Mickey Z

Cool Observer

Posted by Mickey Z on 03/26 at 08:31 AM

You said something a while back about who says something being much less important than what is said. I tend to agree, with a boatload of caveats. It’s never possible to completely divorce speaker from what is spoken.

Fischer is going to get some of the same treatment as other outpsoken critics who’ve ripped the mask off hypocrisy.

Posted by Harry on from 03/26 at 12:12 PM

I’d like one day to write a book with that title: “a boatload of caveats.”

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 03/26 at 01:47 PM

A bargeload might be better. Some caveats travel better that way.

Posted by Harry on from 03/26 at 02:08 PM

That’s the follow-up book: Better by the Bargeload.

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 03/26 at 03:58 PM

First time I’ve posted here.. Just to note, Bobby may hate Jews, but he is as well. His mother was Jewish. And despite some racist crap, he’s actually said some good things in regard to the Palestinian plight..

Posted by Joshua Frank on from 03/27 at 12:02 AM

I agree, Josh. He’s actually quite a cautionary tale, re: painting humans with a broad brush.

I’ve written rather extensively on Fischer and I might’ve broken the story about his 1992 return if I only had some writing connections (but that’s another story). For some reason (and I’m not even a chess player), I have a morbid fascination with the guy. I just submitted an article about him to New York Press. If they reject it, I’ll send it to some websites. Either way, it’ll be posted here soon, too.

Posted by Mickey Z. on from 03/27 at 09:11 AM

Mickey, I look forward to reading it.. To add to my above comment.. Bobby is a vile Jew-hater, no question about that. And even though he’s said things I happen to agree with regarding the Palestinian plight, the fact that he is a racist de-legitimizes any accurate statement he has ever made re Palestine. Certainly nobody should look to Bobby for direction regarding the issue, as I think his type hurts the cause enourmously. He is probably one of the many examples of the more damaging aspects of the pro-Palestinian movement (if one can even consider him a member of said movement), as any good intentions he may have are masked by overt racism. In the end I think he is a very sad, pathetic man.

Posted by Joshua Frank on from 03/27 at 01:33 PM

I think the saying “Just because I’m paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not after me!” applies very aptly to Bobby. As the years roll on, though, the paranoia of the people in Govt who are pursueing him is becomng increasingly apparent. Norman Solomon has written recently (Common Dreams) about this increasingly evident paranoia of Govt personel. While I agree with Joshua’s sentiments, there’s a larger picture here and a larger lesson and warning to be heeded which, ironically, I think Bobby is trying to point out.
Jim

Posted by Jim Shanahan on from 03/27 at 09:20 PM

Good post, Mickey! And a journalist with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation called Mr Fisher ‘eccentric’ but at least they broadcast his statements ..

Posted by Helga Fremlin on from Melbourne, Australia 03/28 at 12:54 AM

I’m not so sure Fischer’s racism delegitimizes what he says. He’s not forcing his views on anybody, as far as I know, and his racism seems more the product of mental illness than part of a power-seeking agenda. I also don’t think he’s well enough to be part of any movement.

He’s something of a childhood hero to me from the brilliance of his chess games. So I’m inclined to cut him some slack and hope that he’s found a place where he can be left alone.

Posted by Harry on from 03/28 at 04:15 AM

G’day Harry,
Well said and I agree for the same reasons. He has given the world a lot more of worth than any of his detractors whether or not he set out to.
Jim

Posted by Jim Shanahan on from 03/28 at 06:41 AM