Conservative
Feud
So
apparently now, there is a rift between Candace Owens and her boss,
Ben Shapiro.
I
found this
article interesting,
because I have been thinking the same thing for sometime. Please
read it when you have a moment. It also
mentions Tucker Carlson, stating Owens and he are fairly well aligned
in their view of this war. I have been frustrated with Tucker
Carlson for
quite a while now and becoming more and more frustrated with Charlie
Kirk and Candace
Owens. I
know they have long been among our favorite pundits, but in my view,
some of their recent statements regarding Israel, concern me...and
that is independently of anything I have read. I thought it long
before, I ever read it. This article and the recent dust up only gave
me courage to *say* it.
Tucker,
Charlie, Candace, Rand Paul, Tulsi Gabbard, Glenn Greenwald, Col.
Doug Macgregor, Vivek Ramaswamy, all hold the same view. That is that
the United States has no place involving ourselves in this war. No, I
certainly don't think any of them are anti-Semitic, or that they
deserve that label; it is unfortunate that things always seem to come
to that kind of rhetoric. But, honestly, I don't think any of them
get it. None of them! They have all made thinly veiled criticisms of
Israel ever since this war started, (some before). But they all know
they have to be very careful, because the majority of their
supporters and followers are fiercely behind Israel. Charlie,
especially, has found himself between a rock and a hard place,
because he has always believed himself to be one who stands with
Israel. He risks looking like a hypocrite, if he condones giving aid
to Israel after being so vocal against funding Ukraine. But it's
easy; they are two completely different wars. And only one of those
nations is commanded in Scripture for us to bless through our
prayers, tangibly and morally as well.
I
think the comment that started everything with Charlie was when he
basically accused PM Bibi Netanyahu, or at least Israeli leadership,
of intentionally allowing Hamas to breach the Israeli border because
Bibi wanted a war! What a dirty thing to say! The truth is, they were
caught off guard. Israel was trying to work toward a little trust
with a new leader. They were allowing Palestinians to come across the
border for work. You can read about that here. Charlie could have
known, if he did proper research. He adamantly stated he had a right
to know what happened! Sorry, brother, no you don’t! Five days after the attack, there was information revealed in articles such as this one. It explains exactly, the progression of Hamas and how they were underestimated world wide. Plus, PM Netanyahu and other conservatives in Israel do not have a strong majority to effect things easily. The same thing between political parties and differing agendas that happen here, happen there as well. Plus, leadership were all highly distracted by the effort for judicial reform. Maybe Charlie should have dug a bit deeper and offered some grace, as opposed to questioning Netanyahu's administration on their motives...especially an accusation like that! Kirk was out of line.
Then a day or
so later, he questioned, (basically blamed) Israel for intentionally
targeting a church in Gaza that was holding Palestinian civilians.
Well, yeah, that’s what the barbaric leaders of Hamas do - use
their own people as human shields!! But to accuse Israel of
intentionally targeting a Christian church, is a new low. Again, he
adamantly stated he had a right to know and was going to get to the
bottom of it. Wrong again, Charlie!! You do not get to know, reveal,
or expose Israeli intelligence...or involve yourself in anyway in
this war...especially since you don’t support it.
This
is around the same time Candace tweeted that no nation gets to cause
genocide -“no government anywhere has a right to commit a genocide,
ever.” Again, this was absolutely appalling to me. We all knew
she was referring to Israel, though she later tried to deny that and
also do some clean-up. Cowards that they both are! Just own it! Or
apologize, neither of which either one of them did. Oh, except
just
a little clean-up;
they probably remembered who their base is. Pro-Israel supporters!!!
But
the clean-up was without apology
I
think I am one that is done with both of them. I do believe we should
be able to agree with some issues someone supports while disagreeing
with them on other issues, but I think this was a step too far for
me.
After
Charlie Kirk’s comments created some back-lash, he quickly invited
Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa on his show. It was a
smart thing to do for clean-up and to ensure us he is still very much
pro-Israel. To Pastor Jack’s credit, he came as pastor and friend;
but I am pretty sure, he set Charlie straight on some things and told
him to be more careful next time. I think if Pastor did lecture him,
Charlie would take it to heart.
Next,
came the war between Candace and Ben Shapiro with which I began this
article. Ben rightly took offence to Candace’s comment about
genocide. And he was video taped saying he thought it was disgraceful
and that she doesn’t know as much as she thinks she does about
Israel. I agree. That is when Candace threw Bible verses back in his
face...quoting verses from Matthew 5 and 6 and in a final tweet,
posted “Christ is King”.
I
didn’t understand it in it’s entirety, initially; but after a
little research I realized the comment, “Christ is King”, that
she made to Ben, is a slur to a Jew and viewed as an attack. It goes
back to the days of the Holocaust. I hadn’t thought it through
entirely. Of course it would be a slur! And that must have been what
Candace Owens meant in her public argument with Ben Shapiro. Pretty
low! There were other Jewish people that responded, “I know
what Candace meant.” That is what caused me to research,
and I am glad I did. So when she claims none of her comments were an
affront to Jews….well let’s just say she has a little work to do.
