UJM: Joseph, you missed the point like usual.
The point was that the names of our illustrious Gedolim are too often plastered all over every Pashkevil and letter willy-nilly with no thought of the consequences or necessity – or even if the Pashkevil may in fact be based on nonsense (or worse, political machinations), which makes such letters hard to take seriously. Askanim are the ones responsible for this, because they don’t provide the whole story, and that is a known fact. All of this is known, and any Chaim Yankel who spends any amount of time in a Charedi enclave knows this. That is essentially “rubber stamping” (and rampant abuse of Rabbinic authority by Askanim), and it is beyond unfortunate that it occurs.
FWIW, there is also the fact that I’m not a fan of ranking Rabbonim and even considering some to be completely infallible, but that is a different conversation.
DaasYochid:
They may have legitimate reasons. But we don’t have to accept them, and indeed most outside the Charedi sector do not.
Ayin tovah? I’m not sure whether you’re addressing me or not, but regardless, give me a break. In other forums, I’m usually labeled a “RZ Charedi Apologist” or “Not truly RZ”. There is plenty of room to argue Charedim are selfish for not considering themselves part of the Kahal and constantly and consistency declare themselves exempt from any national obligation or responsibility toward others. I don’t see any selfless motives in that. I’m more than happy to hear what selfless motives you can ascribe to declaring oneself absolved of all national obligations and engaging in absolute austritt other than taking money from institutions such individuals essentially hate.