Comments on: Jewish community defends Pratt. Why?

By: Kevin Charles Herbert

Kevin Charles Herbert — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

Read Big Ben Burstin’s comments above…….they repesent that reflex, whingeing response to any criticsm of any part of Australian or international Jewry…….totally lacking in balance and/or intelligence…sadly, I don’t think it will ever change…..ever.

By: Michael

Michael — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

It was outrageous for those in the Jewish community to write to newspapers defending Pratt merely because he was of the same persuasion. Especially when they are the first to call foul or accuse others of anti-Semitism. It could do no good to their own cause.
In fact-how dare their pre-empt judgemnt on Pratt on charges before they appear before a court and dismiss the claim he lied merely because he was fined on anothe rmatter connected.

That said-the continuing screeching of those like John Elliot about Dick Pratt's so-called "generosity" to charity ignores the fact that it's our bloody money he dontates out of the mega-millions he made via his cardboard cartel which saw every single houselhold paying over the odds for anything coming in a cardboard box.

Al Capone donated generously to charity as well but that didn't excuse him every other action he took. While Pratt is no Capone he should face the law equally like every other citizen of this land and Samuels is correct in his pursuit of the man.

By: Kevin Charles Herbert

Kevin Charles Herbert — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

Read ’ Big ’ Ben Burstin’s rationale above…..it says it all about the worst elements of Australian Jewry……sadly, I don’t think Big Ben & his like will ever get it…….ever….

By: JamesK

JamesK — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

I agree with Barns. What is ludicrous is that it is not the original vulgar but lucrative rip-off crime itself that Pratt is facing the possibility of prison for, but rather the lies and dissimulation to the ACCC.
Costello originally promised to rectify this heinous anomaly in the law and mysteriously failed to act. I do not believe it is indictive of paranoia to say that there are dark forces at work here. Good for Samuel.

By: davo

davo — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

Hillel the Great, a Jewish prophet who influenced Jesus, told the story of the rich man who gave to the poor, attended the temple, and beat his breast publicly, all the while being a harsh and sinful man. He contrasted this with the poor man who snuck into temple, and said, "GOd forgive me, for I am a sinner."

Which one did God prefer?

Jesus tells a similar story in the Gospels.

By: Dave Liberts

Dave Liberts — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

Ben Burstin, the Jewish community could have avoided any hassles here if some of its key spokespeople had not felt the need to go public on this. Their major point seems to be that their bloke Pratt has been a massive supporter of Jewish charities. Good on him, no probs with that, but it doesn’t mean he’s above competition laws. It’s pretty simple.

By: Sponge Boy

Sponge Boy — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

If it was a Muslim prosecutor and a Muslim defendant, they’d all be cheering from the sidelines about how modernized they had become….

By: michael

michael — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

Is it a matter of religion&/or ethnicity or just that some people should be less subject to the law than others. One notes the argument that has been put not always obliquely,that Pratts good works should “cut him some slack”, I suspect this is part of it . However tribal loyalties here are undoubtadly strong.

It would be interesting to see the actual words.

By: Dave Liberts

Dave Liberts — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

WTF, Sponge Boy???? Trotting out the “no one would be complaining if it was Muslims” line didn’t work for the Catholics trying to defend the indefensible ‘thou shalt not annoy’ laws, and it doesn’t work here either. For one, those members of the Jewish community who are pressuring Samuel to go easy on Pratt purely on the basis that Pratt has bought them off are acting in a morally questionable and definitely un-Australian manner. End of story on that. But further to that, MUSLIMS HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS and furthermore, if Muslims were involved in a similar practice, they’d be crucified by shock-jocks, the Christian right and opportunistic politicians so fast it would make your head spin. Muslims get a harder time (often of their own making admittedly) in the media and in Australia at large than any other group since September 11 and subsequently Cronulla. What planet are you on?

By: JamesK

JamesK — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

Kevin Charles Herbert: "it says it all about the worst elements of Australian Jewry" and "they repesent(sic) that reflex, whingeing(sic) response to any criticsm(sic)of any part of Australian or international Jewry.......totally lacking in balance and/or intelligence"

You are a racist, Kevin Charles Herbert, however I don't expect you and your "like will ever get it.......ever...."

Your comments, normally simply silly, are in addition in this case, extremely distasteful.

I sincerely hope you are reprimanded by the editor and administration at Crikey and moreover be seen to be reprimanded.

By: Kevin Charles Herbert

Kevin Charles Herbert — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

JamesK: normally I'd find being called a racist / idiot highly offensive. However,being called that by you is something of a badge of honour for my part.

I've said for many years that if speaking out against those in Australia who give unqualified support for the militarist, expansionist, anti-democratic Israeli Government is considered anti-semitic, then I must be...as must my many Jewish friends who have an identical view.....as do the leading Israeli Human rights groups, plus about 30% of Israelis, plus dozens of Jewish human rights groups around the world, plus our own Anthony Lowenstein, Andrew Benjamin...the list goes on & on.

However, sadly I don't think blinkered people like you will ever 'get it'.

Finally, despite your exhortations to the Crikey editor to have my comments taken off this site, apparently he/she defends the right of members of a democratic society like Australia, to give their views however distasteful others may find them. Your obvious unwillingness to accept my right, and your attempt to have my comments removed, is a clear example of the very point I have been making......may I thank you, as disengenuously as possible, for your 'support'.

By: Ben Burstin

Ben Burstin — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 10:00:00 +0000

I cannot help the feeling that Greg Barnes has jumped at an opportunity to have a shot at “the Jewish community”. He has pointed at who have supported Pratt but writes little about the merits of the issue.
Is this a case of :- attack the messenger, ignore the message ?

Big Ben