Tonge was misguided at worst, Clegg was rather over-the-top
I have read the original Jewish Chronicle article which led to Jenny Tonge’s dismissal from the LibDem front bench in the Lords. I do think that Jenny Tonge was rather misguided to get involved in this issue (of allegations about the Israeli Defence Force in Haiti) at all. But she only called for an inquiry, while praising the IDF’s work in Haiti. Such a mild statement, while perhaps justifying the quiet dropping of Baroness Tonge from the front bench, does not justify the rather over-the-top condemnatory remarks made by Nick Clegg. How on earth can it be “wrong, distasteful and provocative” to simply call for an inquiry? It’s inappropriate.
Update: I think it’s worth quoting the actual words Jenny Tonge used, which are relatively anodyne:
In a statement to the JC, she said the Israel Defence Forces were “to be commended for their fantastic response to the Haitian earthquake”.
But she added: “To prevent allegations such as these — which have already been posted on YouTube — going any further, the IDF and the Israeli Medical Association should establish an independent inquiry immediately to clear the names of the team in Haiti.”
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4 Responses to “Tonge was misguided at worst, Clegg was rather over-the-top”
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Burbler-in-chief
Madness Paul?
I don’t think so!
I think it’s more the straw that broke the camel’s back – she has a long history of what we might call prejudiced remarks about Israel.
Well you won me over with your powerful and thought provoking commentary here!
You’re right Chirs. I was groping around for a word and chose the wrong one. In the good traditions of liberalism I have changed the word to “inappropriate”.