President JD (Hillbilly) Vance said that the “engineered chaos … is the direct consequence of far left agitators” (“Report: Encrypted chats reveal protesters tracked ICE before Minnesota shooting,” Jan. 26).

That is false. 🤥IOW another lie.

The chaos is the direct consequence of the ruthless, blatantly unconstitutional and sometimes murderous actions of brutal ICE agents and their superiors. The protesters are well within their constitutional rights to organize by the best legal means available to call attention to the ICE horror show.

Protect peaceful protestors. Although a few protesters may have gone too far, it is evil ICE’s cruelty that prompts them, and ICE’s cruelty that now, finally, is becoming of concern even to true conservative Republicans - like Senator Susan Collins. ❗ Thank heaven for peaceful protestors 🙏❗

#WhereIsSenatorSusanCollins❓

From  Travers Nelson, in Baltimore, Maryland  #ICEGestapo

Donald Trump and maga Republicans are in denial: Trump's mental decline and petty obsessions are not normal

An echo opinion published in the Baltimore Sun by Bobby Zirkin:

Can someone in the White House who knows how to read please recite this following opinion to Donald Trump❓

White House CRIES After Trump's Nobel Peace Prize Nightmare Comes True

It gives me no pleasure at all to say that this last week (January 2026) in the White House has been an unmitigated disaster for Trump. 

My wife and I are currently re-watching “The West Wing” (one of the greatest shows ever), and it was hard not to think that Donald Trump could use a Josh Lyman, Toby Ziegler or Sam Seaborn this week. This truly was, paraphrasing the 2014, Steve Carell film, a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week for the Donald Trump.

Let’s start with the Nobel Peace Prize, of all things❗ 

Whether Trump deserves to win it or not is — well — who really cares❓ Donald Trump definitely has more pressing things to worry about than this, because he’s — you know — supposed to be the president. Whether someone gives him an award or not is kind of a minuscule thing. Just out of curiosity, I researched who has won the prize over the years and found some doozies. Here is one. Yasser Arafat won despite being an international terrorist. And there are countless deserving individuals who never won, so I will highlight one to make the point. Winston Churchill never won the award despite essentially saving Europe and the world from Adolf Hitler. Pretty sure Churchill never gave speeches whining that he didn’t get the award. Not that this isn’t a great trophy for someone, but receiving the prize shouldn’t be something on Donald Trump's deteriorating mind, deserving or not. (Maine Writer: Somebody must tell Donald Trump that his obsession with the Nobel Peace Prize is not normal❗)

María Machado offered to give Trump her peace prize for her work promoting democracy in Venezuela (and, unbelievable, he actually took it). He took someone else’s Nobel Peace Prize. 

To cap the week, Donald Trump sent a text to the Norwegian prime minister that read, “Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of peace.” 

So, let’s be clear. This is not OK, whatever your political persuasion. When Donald Trump throws a tantrum over not receiving a trophy, it doesn’t look great. And it obviously shouldn’t impact public policy.

Next, Greenland. Greenland❓ Donald Trump is demanding that the United States own Greenland. The stated rationale is for national security, but that’s not a serious argument. The United States can do anything militarily in Greenland, including placing troops and building bases, under an already-existing treaty with the owner, Denmark. The president has said we will own Greenland “one way or the other,” which seems like a threat. To Denmark. Our close ally. Our fellow member of NATO. Over Greenland. Get the picture❓ This obsession is threatening the transatlantic alliance and is a gift to adversaries in Moscow and Beijing. They are publicly rejoicing at the rift, and it lends credibility to the ridiculous rationale used by Russia to invade Ukraine and the one floated by China related to Taiwan. Over Greenland! Cooler heads in the administration need to pull back from the abyss. By all means, beef up military presence there, but again, we can already do that. The fear is that the damage will last long past this insanity.

Next, there is Iran. This is a bit more complex, and I am holding out hope that we will do the right thing. 

The use of B-2 bombers in June to target nuclear facilities was the absolute right thing to do. Can you imagine nuclear weapons in the hands of the religious fanatics who chant “Death to America” like it’s a pop song on the Top 40❓ (Maine Writer: But, wait❗ Was the mission all bravado❓ because there is no definitive proof about the targeted site being completely destroyed.) 