To say “Christ is King” in that manner is
offensive to a Jew because that is not what they believe. Of course
He is King!!! To all people and nations! But all of
those people do not have understanding yet. It would be okay to say
those words to a Jew in a loving manner, to try to bring them into
the Kingdom. And it is ok to always stand for truth and uphold ones
convictions. But it is most certainly not okay to throw those
words into the face of another, in the manner Candace did. It is
disgraceful! And Jesus would not approve. So very sad that Candace
stooped to this level.
Would
it be wrong of me to question whether or not Candace is even a
Christian as she claims, because I do have that question. “By their
fruits will you know them.” I am smelling a bit of rot. To be more
kind, I believe both Candace and Tucker (and maybe even Charlie) are
new Christians and they have a lot to learn if they are not too
prideful to do so.
Not
that anybody needs to hear my view, but I'm really getting tired of
the view that America should not be involved in this war. It is a
rare view, as opposed to the war in Ukraine, but the people I have
mentioned thus far, all hold to it. The three main people I am
addressing here, have really become a thorn in my side. They have all
become very arrogant with their fame, in my opinion. I think we
should observe these people carefully and check ourselves before just
automatically believing they are correct about everything they say.
They are all very influential. And
they *will* influence the next President of the
United States. That could be very dangerous for us if we ever
determine we are justified in leaving Israel. I think it's sad. But
we know from Scripture that eventually every nation will turn against
God's chosen people. I will not be one. I can talk tough too...just
like Candace...maybe she too needs a nudge in the right direction
from someone like Pastor Jack.
More Important Than It May Seem
I think Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens and Charlie Kirk are all trying to make their positions regarding "America First" and now Israel seem as though President Trump's views are the same as their own. They are NOT the same. President Trump did more for Israel than any other President in my life time. While these three claim they support Israel, they do not seem to understand the old adage "Put your money where your mouth is." If President Trump was still in office, he would ensure Israel receive our aid. And he would not hesitate to bring fire on our enemies if they stepped too far. That's why there were no wars during his administration! Tucker is a pacifist at all costs and I am not sure he understands fighting for anything; and that sometimes there is simply no other choice. I truly don't believe he understands "peace through strength". And neither of these three want any aid given to Israel. Candace made that clear when in her interview with Tucker, she said Thomas Massie was one of the people she admires. Thomas Massie is the only Republican in the House that voted with Democrats against giving any aid to Israel, even in a stand alone bill. That should tell us exactly where Candace stands, even though she basically tries to hide it.
But anyway, what these three are saying *is* different than Trump, but they *do* have his ear. And one thing I have always said about Trump he *listens* to what others say. They will be an influence on our nation, if we don't stop to think about what they are saying, and demand a correction from them.
They are seen as being strong Trump supporters (I am not so sure about that... especially in Tucker's case.) So what that results in is people believe Trump holds the same view as these guys! People are all over X saying this is why we shouldn't support Trump. They are equating Trump with these same positions. That's why their stance is so dangerous! Trump is pro-Israel, and very anti-war, but that doesn't mean he won't fight if necessary. And yes, what people say on social media matters! Why do you think they tried so hard to shut conservatives down last election?? It matters!!
It doesn't have to be a difficult decision as to where our allegiance should lie! What is so hard to understand about Genesis 12:3? "I will bless those that bless you and curse those that curse you." That *IS* putting America first! We want to receive God’s blessings! That is how we became a super power, in the first place!
Some
Facts
Listen
carefully to the Tucker and Candace interview, that I mentioned
earlier. I think it is Episode 39 of “Tucker on X”. They are
trying to walk a thin line, because they don't want to
rile their supporters, but they truly don't get it. And
Candace, and some of her supporters, are mischaracterizing
the situation with Ben Shapiro; even twisting it to be
about her faith as opposed to his faith. It wasn't! It all
started with the comment she made on X that left
many to believe she was saying "[Israel] is committing
genocide." Implied, but I understood it that
way too. And I was furious. The whole world understood
it the same way! And you can read about why in this article. When
Candace realized people were upset, she had clean up to do.
That's
what I believe the interview with Tucker was supposed
to accomplish. Candace took the opportunity to explain that just
because she tweeted Bible verses, doesn’t mean it was about Ben,
like people were claiming on X. She claimed he was egotistical to
believe such a thing. Uh, yeah it was about Ben and it was a direct
hit! She knew exactly what she was doing, and she is using the Tucker
interview for clean up and counting on people not understanding that
what she posted on X was a racial slur and a belligerent attack.
