As creator Lorne Michaels and his patented late-night special, Saturday Night Live, approach their 50th, it has produced some of the best political satire known to humankind.
The show starts with a political skit, and the subsequent live voice you hear comes in monologue form from the SNL special guest for the show.
There have been at least 100 spellbinding standups per-formed, but none were any more tense or talent-laden to me than the November 12, 2022, episode.
Dave Chappelle, America’s premier social commentator, tried his best to make us understand how Kanye West had ruined his career by verbally insulting and assaulting “The Jews,” some of whom were responsible for his billionaire status.
It would help if you went back and watched Chappelle “in toto” to really get the gist. But this passage was comedic wisdom.
“I got to tell you guys; I’ve probably been doing these 35 years now. And early in my career, I learned that there are two words in the English language that you should never say together in sequence, and those words… are “The” and “Jews.” [Laughter] I’ve never heard someone do good after they said that.”
Parenthetically, Richard Pry- or made a similar statement in a famous 1974 bit renacting a conversation between a wino and a junkie.
“Boy, don’t you go down there (messin’) with them Jews without no money!”
So, as I watch the world trying to ignore Israel’s overzealous mission and poorly aimed aggression upon innocent Palestinians, I won’t cite “The Jews.”
My concern is equally centered on a deafening non-response from the global religious community. The Pope spares no words on any other subject, and this one deserves his and other faith leaders’ attention.
Dr. Martin Luther King is proof that the respect due a clergy member is never fully manifested until their stated beliefs produce positive action.
As we stand on the side-lines of a senseless and sinful “war” (that Hamas or whom-ever should never have begun), someone in the leader- ship of the church, synagogue, mosque, or any combination of the three must step forward.
Where are the Rabbis, the Imams, the Reverends, and the elders? Is it not time that they take an active role in reversing this march toward killing more infant and elderly innocents?
Should they not be hand-cuffed with college students and faculty en route to city jails?
Is neither God nor Allah bigger than the “Bibi” Netanyahu and his murderous regime? Whenever there is a proposition of war or possible genocide (call it as you see it), should not the people of faith be the first to dissent and the last to agree?
America, which is without question the preeminent force and power in the known world, must take stringent measures to curtail violence by de-funding violators as a matter of negotiation. This ongoing military massacre is neither sacred nor saintly and must be stopped.
We revel in the words “God Bless America” without acknowledging the responsibilities that come with that blessing. We are a blessed nation, but this favor comes at a significant cost. This grace calls for foresight, forbearance, and forgiving 70 times seven if necessary.
The people of faith, especially its leadership, have an undeniable responsibility to avert wars and rumors of wars and the casualties these skirmishes or outright obviations will undoubtedly create.
Some of us are proud of protesting students across America and the world for standing up and being willing to sacrifice their educational positions and possibly their futures for the innocent, suffering, starving population in Gaza. But they should not carry this cross alone.
Some of us are amazed and enamored with their acts of patriotism and courage. Not only are they fighting against an imbalanced, unjust war, but they risk being subjected to unwarranted charges of anti-semitism.
CNN, like the rest of the “mainstream media,” has failed to acknowledge or correct their anchors and guests who lump all these protests as nothing more than hatred against Israel or the Jewish people.
Where are the Rabbis, the Imams, The Reverends, and the elders? Incidentally, it must be stated here that there are lots of Jewish people who are vocal about condemning the slaughter of innocent Palestinians.
Dave Chappelle warned against ever calling out “The Jews” and I will take his word. But it’s time for all of us to Quit Playin’!
As it pertains to Gaza, where you at?
A long-time Texas Metro News columnist, Dallas native Vincent L. Hall is an author, writer, award-winning writer, and a lifelong Drapetomaniac.
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