Matzav had a report the other day stating that Rubashkin was put into solitary confinement because his new cell-mate attacked him. I obviously don't know all the details and can't comment on what actually happened, but I did enjoy reading the description of the attacker: he was described as a convicted criminal. Now, forgive me if I'm mistaken, but isn't Rubashkin a convicted criminal himself? Matzav has been the leading defender of Rubashkin, and they will publish anything they find that makes him look good, or makes his opponents look bad.
Vos Iz Neias reported this morning that they spoke to prison officials, and they said he wasn't attacked, and it had nothing to do with his placement in solitary. They said they weren't allowed to comment on why he was placed there, as it goes against regulations.
Matzav then responded to VIN's story, saying that it was "erroneous, irresponsible, and plainly fabricated". Will this be the start of a blog war between Matzav and VIN? It should be interesting to see what happens from this.
I would also like to mention the conversation that Honestly Frum and I had with R' Salomon when he spoke in Teaneck not too long ago. He said that regarding someone who is really guilty of a crime, there is no mitzvah of pidyon shevuyim whatsoever. Rubashkin commited the crime - he admitted it during his trial. Therefore, there is no mitzvah to help him out now.
Taking a Break…
1 day ago
6 comments:
But Rabbi Salomon told us that Rubashkin was a victim of Anti Semitism. On a personal note, I read the report on Matzav last night and I did feel bad for how Rubashkin is being treated in prison. Perhaps instead of trying to get him released people should rally to have him moved to a friendlier venue.
Well, Rubashkin was never mentioned by name in our conversation. He simply said that you had to be sure a person was really guilty. Remember, at that time there was also the Spinka Rebbe, all the people Dwek reported, and others. Rubashkin admitted he broke the law, he simply claimed ignorance.
Ah, but that changes thing doesn't it. It reminds me of the old joke:
Wife: You lied when you told me you weren't sleeping with so-and-so!
Husband: I didn't lie. I never slept. She kept me up all night!
If he never mentioned him by name, how can you be sure this wasn't some vague statement to get you to leave him alone?
HF - thanks for being intellectually honest and reporting that Rabbi Salomon told you that Rubashkin was a victim of Anti Semitism.
Dave, I have the conversation on tape. It was very clear who he was talking about. I asked him about pidyon shevuyim and specifically if the person pleads guilty. He told me that even if a person pleads guilty he might not be and there is still anti semetism involved.
I think there is a knee jerk reaction by some who are embarrassed when Frum people commit crimes and try to get away with it.
I agree, if he's guilty, and since a court convicted him, whether people agree or not, that makes him guilty.
But ... does a guy (him or Spinka Rebbe) who is guilty of crimes committed to get more money deserve to be beaten, or g-d forbid worse in a prison also housing murderers and rapists?
Don't you have pity for someone like Rubashkin if he's being abused in Prison? Do you think he deserves it?
Furthermore, VIN likes to be the "modern" frum site and when they see the other sites defending Rubashkin to the end, VIN likes to pretend they are so Modern and "won't let every frum jew get a pass" which is nice but I still believe a frum Jewish man in a prison with hardened, violent criminals will see Rubashkin as an easy target.
Either we, I think it's sad frum websites don't show more pity towards this man.
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