Out of Step

The aptness of the title of Jack Bloom’s new book (Out of Step) was illustrated by the vicious review it received in the Star Newspaper yesterday.

Jack Bloom is the DA chief whip in Gauteng and responsible for their health and education portfolios. In addition to being active in South African politics, Mr Bloom is also an avid Jewish Human Rights campaigner. He, through letters and op-ed pieces, has been at the forefront of the struggle for more balanced reporting on Israel in the South African Media. At times, particularly in the early days of the Intifada, he seemed like a ‘lone voice’ in this very difficult struggle. His neoconservative views on the Middle East, from the Iraq war to the Palestinian Intifada, have certainly placed him out of step with South Africa’s foreign policy agenda, which all too often seems to be in lockstep with Islamic fundamentalists and the extreme Left.

The review claims that Bloom’s book is a ‘disorganised mish mash, which is likely to be used to light fires.’ Not exactly flattering.

This harsh criticism of the book stems from the fact that ‘it s not so much a defence of Israel as an attack on those who dare suggest there may be other opinions.’ Bloom is accused of ‘frothing about writers such as Independent Newspapers Robert Fisk or the former editor of the Sunday Independent John Battersby.’ Rightfully so I would say, but the Star feels that these renowned anti-Israel journalists have had ‘a long professional acquaintance with the Middle East and that each remains as interested in the fate of the Palestinians as in the fate of the Israelis’. Ya right!

But perhaps the most stirring condemnation is for Mr Bloom’s perceived lack of even handedness which the Star feels ‘destroys an argument’s validity’. Must remember that for the next time Robert Fisk writes a column. Even handedness the Star argues ‘is what distinguishes a politician from a statesman and by that marker Bloom has a long road to travel.’ (Steve adds, compare that to this glowing review The Star gave a one sided book calling Israel an Apartheid state)

I have not yet read the book and so can not defend it. Mr Bloom is having a book launch on Monday 13 February at which I intent to buy the book. Then I will be able to express a more informed opinion. That said I am expecting it to be a worthwhile read. Like Barry Ronge with movies, I have most often found that doing the opposite of what the Star advices has served me rather well. Sometimes it’s useful to be out of Step.

OUT OF STEPLife of a PoliticianPolitics and Religion in a World at War by Jack Bloom MPL Introduced by Journalist, Author and TV Presenter Denis Beckett "Jack's book gives me new respect for lonely heroes in local politics, and new dread of holy bigotry in global politics" Denis Beckett Jack Bloom will speak on the topic: "Is the World at War?" Monday 13 February 2006 Beyachad Centre 2 Elray Street, Raedene 17h30 for 18h00 Secure Parking Reservations Tel: (011) 645-2500, Fax: (011) 645-2559 Autographed copies will be on sale at R100 (discount on R160 retail price)

Comments

[Cynic]

" Bloom is accused of ‘frothing about writers such as Independent Newspapers Robert Fisk ..."

Just thought that this post about Ephraim Karsh's fisking of Fisk's book appropriate for your post.
http://austinbay.net/blog/?p=879

" Efraim Karsh reviews Robert Fisk’s “The Great War For Civilisation.” Wait–correction and expansion– this is not simply a review. Karsh’s fisking of FIsk is an act of utterly deserved devestation. Fisk’s book is not only factually and analytically deficient, it is morally deficient. "

[Steve]

Brilliant...thanks. I enjoy Karsh's writing. I have read two of his books.

Here's a bit on his book "fabricating israeli history"