Every now and again, we like to blame the Jews for our troubles. If you grew up Christian like me, you always knew that the Jews killed your Lord & Savior. Hitler blamed them for the downfall of Germany. And former White House correspondent Helen Thomas is blaming them for America's downfall.

Earlier this year she said, "We are owned by the propagandists against the Arabs. There is no question about that. Congress, the White House and Hollywood, Wall Street, are owned by the Zionists. No question in my opinion." Also, that Jews should get the hell out of Palestine. That's feisty.

Of course, half of what she says is true. The other half is like blaming the Jews for killing your Lord & Savior, a little late in the game to be holding a grudge.

Why do we pick on the Jews? Ever since Moses led the Hebrews into the desert, it seems like they've been having a hard time. In some ways, it's hard to think of a time when Jews were in their hey day.

I just watched A Serious Man by the Coen Brothers. It's one of the most overtly Jewish movies I've ever watched, and I realized there is a ton about Jews I don't know or understand. Still, it was a pretty good dark comedy. Kind of like Jewish tradition itself.

Was that anti-Semitic? Only Jews know.

Black people can make fun of black people. Hispanics can make Latino jokes. Jews can laugh about Jews. Cross the lines and you're asking for trouble.

Oh, my troubles. Maybe the Jews are the cause. Probably not, though. My troubles are most likely my own.

Of course, I think Israel's problems are Israel's problems. Which makes them Jewish problems. Personally, I think Israelis & Palestinians look alike. I also think Indians and Pakistanis look alike. Chinese and Japanese look alike. North and South Koreans look alike. British and Scottish and Irish look alike. Yet, they've had issues with each other for a long long time, and they are pretty much the same people.

I've had issues with Jews. I've also had issues with blacks & whites, Catholics & protestants, rich & poor, natives & foreigners, tall & short, smart & dumb, happy & sad, old & young, Republicans & Democrats, urban & rural, alive & dead.

In the grand scheme of things, the Jews have done as much good and bad as everybody else. Just another chunk of the human race doing things their own way. Not really worthy of all of our blame.

Happy Hanukkah, everybody!

Chris Jungle likes a good jewish rye bread.