rtf100 writes: "Second, the statements made by Hutman are standard fare for lefties who are also borderline anti-semites."

Uh, no. Not an anti-Semite, borderline or otherwise. Nor will I allow you to lump me into a nebulous group called "lefties." You are already resorting to name-calling bullshit and you haven't even gotten started.

"Your rant is typical of someone who probably thinks they are well-read with a sophisticated worldview but has probably never read a book of non-fiction cover to cover."

Oooh, look at rtf100 go with the ad-hominem attacks! That all you got -- blanket insults based on conjecture based on your own blind hatred of those who do not agree with you? Where are your actual arguments, facts, evidence? Got nothing? Okay, so sling lame insults.

"You are famously cherry-picking historical information that matches your anti-semitic worldview."

Oh really? Again with the anti-Semite accusation. That all you got? I support Israel's right to exist 100% within the borders of 1967. I support Israel's right to defend itself with measured and appropriate action 100% -- though there is definitely room for debate on what such action does and does not entail. I think you use "anti-Semitism" in a sloppy and racist manner to demean and tar anybody who does not acquiesce to your entire right-wing bias. You are fatuous in the extreme and, sadly, it will be a cold day in hell before you learn what honest and open debate means. You have no arguments, only slurs and straw-man attacks. Go home. You lose.

"YOU are probably one of those types who thinks al-Qaida is a police problem and that the GWOT is "a bumper sticker" or a campaign slogan to steal elections."

Now you're just making shit up. Though you're half-right that to some extent those threats have been politicized. But they should still be taken seriously. It's a question of balance.

"You hang out on Salon because Salon tells you this everyday and you believe it."

Riiiiiight. I don't "hang out" on Salon. I read it along with dozens of other political and news websites within a full spectrum of viewpoints. You still haven't said anything of substance.

"Third, Israel does what it does because it really has no choice."

This is a lie to end all lies. There are many choices, many options. It's hilariously illogical to say that any individual or nation lacks a choice, especially when you're discussing concrete matters such as the building of massive resort-like suburbs on occupied territories. "Israel had no choice" but to build a resort on a hill in Palestinian farmland? That's hilarious, dude. You're quite a jokester.

"All of its neighbors are committed to its destruction, one way of another."

Nice propaganda there. Please explain to me how Jordan is committed to Israel's destruction. Or Egypt which has cooperated with the general plan and borders for decades. You're claiming that I am a closet extremist and then you come out with this utter and complete brainwashed horse-shit. Try some balance in your arguments and positions. Yes, some neighbors do indeed wish for Israel's destruction. We agree. But not all. Let's get our facts straight. And there is no question that Arab states would be less, not more, inclined to wish for Israel's destruction of Israel had a more reasonable approach to Palestine over the years, rather than a campaign focused on acquisition of new territory.

"Genuine negotiations are pointless because some religious cleric will make them null and void, the next day. Also, radical elements believe that they have the US and Israel on the run with upgraded terror tactics so there is no real incentive on any side to negotiate faithfully."

Genuine negotiations have worked to some extent in the past. The intifada was not random. All you have to do is look at your own words to see how they can become manipulation from the other side. If indeed there is no room for negotiation, who benefits? The Palestinians whose land shrinks daily, or Israel who continues having a convenient political excuse for taking more land?

"Even Iran is saying kiss-off because they know that the US really cannot do anything, but Israel can."

What does this mean? What can Israel do that the U.S. cannot?

"By judging the behavior of Israel on let's say the US or a western European country at this point in history says nothing. Our everyday reality is totally different from that of an Israeli."

....so nobody is allowed to have an opinion unless they're an Israeli. That it? Good stuff. So let's see, your arguments consist of insult, accusation, and then weak little non-arguments that are even more cliched than the made-up stuff you accuse me of secretly believing.