Beware of the small print
Most of us know that it is the small print which very often determines the real meaning and intent of any document or political statement.
Michael Kuttner
Ignoring this or brushing it aside means that we either sign on to some doubtful deal, fall into a trap which will cost us enormous amounts of money or fail to prevent some other disaster down the track. Certain types of salespeople, as well as shady politicians, are experts at either making us an offer we cannot seem to refuse or which at first glance seems too good to be true. Quite often the punch line is at the end of their sales pitch hidden artfully beneath a barrage of verbose promises or confusing legal language. Many times a document which at first glance contains offers with fantastic rewards is a minefield which at the end of the day will tie the signee up in legal knots.
The list of suspects who revel in fine print whether written or verbal is endless and most of them are easily recognizable. However, gullibility being what it is there are always plenty of purveyors of these “deals of the century” and unfortunately far too many people who get suckered into believing that they are being offered a bargain.
These days we here in Israel, as well as Jews around the world, are exposed to rhetoric, verbal and written, which exemplifies classic examples of the small print syndrome. The problem is the inability or unwillingness to identify what is really meant as opposed to what is articulated. Even worse is the reflex reaction to minimize any small print and dismiss it as irrelevant or of no importance.
All through our history, we have been guilty of “overlooking” hidden caveats made by those who hate us or pretend to love us. Whether political or theological, these addendums have caused death, destruction and misery ranging from stake burnings, inquisitions to gas chambers. Very few people took Mein Kampf seriously when it was first published and we all know where that ended.
Today, Jews are once again faced with those whose openly declared aim and ambition is our targeting and elimination. More insidious and dangerous however are those lurking in the wings who disguise their real intentions behind facades of seemingly friendly gestures.
The Palestinian Arab “President” for life is a classic example of doublespeak whereby the gullible media is fed a distorted version of brotherly love while for home consumption the real fine print reveals a more accurate intention. Recently Abbas proclaimed that “Europe invented Zionism and Israel.” He then went on to explain that “Israel is a colonial project with no relationship to Judaism.” This distortion of the truth would likely not have been reported by your local media and it is this continual refusal to highlight the small print that gives distorters and liars a free pass and ensures that the general public remains ignorant of the real facts.
Quite often the punch lines are not hard to discern but are openly articulated. In commemoration of Nakba Day when Palestinian Arabs and Islamic nations mourn the re-establishment of Jewish sovereignty the declared agendas are published for all to see and hear. This is what the Islamic Republic of Iran had to say a few days ago:
“On Nakba Day, an illegitimate entity called the Zionist regime, backed by the US was born and occupied Palestinian territory. It has continued with war, crime and occupation, and today has become a major factor behind the reason of all regional crises and real threats to international peace and security.”
Iran called on the international community, and in particular, the United Nations, to end the systematic occupation of Palestine and bring about the creation of a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
This last paragraph, in particular, remains the stated policy of the New Zealand Government and the Australian Labor & Green Parties and although it may be camouflaged the fact remains that they are on the same page as the chief sponsor of terror.
If you want a further perfect example of how purported “friends” really think look at this classic blooper just made by Jeremy Corbyn’s shadow Foreign Secretary who has declared: “Jerusalem should be the international Capital of the world and should be run by the international community. The UK should recognize Palestine.”
For good measure, she suggested that Tel Aviv should be Israel’s Capital.
It does not take too much imagination to visualize what will follow when the UK Labour Party gains power. The not so small print has already revealed itself. Do we wait for the inevitable or do we make it crystal clear that we have no intention of playing along with these latest versions of delegitimization?
Not everything is hidden behind small print. Many times it is out in the open. Watch this short revelation, courtesy of MEMRI, and then wonder what is happening in your own back yard.
Should this be dismissed as the ranting of a fanatic as was the case in the 1930’s or should we be worried about what is being peddled to the masses?
The answer would seem to be clear but is anyone listening?
Michael Kuttner is a Jewish New Zealander who for many years was actively involved with various communal organisations connected to Judaism and Israel. He now lives in Israel and is J-Wire’s correspondent in the region.
