Bernie Sanders had some awful anti-Semitic crap hurled at him.

[Behind the Aegis]

212. I think you are reaching.

You cannot use any source ever.

Hyperbole, yes, but still an overreach. Were that the case, Sanders' supporters wouldn't be able to source anything. Quite frankly, I see the same when it comes to Clinton supporters, and often, the opposing group of any issue. This isn't a new thing, and certainly not unique to Sanders' supporters. Try posting something in I/P. Anything! It can be "pro"-Israel or "anti"-Israel and there will be those who will search out the origins of the source and/or author. Sometimes, it is nothing more than a distraction, a red herring as you said, but other times it can produce some very disturbing facts. Recently a Clinton supporter posted a "hit piece" on Sanders which linked to an anti-Semitic site, others have linked to Holocaust revisionist sites. I am sorry (well, not really), but linking to sites which indulge in anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial/revisionism are not legitimate sites to criticize a Jew, Judaism, or Israel, any more than linking to a Fred Phelps site would be "legitimate" criticism for someone who doesn't support a candidate who happens to be LGBT.

I can easily find anti-Semitic sources used here which were not hidden, but were sent to a jury, never mind those which never saw a jury, and a few which were hidden, but the poster still remains. I know you don't think they are legitimate sources, even if what they say is 100% true.

"The sky is blue. The earth is oblong and revolves around the sun. All dogs are canines. Washington, D.C. is the current capital of the US."

The above is all true. Pretend, for a moment, all those facts are actually a factual article which makes sense. Would linking to that 'article' be acceptable if the source was "godhatesfags.com" or "thejewreport.com" or "davidduke.com"? I, personally, don't think it is legitimate, and certainly should not be used as source material at DU. However, there are those who do, and that Steven, IMO, is problematic and where "data mining" and discussing the source is not a red herring and is germane to the discussion.

You are correct we are in agreement on the majority of issues surrounding anti-Semitism, however, we differ in that it is one side who is the dragon and the other side is the white knight. Both sides are playing both roles, but at various times and to varying degrees. Also, it has been the Clinton supporters, especially of late, who have been downplaying, mocking, or even excusing anti-Semitism, and I find that very troubling.