I guess you didn't read everything I wrote, and as I haven't the time to rewrite and edit some of my meaning probably got lost. The subject is way to big for a coffee-time toss-off. But to be explicit: Arab dead (and Zimbabwean too, for that matter) count as much as any other, which is why I find the Gaza situation horrifying, as I said.

As to the sentence you chose to assail: I meant to imply this: The cry "Death to the Jews" has been heard many times in world history, and when push comes to shove (or bludgeon, or stab, or burn) it is usually Jews who have come out on the losing side. The Israelis have reversed this. At first (cf. Six-day War, which put paid to the stereotype of Jews as cowards who wouldn't even fight back...you may be too young too remember that one) I found it satisfying, but as it has developed to grotesque levels I find it indefensible.

Is it so difficult to understand that someone (me, for example) can be deeply conflicted over what is happening? I know it is easier to come down on one side and demonize the other (saves thinking, for one thing) but I'm not so lucky as to be that way...maybe I think too much. But I notice that gut reactions haven't moved resolution any closer, and I don't expect that in the 20 years or so I have left I will see any, even though I believe Obama will make an honest effort. The best I can hope for is that no one will become either so hateful or so desperate that they start lobbing nukes.

Frankly, I would personally like to ignore the whole thing...I've spent much of my life involved in progressive politics (funny, in my early years that was a euphemism for "Communist" used by Communists themselves. How do I know this? I'm a red-diaper baby.) and have rarely seen any result. (Big exception: MLK and the way voting rights have transformed the South.) I'm tired of it, all the spouting, shouting arguments that lead nowhere (a good therapy group is an effective place to vent if you really need it) and would rather spend my remaining time with J S Bach.

However, I have a grand-daughter. And technically, at least, she is not Jewish since her mother is not (She is Rumanian.) However, if the racialist anti-semites have their way, she will be Jewish enough to be a target IF the world turns in that direction, as it has before.(Notice the stress on "if", the biggest small word in any language.) That is my real fear. I sure hope it is not a realistic fear, but the passions expressed in forums like this are not re-assuring.

BTW, I'd like to see if Klytus or Chris or some of the others so passionate would say these things to me face to face. I live in Jersey City and am up for coffee. Just asking.

Here's a question: What leverage do you think gives AIPAC (not my favorite people BTW) such power as so many ascribe to it? I'm more inclined to credit (or discredit) those Xtian nuts whose knowledge of the NT seems to be limited to Revelation (and which Jews should check out too if they think these people are acting out of loving concern) and who command a lot more votes, many more in fact than all the Jews in the whole world put together.