But declaring the conflict over and the onset of peace the day after was, frankly, premature. In these last weeks, the world witnessed the full depravity of the Iranian regime as they mowed down their own people in the streets (perhaps as many as 20,000 murdered) just for demanding freedom. Donald Trump deserves credit for being vocally supportive of the protesters while many on the left and in the mainstream media disappeared from their increasing momentum with peaceful marches and protests. 

Donald Trump went further, posting on social media that Iranians should continue to protest, that help was on the way, and that the Iranian regime would pay the price for killing its own citizens. Iranians protested, no help came and the regime murdered thousands with no repercussions. One hopes that the administration is just biding time, but for now, we have done nothing. Regime change was within reach in June, and it is within reach now. A world without those responsible for exporting international terrorism would be a game-changer, and the Iranian people need our help.

Guess what❓ That was just one week. Obviously, the administration needs to get its act together. The world needs America’s steady leadership, and this has been anything but. I am rooting for them to get this straightened out and to succeed. Don Bacon, a Republican congressman from Nebraska, called the president’s ramblings this week “very embarrassing conduct,” and he is right. I have spent considerable time defending some of this administration’s policies, but this week is inexplicable. In the movie “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” they eventually got it together, and all was well in the end. Here’s hoping.

Bobby Zirkin is a columnist at The Baltimore Sun.  He represented Baltimore County in the General Assemby for 21 years as a Democratic state senator and delegate. He can be reached at bz@zandslaw.com.

Donald Trump and maga Republicans must stop illegal invasions and making threats against sovereign countries!

Echo opinion published in the Baltimore Sun:

Understandably, Americans are more concerned with their job security and the challenging ability to meet weekly expenses than they are about international issues. (Maine Writer opinion, although Trump will use our tax money like his own personal checkbook because the Supreme Court said he can do and get away with anything❗)

But, what Donald Trump is doing on the international stage is so crazy and so dangerous that it demands our attention (“Trump meets with oil executives at the White House on Friday, seeking investments in Venezuela,” Jan. 9).

Trump argues that the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela was merely the arrest of an indicted criminal. Whether that authorizes him to bomb a foreign country and forcibly change that country’s leadership without authorization from Congress is highly questionable. In defending Trump’s action, Sen. Lindsey Graham compares the arrest of Maduro to the arrest of the leader of Panama, Manuel Noriega, in 1990. But, we did not thereafter intend to “run” Panama like Trump stated we intend to run Venezuela. That Maduro is a cruel dictator is clear; that Trump intends more than just his arrest (such as taking Venezuelan oil) is equally clear. That explains why the Senate, with the votes of five Republicans, just moved forward a bill to restrict the president from taking further military action against Venezuela.

Moreover, what this administration is saying about Greenland is even crazier. The White House made clear it does not reject the possibility of using military force to take over an autonomous territory belonging to our NATO ally Denmark. I don’t think even Trump would suggest that the prime minister of Denmark is a narco terrorist, a term he has used for Maduro. Take a step back for a moment and reflect on the fact that the president of the United States is not ruling out the use of force against a NATO ally for no apparent reason other than a claim that it would help American security to possess Greenland.

Aside from how just plain wrong this is, consider how China could use Trump’s rationale for the use of force and continued occupation of Venezuela and Greenland with regard to actions it might take against Taiwan or anywhere else where its national security could be enhanced by taking over parts of another country. Surely, we lose the moral authority to scold Russia for its brutal attack on Ukraine.

At this point, I don’t care about the hypocrisy and inconsistency Trump demonstrates daily (you’ll remember during his campaign how he warned against foreign interventions), but at some point, enough has to be enough.

From Steven P. Grossman, in Baltimore, Maryland

Donald Trump and maga Republicans must support legal work permits policy to protect immigrant workers

On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, an incident in Glen Burnie, Maryland, involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents resulted in two undocumented men being injured.😠

Where is the sensible approach to immigration policy ❓

Echo opinion published in the Baltimore Sun newspaper:

If I were confronted by (evil❗ ) ICE agents, as were two unfortunate undocumented immigrants who were shot at in West Court in Glen Burnie Maryland, on Wednesday, I wouldn’t resist. 

If it were me, I would be confident in my safety and quick release because, as a U.S. citizen, I need not fear that I might face possible lifelong imprisonment in El Salvador. 

