Because a man hears what he wants to hear…

Lord Weidenfeld, 94, a Jewish British citizen, is spending his own money to rescue 2000 Christians from the Islamic State terrorists in Syria and Iraq.  He’s doing this to show his gratitude to the religion that rescued him from the Nazis in occupied Austria in 1938.

In today’s politically correct world however, where “no good deed goes unpunished,” he is being criticized for not offering to rescue Muslims who are also being persecuted by the Islamic State. Fortunately for the world, members of the Greatest Generation are far more capable of practicing judicious pragmatism than their progeny. Allow Lord Weidenfeld to explain to his critics, quite simply, why his aid is limited to Christians:

“I had a debt to repay. It applies to so many young people who were on the Kinderstransports. It was Quakers and other Christian denominations who brought those children to England.

“I can’t save the world, but there is a very specific possibility on the Christian side. Let others do what they like for the Muslims.”

My advice – follow Lord Weidenfeld’s example: ignore the criticism and just do what you can. Just like Sultan Knish reminded us the other day.

Because if “a man hears what he wants to hear…and disregards the rest” political correctness no longer has any power.

“The Boxer”

I am just a poor boy.
Though my story’s seldom told,
I have squandered my resistance
For a pocketful of mumbles,
Such are promises
All lies and jest
Still, a man hears what he wants to hear
And disregards the rest.

When I left my home
And my family,
I was no more than a boy
In the company of strangers
In the quiet of the railway station,
Running scared,
Laying low,
Seeking out the poorer quarters
Where the ragged people go,
Looking for the places
Only they would know.