FAQ

Who is responsible for this? Shmueli (a.k.a Sam, Sambo) Gonzales, I was always considered a troubled soul. My marriage of convenience with conservative circles and loathing for the passivity of my native liberalism left me thoroughly unsatisfied.

What does that have to do with making this site?

For several yeas I lived in an ultra-Orthodox (some would say Industrial Strength Orthodox) community and was exposed to a great deal of literature and variant opinions when it came to not only religion but also varying opinions on issues of democracy. For the conservative the topic of democracy and constitutional rights was rather poignant because they also were trying to define the best means for themselves here in America as well as in Israel where the definition of that democracy is still evolving. My community valued being informed and educated. From them I gained a great deal of substance for my ideals.

As a gay man and humanitarian I have been inclined towards liberal politics. Though I benefit from religion and mystical practice I cherish my personal autonomy and individualism; something that most often lacks fundamentalist in circles. However whining, passivity and the lack of substance in liberal circles have often seemed to me quite embarrassing and counterproductive to promoting my liberal values.

My schism proved to have one benefit over time, I was constantly exposed to ideas and literature of both left and right circles. From both I took the substance and discarded the “husk” so to speak. In doing so there appeared to me some realistic facts needed to presented, but they were left unstated because camps on both ends have been too busy hashing it out personally. I want this site to reflect those ideas that are too important to be lost in the rubbish of partisan squabbling.

This site appears “militant,” why?

Opinions are like SUV’s, every asshole’s got one. I’m just spouting out opinions and facts in a irreverent fashion, mostly because the issues are too important to waste time trying to make it sound sweet and cheerful.

But are you affiliated with any “radical” organizations?

The Jewish community has defense leagues. I support them fully in exercising their muscle, political or otherwise, to defend the Jewish people and our democratic values.

However, I see “defense” as an emergency response to a form of aggression. I stand ready to defend America, Israel and the Jewish people from aggression and hate mentality that undermines our freedom and right to freedom in a democratic republic.

However my raison d’etre and that of PROJECT SHMU'EL is to be an offensive campaign. The fight for freedom is an ever raging battle. Take that how ever you like.

What is it with your Israel fascination?

Eretz Yisrael, the land of Israel is the very soul of the Jewish people. Ignoring Israel and losing ones connection and pride in her has always brought about disastrous outcomes. The values of ethical monotheism founded in ancient Israel and the establishment of liberal democracy in Israel, Medinat Yisrael or the State of Israel, is our badge of pride. We should be connecting to those values.

Why then are you critical of Israeli politics and policy?

Look at it from this perspective, the news and media is highly critical of Israel and so are it’s foes. But then again so are the Jewish people and Israelis. The wonder of Israel, unlike its neighbors and even many of its western detractors, is that the ability to be critical and debate is a civil right in Israel. Israelis and the Jewish believe in our divinely given and civil right to true political debate. It’s further supported by an atmosphere of civility in which policy is revisited and amended when it doesn't’t hold the bar in critical analysis.

For instance in Israel the Supreme Court is one of the most ethical of government bodies I have seen to date anywhere in the world. It is one of the few governments bodies that actually out right finds its own government guilty of civil rights infringements irregardless of whether or not the Petitioner is a Jew, immigrant or Palestinian, etc.

Then what’s your reason for being so critical of the United States?

Let me first say that since World War I my forefathers defended the US and made the world safe for democracy. They fought for my right to be free. And like them I believe that our Republic is too important to leave to her future to chance.

As mentioned above about Israel, I’m loud about the future of America because it’s that important and because it’s my civil right and obligation.

Anti-protest atmosphere in America has become frightening for the human rights and leftist camps. Though there is little to show for the reason the government is reacting as they are, other than the fact that they are embarrassed by the reality of our government’s cluelessness. They have let gun totting Baptists, skin heads and tree huggers go on their way annoying America for now because these people have no basis in credible facts. Because these people have no basis in reality they aren’t really a threat in their estimation because they have no truly attainable greater goal. However liberals do. We wont stand by and watch our constitutional rights mangled and let corporate influence take over America, which means a lot of people are going to be out of work when America wakes up to the fact that they are being duped.

You seem to have something against the Palestinians and Arabs, why?

Oh please! Take it how ever you want, because you will anyway dear reader: “I don’t hate them, I’m just not suicidal.”

I believe in Palestinian rights. But consider this; the Arabs are still keeping their Palestinian refugees in camps. The Palestinians are a hackie sack in a game the Arabs have against the west and the imposition they feel by the presence of a liberal democracy in their region. Israel has given power to the Palestinian Authority to self govern within their regions and yes some of their people live in camps. Now they want their own land and homes; great, sounds lovely. It’s just why is Israel expected to give up all the land and funding? You don’t see the Arab nations opening their camps in their boarders and giving their Palestinians (some older than my parents that have never left their refugee camps) land and homes.

If anyone seems to be holding a grudge, in my humble and skewed opinion, it’s the Arabs and Palestinians. But then again, if you considering it; you don’t see any Peace Rallies in the Palestinian Authority like you do in Tel Aviv parks.

What is your religious affiliation?

I find value in all forms of Jewish thought and life, that present truth and beauty in a way that is encouraging and not self-serving. Today I might be at a Chassidic shul, the next day at a Reform Torah study, the following day at an Israeli style night club.

I am a Jewish man, I belong to Hashem (G-d) and that’s it.

How ever you may read it, it comes down to this: a wise Rabbi opened my eyes with the best advice I had in years, “Live kosher, think treif.”

Is it true that you’re a homosexual?

Gevault! Not that it’s relevant, but yes. Now are you going to tell me you once worked with a gay guy and that your husband once met one on a plane? I am currently in a relationship with my Jewish partner we lovely call HaRad"a HaKadosh (Rabeinu Daniel Ardel)

 

How much of this is bullshit?

The facts are true, the style is camp and kitsch, the sincerity is real. However the FAQ is mostly about me, which I feel is less important that our task of informing the public. When I comment on myself I’m honest but a bit tongue-in-cheek because I get tired of talking about myself.

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