Sadly, if I were undocumented, like they were, my reaction would be very different. I would, like they did, make a break for it. To smash up several vehicles, to attempt to intimidate several ICE agents, to perhaps hurt someone or even to risk my own life, might well be the price I would deem worthy of paying (“2 injured as ICE agents shoot driver trying to run them down in Glen Burnie, officials say,” Dec. 24).

When an outrageous circumstance like this erupts, all of us should be asking two questions: What possible sense is there in our government’s articulating unseemly imprisonment punishments that encourage dangerous and excessive violence? And why do our legislators not enact a sensible guest workers program so that many of the illegals could be legal, and so that U.S. employers wouldn’t need to continue to be constantly skirting the law by hiring undocumented workers?

To answer the first question: Donald Trump's horrible personality has required that his pronouncements be "over the top" (stupid❗), because that enhances his preferred image as being (cruel😒), decisive and forceful. 

And, the answer to the second question, is that our congressmen and senators won’t act on the guest workers issue because they perceive that taking any stand at all on this might threaten their own re-election prospects. 

As long as our elected federal officials are hung up this way, there is no hope for badly needed improvement.

There is no indication, up to the present time, that either Donald Trump, or other elected federal officials, are about to change. Donald Trump is what he is, and most everyone else now in Congress is, for some reason, fearful about how speaking out will affect their careers. (Ugh❗)

So, it is up us, to the voters, to now to take charge and then vote in people who will deal with the issues. From— Jack Wickham, in Glen Arm, (Baltimore County) Maryland #VoteBlue

Hanukkah is a feast celebrating a miraculous event in Jewish history but it is now become a time when Jews worry about antisemitic attacks

The ugly face of antisemitism is showing once again | EDITORIAL published in the Baltimore Sun newspaper.

Australia was brutally shaken by its deadliest terror attack in modern history when two gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah🕎 celebration at popular Bondi Beach, killing at least 15 people and injuring more than 40. 

Tragically, the horrible assault, allegedly carried out by a father and son, targeted Sydney’s Jewish community, gathered at Archer Park, turning a moment of joy into horror and grief. 

Authorities quickly declared the massacre an antisemitic act of terrorism, underscoring the vulnerability of minority communities even in nations long considered safe.

During this difficult time, we stand shoulder to shoulder with Jewish✡️ communities in Baltimore and across the globe. Antisemitism is a scourge that should have been consigned to history long ago, especially in light of the atrocities of World War II. Yet here we are, still confronting the same poisonous hatred that once fueled one of humanity’s darkest chapters. The persistence of this prejudice is a moral failure and a warning that silence and complacency allow old hatreds to resurface in new forms.

We must also encourage everyone to pay close attention to the significant voices in our media who have little or nothing to say about this atrocity. Silence in the face of such violence is complicity, full stop. And online, particularly in fringe circles, there are many who would prefer this story to vanish quickly, swept under the rug so they can continue peddling false and damaging narratives about Israel and the Jewish people. Their omission is part of a broader effort to distort reality, to minimize Jewish suffering and to redirect public outrage toward manufactured grievances.

Let this also serve as a warning to those who have taken the bait from individuals insisting that conspiracy theorizing about Israel is somehow separate from antisemitism. In fact, the truth is that they are inseparable. Extremists consistently hold all Jews accountable for fabricated grievances against Israel, collapsing the distinction between legitimate policy criticism and outright prejudice. Criticisms of the Israeli government are one thing; they belong in the realm of democratic debate. But, the conspiratorial narratives we have seen lately push far beyond that boundary, implicating Jews worldwide in the decisions of a single democratic government. This distortion is truly the oldest form of scapegoating dressed up in modern rhetoric.

Make no mistake: There are forces in this world, particularly concentrated in the Middle East, that openly seek Israel’s eradication. This is a stated ambition of extremist movements that thrive on hatred and violence. As Americans, we cannot accept such a reality. To do so would dishonor the sacrifice of our grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters who fought in World War II and betray the values of morality and justice that we hold dear. We must refuse to succumb to that hate, standing firm against those who would deny Israel’s right to exist and against the poisonous ideologies that fuel antisemitism worldwide.