She is now saying no, it wasn’t for clean-up, that this interview was planned a
couple weeks in advance. Well, so. That doesn’t mean they didn’t
change the planned content. They most certainly did. And Tucker tried
to make Candace the victim.
In
another podcast, she stated Muslims were “quartered in Israel”
as if they weren’t allowed to be anywhere else and in Israel is keeping them in some
isolated, state restricted camp. She didn’t understand it
meant they are together where they want to reside together as
a group. There are four quarters in Israel,
Jews, Armenian, Muslims, and Christians. “Muslims
being quartered” is the comment Ben was referring to when he said
in so many words that she knew nothing about Israel and displayed
faux sophistication regarding Israel. He is right. She has a lot to
learn about Israel and the Bible. We all do!
Tucker
begins his interview trying to be sure we all know Candace is a
loving mom who cherishes her family. Well yeah, we knew that. You
won’t get an argument from me there. But neither do I need to be
played. The interview is designed, intentional persuasion. Tucker
reminds us of prior situations where he is trying to prove to us all
the times Candace was right. Highlighting all the subjects that
conservatives are so sensitive about and have always approved of her
positions. He was trying to make us believe that if she was right
about all of these situations, than obviously she is right about this
too. But that is not the way things work. No one is right about
everything! You can agree with some part of someone’s ideas and
disagree with another. We do not have to be so loyal that we don’t
think for ourselves on every issue! They are attacking her “for
being right”, Tucker informs us. Yeah...no! She is being corrected
for stupid statements!
Then
Tucker plays a bunch of clips from leftists which happened during
covid and BLM. Those clips have nothing to do with now, but Tucker
successfully makes her look like a victim, constantly attacked by
people with whom we all disagree. He did a great job of setting the
stage making her the victimized heroine.
Eventually,
he gives her a chance to explain her feud with Ben completely,
presenting a lop-sided explanation, that was in no way accurate. She
is acting the classy, victim who is without revenge for the “ad
hominem attacks” against her. But the truth is, she offended
Ben, Jews, and millions of Christians when she implied Israel was
guilty of genocide. Maybe she should have explained that! But no,
there was no mention of that. And then she offended Ben and every Jew
under the sun with her final tweet.
Of
course in the interview, they talk about how horrible it is that some
people have been saying “to be pro-America, one needs to be
pro-Israel.” Well no. One doesn’t. But it does help to be
supportive of Israel, if we want to receive God’s blessings. Apparently, they
have yet to learn that.
And
certainly there was no mention of Candace’s return fire to Ben
using Bible verses and a well-known racial slur. I now know what
she meant, too! And so does Ben, of course. Ben was not making it
about her faith, or for posting Bible verses as she and others
claimed. He was talking about her racial slur directed at him that
“Christ is King”! And yet in the interview, they call others
“radical"!!! I am furious that I have to use that phrase as
something negative in order to explain what happened. But it is
needed for others to understand how this would offend a Jewish man. I
want to forever proclaim “Jesus Christ is King”! But may I never
do it to intentionally stab a sword into the side of a Jew and then
twist it. That’s exactly what she did.
They
end the interview of course by bringing up President Trump reminding
us how all of DC is against Trump. But that’s the bait that
everyone knows is needed to keep conservatives following them...
“See! We support Trump”, has long been used to keep everyone
knowing that everything is ok. “You can trust us.” Everyone knows
they have to be on Trump’s side to win conservative support. That’s
just a fact. These three especially know it. That is who their
supporters are, and that is why they try to be so careful walking a
very thin fence-line. They are going to have to convince me.
Most
people that follow Tucker are not even going to be aware of what the
issue really was, because Candace and Tucker didn’t really go into
it. One could basically say they hid it. Candace simply acted the
victim and like she was above the fray where Ben Shapiro stooped. Many will not even try to
understand why Ben was offended and why he had a right to be.
Candace totally avoided commenting on what she had said that upset people. She ignored
or tried to hide what the issue was really all about.
And
now, again today, a video clip has come out with a new interview with
Charlie Kirk. They have totally misconstrued absolutely everything
that actually happened. In this interview, there was a mention of the Bible verses without a
mention of the racial slur. No mention of the controversy over her
comment about genocide. They are trying to sweep it all under the
rug. They even highlighted the post with a title that states Ben is calling
for her resignation. I didn’t see him doing that! I did see him
say in so many words, if she is so unhappy, then quit. I agree.
It
will all probably blow over and everything will be fine. But it is
not fine for me. I want people to be completely aware of these
pundits’ positions until they change them, or until they decide
their base is more important than their own radical
views. Sadly, I think they are the ones that have become the radical
agents.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
- I almost hate to share this article, because I have never been 100% behind Erick Erickson, but he is right about this. And he makes clear some failures from Turning Point, USA; and I agree with him.
- These articles relate more to US failures than Israel's, but very interesting read.
Interesting reading from Mike Huckabee I
Interesting reading from Mike Huckabee II
