I’ll be a guest on the World Have Your Say BBC radio programme (using BBC spelling in honour of BBC programme, must stop now). The topic: Should Ahmadinejad be allowed to lay a wreath at Ground Zero. The show starts at 1 p.m. EST, but I probably won’t be on until about 1:30.
Just got off the phone with a chap who asked me many background questions, including “Are you Jewish?”
“Is that relevant?” I asked.
“No.”
I don’t think an American radio backgrounder would ask me that. But it’s not like I hide it or anything.
He says the debate should be lively, but civil. Here’s hoping.
Think I’ll be the only one holding the opinion that Ahmadinejad shouldn’t even be let into the country?
“Should Ahmadinejad be allowed to lay a wreath at Ground Zero”. The fact that anybody can even ASK this question is insane. And I think it’s pretty offensive that they asked if you were Jewish too. Give’m both barrels Meryl.
Comment by John M — 09/24/2007 @ 11:22 am
I’ll be listening. Give ‘em hell.
Comment by Rahel — 09/24/2007 @ 12:09 pm
Oh, c’mon, somebody has to law a wreath to honor the suicidal mass murderers, right?
Comment by russ — 09/24/2007 @ 12:26 pm
I got the call too and am scheduled to take part. So you won’t be alone, assuming that it does indeed happen. Either way, though, I’m sure you’ll do great.
Comment by Neoconnews.com — 09/24/2007 @ 12:28 pm
Good for you Meryl and good luck! I wish I could listen – unfortunately I’ll be at work.
I can’t believe the screener asked if you were Jewish…
Comment by MizEllie — 09/24/2007 @ 1:31 pm
You know what felt really good? Being able to talk about the continuous Jewish presence in Israel over the millennia.
On the BBC.
Ha!
Comment by Meryl Yourish — 09/24/2007 @ 2:02 pm
Well I missed it. Hopefully it will be on their site.
Comment by Solomon — 09/24/2007 @ 2:56 pm
Found it, thought their player doesn’t give much flexibility in moving around. Starts around 19:40. Nicely done.
Comment by Solomon — 09/24/2007 @ 3:18 pm
Ahmadgenocide should never have been allowed in the country. But since he’s here, the least we can do is refuse to give him any police escorts. And make sure any privately-hired guards are completely complying with New York’s strict handgun laws.
If he wants to go to Ground Zero on his own, let him go. Maybe some native New Yorkers will have a polite conversation with him in a dark alley somewhere.
Comment by David Charlap — 09/24/2007 @ 10:10 pm
Some of us missed it. Is there a recording we can hear somewhere?
Comment by Jack — 09/26/2007 @ 2:00 am
I have a recording of it from Brian of London. Give me some time and I’ll get it into a format for YouTube.
Comment by Meryl Yourish — 09/26/2007 @ 9:09 am