The problem we face today is that social media has dismantled the barriers of traditional political discourse. Rhetoric that once remained confined to distant nations now flows seamlessly into American conversations, amplified by algorithms and shared without context. Free speech is a value we hold dear in this country, but it carries with it tremendous responsibility. That responsibility includes resisting the anti‑American and anti‑Jewish rhetoric that increasingly infiltrates our political discussions, often cloaked in slogans like “America First” or “Stop Genocide.” These mottos may sound patriotic or humanitarian, but in practice, they are frequently weaponized to disguise prejudice and to smuggle extremist narratives into mainstream debate.

For at least the past century, the United States has aspired to be the world’s leader in humanity, morality and human rights. That mantle has never been easy to carry, but it has defined our role in the global community. Today, our resolve is being tested in the very real struggle against antisemitism and extremist hate that threatens both our allies abroad and our neighbors at home.

We cannot shrink from this responsibility❗ To meet the moment means reaffirming our commitment to truth over conspiracy, solidarity over division, and courage over complacency. It means standing with Jewish communities everywhere, defending Israel’s right to exist and rejecting the poisonous ideologies that seek to erode our values. The free world is watching, and history will judge whether America rose to the challenge or faltered in the face of hate.

Baltimore Sun editorial writers offer opinions and analysis on news and issues relevant to readers. They operate separately from the newsroom.

Donald Trump is 79 years old with visible physical and mental health symptoms. Americans must hear from his physicians NOT lie diva Karoline Leavitt

An open, honest presidential health report, please - Echo editorial published in the Baltimore Sun newspaper:

We don’t have to suffer from “Trump Derangement Syndrome” or be an ugly red-hat-toting Trumpzi loyalist to be more than a little concerned when the most powerful person on the planet, says he doesn’t know what part of his body was scanned for a recent diagnostic MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) medical exam, two times within six months❗.💢😠

“What part of the body❓ (Duh❓) It wasn’t the brain," he said. "Because I took a cognitive test and I aced it.” (OMG...#SIASD)

Donald Trump gave a self assessment health to reporters on Air Force One this month, when questioned about his recent medical exams. (But where is Donald Trump's physician order for these exams❓❓)

White House "3-D printer Barbie", the press secretary Karoline Leavitt described Trump’s October tests (beyond an annual checkup) as showing his cardiovascular system in “excellent health” and major organs appearing “very healthy” and “well-perfused” (meaning they had proper blood flow).  This is a lie 🤥....Trump shows evidence of cardiovascular risks because his ankles are swollen, in other words, the venious blood return from his lower extremities, back to his heart, is not efficient.) 

(As a registered nurse, I am qualified by education, training, experience and license, and even required to ask, "Where is the physicians orders and the exam results❓)

And given Trump's advancing age, he is now 79, Americans have valid reasons to seek more persuasive reassurance about the state of Donald Trump's health, especiallly now when we see him falling asleep at his cabinet meetings while others are telling him how  wonderful he is.....no humble response from the sleeping monster. 

It’s no wonder, then, that the Trump White Houses’ vague and imprecise comments about Donald Trump's health examinations sparked a media frenzy and enormous speculation over whether he is concealing a serious ailment.

The lack of candor is all the more galling because Trump has repeatedly mocked his predecessor for his signs of aging, and Biden regularly showed signs of cognitive decline that even the most basic observer could have noticed.

The point here is not to humiliate anyone. If presidents have problems with incontinence, for example, the public doesn’t necessarily have to know full urinary tract details. 

But when you have the power to: 

• drop bombs on foreign governments
• commit troops to an invasion
• pardon dangerous criminals
• declare emergencies
• explode a nuclear device....

The world must know for certain if you are of sound mind and body❓ Sorry, but reassurances from paid spokespeople are not quite the same as hard medical evidence.

And, a lack of transparency clearly hasn’t succeeded in shoring up public confidence. 

As a general matter, Donald Trump must be forthcoming — or, better yet, Congress must mandate for basic disclosures.

Donald Trump and maga Republicans promised administrative transparency, but guess what? They lied!

Echo opinion letters published in the Baltimore Sun:

(Question- Does the  Baltimore Sun check the authenticity from the people who write letters like the individual named "Gail Householder"❓

In her (the) November 1st letter, a person named Gail Householder speculates that if either President Barack Obama or President Joe Biden had torn down the East Wing of the White House to build a massive ballroom, the “lamestream media” would be falling over themselves to praise the destruction and construction (“Criticism of White House renovation is hypocritical“).  - Maine Writer: IMO it is Gail with the fake name "Householder" who is the hypocrite because whoever he or she is created a premise that just did not exist.

