I have to say, Glenn, you're column here is as skewed as ever when it comes to discussing Israel. Especially when it comes to Jeffrey Goldberg.

Jeffrey Goldberg has reported from Gaza, has friends in Gaza, been kidnapped in Gaza, and written fairly often during this war about his anguish over the whole rotten situation.

He's advanced an idea to treat many more wounded Palestinians in Israel in an effort to end the cycle of hatred and mistrust.

He's written an open letter to Israeli soldiers on their responsibilities in protecting children and innocents in Gaza.

He's praised and twice posted a link to a prayer for the children of Gaza.

Furthermore, when you appeared on Hugh Hewitt's show, you were respectful toward Goldberg, and if only indirectly, you praised his reporting from Gaza.

Today, you basically called Goldberg a cheerleader for killing civilians and children.

Goldberg may have been detestably and demonstrably wrong on Iraq, but on this issue, when he actually makes strides of reason in a sea of insanity, you punish him for earlier transgressions. It epitomizes the fact that you're just as intransigent as some of the hard-liners you claim to detest. Just like some Israelis and Palestinians, you can't get past old wounds to discuss this issue with any sense of balance.

Say what you will about Goldberg, but at least he brings personal experience and insight on Gaza to the table (which you simply disregard using your Iraq filter). He sat with Nizar Rayyan, listened to Rayyan's detached and chilling views, and still can say today that he wrestles with the question, "of whether Hamas is truly, theologically implacable."

In other words, Goldberg is searching for a sliver of light in a darkness he knows only too well.

There's common ground here, Glenn, but you refuse to give an inch. You keep launching your brutal rhetorical rockets. To use a word you freely fling around, it's a bit sociopathic. Moreover, it perpetuates hostilities on both sides of the divide. I ask you, is that something we truly need?

Yo Doc, the Irgun and Stern Gang did not commence ANY offensive activities until 1937---after the Arab pogroms of the '20s and the Arab Revolt of 1936, which concentrated on nice targets such as Jewish orphanages, farms and transportation. Yes, it got ugly, but the history is the history, and organized Jewish attacks on Arabs did not start for at least 30 years after Arab attacks on Jewish settlements and interests became commonplace.

And Baldie, if you read what I wrote, I am fully in favor of getting the parties to sit down immediately, grinding out a peace plan modelled on Taba and moving on with life...including massive cutbacks in US military aid. There has to be an agreement though. Unlike Omooeg, no more unilateral concessions---everything has to come by way of agreement.

Do you think he'd (or they'd) learn anything from the UTube "Children of Hamas" video? The video shows pre-school and kindergarden age children marching around with little martyr vests, saying they want to grow up and kill Jews, "because they are animals."

First, its "YouTube".

Second, I believe there's footage somewhere of 'Christian' children chanting the same, but against Muslims. Every religion has its share of fanatics.

Third, given the IDF and IAF's conduct thus far, why should the survivors in Gaza think the Israelis are anything other than animals? You and I have the luxury of distance and perspective; the injured and refugees in Gaza do not.

The "Arab revolt" by Palestinian Arabs was mostly directed at the British. The British killed 5,000 Palestinians and injured many more, an important fact that you dismiss revealingly.

In any case. It seems you'd rather live in the past than address Israel's real problems.

If I were in any way in charge of Israel---a sovereign nation of which I am not a citizen or official---I'd stop violating and start following international law and UN resolutions and other recognized civilized norms.

You, of course, would perceive this as caving to terror.

The militant wing of Hamas would probably perceive this behavior as a threat to its base and Hamas would collapse as a party. The Palestinian "state" would have 2 viable parties then. And they would take it from there. (Omooex, correct me if I am guessing wrong.)

Again, objections?

There are trolls here who applaud those deaths, yes. But none seem to do so as excitedly as you. Pervert. -- omooex

Oh please. Who eggs on the Palestinians to fight and die in an everlasting war? Glenn and the Bittoheads.

Oh but didn't you know? That is WinSmith's shtick. He has so so so SO much more in common with you then you think, when it comes to other issues, such as war, torture, and civil liberties. WinSmith merely disagrees that those same principles should apply to our Freedom and Democracy spreading friend Israel because they are in direct conflict with teh war on terrorists. WinSmith is happily sailing along on the failboat USS Neocon when it comes to Israel, singing pirate songs and howling at the moon with Bill Kristol and Fred Barnes.

He even writes diaries on Daily Kos! What more proof do you need of his lefty/progressive street cred?

"Are you aware that Gazans aren't allowed by Israel to travel to the West Bank?"

All the more reason not to have Gaza be part of the eventual Palestinian state. Simply on geographic terms, it makes no sense. Obviously, if the two sides ever got to an agreement where Israel took Gaza as its own, then allowing Palestinians the choice of becoming Israeli citizens OR moving to the West Bank/Palestine would be part of the deal.

Poddy102, maybe swapping Gaza for Jerusalem is a fair trade. Personally, I've always thought Jerusalem should be an international city governed by the United Nations, with the U.N. moved there from Manhattan, but then, I'm a dreamer.

Glenn, it's my birthday, so I'll allow myself the indulgence of a post despite my having little to say. You're the big reason I subscribe to SALON, and your column today perfectly illustrates your intelligent yet committed approach to politics. THANK YOU. It's human nature, I suppose, to assume that "our" side is always right, and countless deaths of "others" don't count, but we have to keep patiently reminding folks of our common human dignity. You do that so well.

Also: Your column on the Warren kerfluffle was the best I read on that topic, even handed without resorting to platitudes.

So, I have nothing intelligent to say, just: keep up the good work.

Paul (formerly from the troubled town of Oakland)