We consider this country to be a land of law, decency and unprecedented fairness to Jews. Those who treat America like pre-war Poland embarrass us, summoning an ancient fear of humiliation before the gentiles that even the nomination of Senator Lieberman to the national Democratic ticket hasn't put to rest. If some of our own act like that, we reason, maybe the locals will rescind our acceptance here. You must be joking. Empty words, when they stand in the way of taking care of your own.
Ethics begin at home.
We may feel responsible for such people, because we consider them part of our larger community. But the feeling is not mutual. And so, most assuredly, are we.