Frankly, we will never know if that’s true, because neither of those presidents chose to do that, probably because they respected the history of the White House and didn’t have the emotional need to build a gilded overwrought monument to themselves (my speculation).

I also found her assertion that “liberals” want “total power, authority and obedience” rather curious, as that is exactly what Donald Trump wants and is doing. But, I guess if it’s your authoritarian who is implementing voting restrictions, indicting political opponents and illegally arresting people based on their looks and denying them legal representation, then total power, authority and obedience seems very, very acceptable.  From— Douglas Kaplan, in Baltimore

No Kings peaceful demonstrations caught the attention of main stream media because of the joy, humor and comaraderie

Humor, patriotism of ‘No Kings’ protests are cause for celebration | Baltimore Sun editorial echo

No Kings rally against Donald Trump in Baltimore’s Patterson Park on a Saturday in June. File photo Baltimore Sun newspaper

We’re guessing that more than a few Baltimoreans were secretly dreading Saturday’s double-billed day of a “No Kings” protest happening simultaneously with the 25th annual Baltimore Running Festival. Would it produce chaos, anger, riots in the streets (a proverbial marathon of antagonism)❓ And those concerns surely extended to thousands of locations across the country from New York to Los Angeles that, while perhaps not hosting 26-mile runs, might well be concerned about protests becoming violent.

The result❓ “No Kings” with its millions of participants, possibly the largest protest ever staged against a sitting U.S. president, turned out to be peaceful, humor-tinged (and more about that in a moment) and patriotic. Organizers deserve kudos here. At a time when emotions are running high, participants seem to take their cues from the upcoming Halloween celebration dressing up not only as Donald Trump, but often as cartoon characters in order to dance in the street. The humorous vibe was a more-than-welcome breath of fresh air.

As Exhibit A, we would simply point to social studies teacher Andy Vernor who dressed as a dime-store Uncle Sam to oppose the Trump administration’s deployment of the National Guard in cities. “JUST SAY NO 2 MARTIAL LAW!” Vernor’s sign suggested. But how much more effective was that message coming from a man wearing a floppy top hat and a sparkly red, white and blue vest as he carried it around Patterson Park❓ A favorite cheer for runners navigating city streets❓ “Run like Trump’s behind you.”😊😂

That tone proved remarkably consistent across the country. Over and over, the atmosphere was more like that of a concert or street festival than an angry mob. Yes, the point was to underscore the president’s alarming authoritarian tendencies but this was no call for violence. It was more like some kind of mutual support society — Americans gathered, in part, simply to reassure each other that, no, it’s not normal for a president to dispatch National Guard troops into cities not in the middle of a crisis or to use his post for personal financial gain or to seek criminal indictment of his critics and on and on. 

One may disagree with those perspectives or continue to stand by the president, but we should recognize that this was the First Amendment as it was meant to be exercised — and be grateful that in this country frustrated citizens can gather peacibly and make their voices heard.

Indeed, the most jarring part of the whole weekend may have been the reaction of leading Republicans in Washington, particularly House Speaker Mike Johnson who — even on Sunday when the event was over and the patriotism and positivity was widely acknowledged — went on ABC’s “This Week” to describe “No Kings” as a sign of the “rise of Marxism” in the Democratic Party and an effort to distract from the government shutdown. 

Did they see what everyone else saw in their local rallies or in televised coverage of these events❓Obviously not.😕

Granted, the demonstrations didn’t solve much. Just as the first “No Kings” protests staged in mid-June did little to deter Donald Trump or his closest supporters. But then, that’s not how non-violent protest works. What it did accomplish was to alert the nation to the broad level of concern over the potential loss of democratic norms. Not in an alarmist manner. Not in a way that invites violence. But in a way that may well cause others to join their cause, to raise their voices and perhaps even raise their torch, especially if you came to the march dressed as the 🗽Statue of Liberty.

Did Trump notice❓ It’s telling that prior to the event he predicted a low turnout. His allies called them “Hate America” rallies. With crowds collectively estimated at 7 million or more and patriotism and good will in such abundance, he changed his tune, first telling a reporter “Who cares?” when asked about the rallies and later posting online a video of himself wearing a crown. In Trump’s world, such a sharp turn suggests he got the message.

