Arrogance...

Israel is known for its tight security (I particularly love the question with which Israeli Security forces welcome foreigners “Why have you come to this country?” – it is not in vain they are the best in security matters) and the issue of visas is part of the complex national security web that country has woven for itself. However, some individuals do not understand this and, moreover, feel offended for not having a special status when it comes to getting their visas…please read the words of Mr Jay Bushinsky (a former diplomatic reporter for the Jerusalem Post):

“In most cases, though not all, admission is granted. But by then, there is a permanent residue of resentment if not hostility on the journalist’s part. The B-1 visa which is issued to foreign correspondents is identical to the one granted to African, Chinese, Thai and European manual laborers and Filipino caregivers. It allows them to work here for one year, after which the visa must be renewed annually for a maximum of five years.”

Allow yourself to ponder on the following sentence “The B-1 visa which is issued to foreign correspondents is identical to the one granted to African, Chinese, Thai and European manual laborers and Filipino caregivers.” …how arrogant could this respectable journalist be?

First of all, the tone with which this “gentleman” speaks of manual laborers and caregivers suggests that they are inferior to him, and his class (foreign press). Second, by pointing out specific nationalities (African, Chinese, Thai, European [for sure Latin & East Europeans] and Filipino) he allows to transpire his prejudice towards what he apparently believes to be second rate world citizens.

Speaking of prejudice…Bushinsky…Isn’t this a Jewish name? It is always delightful to see a member of the Chosen People; a people that was persecuted and slaughtered like cattle (not long ago…for we still remember and mourn HaShoah); practicing the deceiving art of bigotry, racism and utter stupidity. Jewish people remain the target of prejudice…how can any of them have short memory and be a bigot?

Mr. Bushinsky entitled his article as “Israel is shooting itself in the foot” but I’d say that Mr. Bushinsky, with his pauper choice of words, is the one who shot himself in his own arrogant foot.

Image: Medusa by Caravaggio