I started to re-read them, internalizing Jim Sinkinson’s argument against the Berkeley Daily Planet’s policy for reader submissions. The DP publishes, or attempts to publish, every signed letter from locals – except ones that are “obscene.”
Sinkinson claims the Daily Planet prints “vicious and venomous diatribes” in its editorial section, which “frequently cross the line into anti-Semitism.” He made DP advertisers aware of his findings in a letter that provided past examples of what he called “hateful material.”
The Daily Planet fired back with an "open letter" of its own, calling Sinkinson’s actions “a campaign of intimidation.”
For the DP, it’s a free speech issue. For Sinkinson, it’s a hate speech issue. So who’s right?
Based on the many comments J. received from online readers, it appears Sinkinson’s argument struck a chord with those wanting to see the Daily Planet use discretion with regard to its opinion and commentary pieces, and letters to the editor.
Just the opposite happened in the Daily Planet. Its open letter sparked an endless stream of letters to the editor, praising the independent newspaper for taking a stand against Sinkinson.
Personally, I’m a firm believer in the First Amendment. I wouldn’t be able to do my job as a journalist without it. But it is my Jewish identity that takes precedence when analyzing this situation.
My first-ever bout (albeit indirect) with anti-Semitism occurred while covering a pro-Israel counter protest at a pro-Palestine rally in front of San Francisco’s City Hall. The signs I read and the chants I heard against Jews more than bordered on anti-Semitism. And it stung.
While reading some of the examples Sinkinson cited in his letter to Daily Planet advertisers, I experienced the same reaction.
A 2006 commentary submitted to the Daily Planet by an Iranian student asked why Jews had “problems with Egyptians, with Jesus, with Europeans, and in modern times with Germans.”
His response: “The answer, among other things, is their racist attitude that they are the ‘Chosen People.’"
Yes, the piece is three years old. It's still insulting. It's still crass. It still hurts when I read it on a community newspaper's Web site.
Now, I’m not here to take Sinkinson’s side or praise him and his partners, the East Bay Citizens for Journalistic Responsibility. But I definitely understand more where they're coming from. That, for me, is the first step toward an appreciation for their fight.
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