Such is the power of peaceful protest.

Donald Trump and maga Republicans cutting medical research money but Argentina will receive $40 million US tax dollars?

Echo opinion letter published in the Baltimore Sun, Maryland:

#ImpeachRFKjr  #ImpeachTrumpAgain


As a cancer survivor, I’m saddened that Donald Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have ended cancer funding and research. Instead, $40 billion, much of it American tax dollars, is going to prop up the failing economy of Argentina.

As the former executive director of a community-based nonprofit youth services organization, I’m puzzled as to why the Trump/Kennedy administration killed funding and programs for school-based youth mental health and after-school programs❓ Instead, they’re asking their deep-pocketed supporters to add another

💲40 billion to the Argentine pot.

As a person with physical disabilities, I’m also mad that the Trump administration wants to ban mail-in voting. Press reports suggest that a rationale for the $40 billion to Argentina is to assure votes for its president, Javier Milei. Why🥺❓

From Don Mathis, in Havre de Grace, Maryland

Donald Trump and maga Republicans are at war with working class people! Protect affordable quality health care!

This physician opinion echoes the very same confersation with my primary care provider, during my annual visit.  He shared with me how one of his patients is a young woman who experienced a serious hand injury. Her rehabilitation involved occupational therapy.  Rather than be relieved about the high probability for her complete healing, her mother started to cry because she could not pay for the care.  😟😢

How the government shutdown affects patients

Echo opinion published in the Baltimore Sun by a physician: As a new resident physician, I have spent thousands of hours learning to provide the best patient care possible. As a primary care physician at a federally qualified health center, I have the privilege of taking care of many uninsured and vulnerable populations. However, with the ongoing government shutdown, there is much uncertainty surrounding my ability to provide the best care possible for my patients. Although a textbook can teach me how to treat various diseases, it unfortunately cannot make our health care more affordable for patients. This puts health care providers in difficult positions where we are unable to provide necessary medical treatment for our patients. With rising health care costs, we are in a health care affordability crisis.

For example, I saw an uninsured patient who works in the hospitality industry and requires surgery but is unsure if he will be able to afford marketplace insurance with the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits this fall. The cost of this surgery would bankrupt him without insurance. If he is unable to afford the surgery, he also won’t be able to continue to work at a job he loves. Unfortunately, these dilemmas are far too common among my patients. Cuts to health coverage aren’t just numbers. They impact patients who are unable to receive surgery. They impact our neighbors who cannot afford lifesaving medical treatments. They impact hardworking Americans who are supporting their families. Similarly, many patients who receive health insurance through the Marketplace and benefited from tax credits may receive a letter soon regarding their increase in premiums. This is causing anxiety among patients as they are unsure if they will be able to afford health insurance for themselves, their families and even their employees in small businesses. As a physician, how can I appropriately respond to their concerns when these decisions are made outside of the exam room❓

When facing these situations, medical providers feel the burden of spending many extra hours outside of work hours to find financial support for these patients. Most of us entered this profession because we wanted to help our patients lead healthy lives. However, it can be easy to start feeling burned out with so many influencing factors that are out of our control, leading to our inability to improve our patients’ health.

Similarly, the government shutdown has led to the expiration of telehealth Medicare flexibilities. Many patients, especially our elderly and disabled populations, benefited from receiving care utilizing telehealth. This was crucial for these patients who had difficulty traveling to clinics for medical appointments and ensured that health care providers were still able to engage with this population. After the COVID-19 pandemic began, much of our society shifted to online services. Therefore, health care should keep up with the 21st century and ensure our patients can also receive health care online. However, after October 1, many Medicare patients have been receiving communications regarding whether their telehealth coverage will continue. Some organizations have been able to cover the costs and are hopeful that Congress will create a bipartisan solution. However, other organizations are unable to cover the costs. This is devastating for patients who were receiving cancer care, mental health treatment and other medical care who are now unable to access the health care they had been receiving. Reduced access to health care will lead to worse health outcomes.

