TRENTON-Trenton City Council President Kathy McBride came under fire for her use of the phrase, “Jew Down” during an executive session by the council government. When called out on it by other members in the room, she claimed executive privilege.
“I am not at privilege to speak about anything at executive session per the law that governs executive sessions,” she said. “It was an executive session and by the law I am not privy to speak on that per the law.”
She then slightly admitted to it, but not really.
Then, fellow councilwoman Robin Vaughn stood up on her behalf and said the phrase was not anti-Semitic.
“We really need to get a more acute meaning and understanding of ‘anti-Semitic.’ I believe her comment ‘Jew down’ was more in reference to negotiating, not ‘I hate Jews,'” Vaughn said.
McBride, in that meeting, said the city should “jew down” a personal injury lawsuit settlement.
“As the Mayor of this City that encompasses diverse communities of racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds, I find this to be offensive,” said Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora. “This anti-Semitic remark, particularly about an attorney in our law department who happens to be Jewish, should have no place in our public discourse. I hope that after some reflection you would apologize for these remarks.”
The origin of the term “Jew Down” stems from the stereotype of Jews being skillful negotiators that can often drive a hard bargain.
In the era of political correctness and diversity sensitivity, the phrase is often modified to be “chew down” as the original phrase is now viewed as insensitive and even anti-Semitic.