Republican Attorney General Pam Bondi lied under oath when she told Congress there was no retribution plan against Trump

Echo opinion letter published in the Baltimore Sun 

As a follow-up to the Trump administration’s indictment of former FBI Director James Comey for lying to Congress (“Ex-FBI Director James Comey indicted on charges of lying to Congress and obstruction,” Sept. 25), we should expect — and frankly demand — that the Attorney General Pam Bondi (aka "nurse Ratched" of the Department of Justice) be indicted on similar grounds.

Attorney General Pam Bondi alter ego is Nurse Ratched

Clearly, AG Bondi clearly committed perjury during her confirmation hearings before the U.S. Senate when she claimed that, under her watch, there would be no campaign of retribution against Donald Trump’s political opponents.

The bogus charges against Comey are only the latest of many abuses of power by the current Trump Republican administration and we can expect more of the same to come for all who oppose Trumpziism.

From George Kaplan, in Colora a community in Cecil County, Maryland

Regardless of how much Donald Trump and maga Republicans vilify ethnic groups the political violence is from white males- Why?

Echo editorial published in The Baltimore Sun newspaper:

The crisis of young men can no longer be ignored check the source at this site here. 

(Summary from Maine Writer:  Who knew about "Discord chatrooms"❓

The horrible assassination of Charlie Kirk was a national tragedy — a brutal act of violence that stunned the country and reignited urgent questions about political extremism. 

Beneath the tragedy, however, is a deep problem in the social fabric of our nation that threatens to make violence more pervasive, communities less cohesive and people less safe.

That problem is the crisis of young men in America. The alleged assassin, barely out of adolescence, joins a growing list of young males whose despair, rage and ideological confusion have erupted into violence. We are witnessing a generation of men who feel alienated, unmoored and increasingly drawn to destructive extremes.

As traditional social bonds erode, many young men retreat into digital spaces like video games and Discord chatrooms, seeking connection, validation and escape. 

These platforms offer community, but they also risk reinforcing alienation, especially when real-world purpose feels out of reach.

It should come as no surprise that the accused assassin of Charlie Kirk was active on Discord — the same platform frequented by the Buffalo supermarket shooter and countless others who’ve turned isolation into extremism. Discord, while designed for gaming and community, is also a breeding ground for ideological echo chambers, where young men can spiral unchecked.

“How did we get here?” For many young men who came of age in the 2000s, and 2010s, the answer lies in a lifetime of messaging that framed them as inherently privileged and implicitly guilty. 

From classrooms to social media feeds, from corporate H.R. seminars to pop culture narratives, the refrain has been consistent: Male privilege is a burden to be acknowledged, apologized for and corrected.

While these conversations aimed to address real inequities, they often lacked nuance, leaving many young men feeling indicted for circumstances beyond their control. Over time, this messaging calcified into resentment. Is it really so surprising that some of these men, steeped in guilt and stripped of purpose, have grown cynical and detached — convinced that the society around them not only misunderstands them but actively resents their existence❓

To those who may be bothered by this topic, remember — this is not the victimhood Olympics. 💥

Acknowledging the crisis facing young men does not mean dismissing the struggles of communities of color, nor does it erase the long history of systemic inequities that have shaped American life. We can walk and chew gum at the same time — and we must.

Now that we know the problem, we must focus on solving it. How do we restore purpose, connection and dignity to a generation that feels discarded? How do we ensure that the boys growing up behind them don’t inherit the same despair, the same alienation, the same temptation to retreat into digital shadows or ideological extremes? That must be the focus moving forward.

Before his life was tragically and unjustly taken, Charlie Kirk likely would have agreed that the crisis facing young men is one of the defining challenges of our time. His mission, however polarizing to some, was rooted in engagement — reaching young people, especially young men, and giving them a sense of purpose in a world that often left them feeling unseen.

Whether you agreed with Kirk ideologically or not, that much is undeniable. He understood the vacuum many young men were living in, and he tried to fill it with conservative convictions, right wing community and religious nationalism direction. (Maine Writer- although Mr. Kirk had a right to speak about his personal values, they caused tremendous ire among many, expecially caustic to those of us who are only now learning about how this extremism has evolved to infect white males.) 

If we’re serious about preventing future tragedies, we must carry forward that impulse — to listen, to guide and to rebuild the bridges that so many young men have lost.

Baltimore Sun editorial writers offer opinions and analysis on news and issues relevant to readers. They operate separately from the newsroom.