re: #315 Effy

Why do most conservatives see how ridiculous most Palestinian claims are and most liberals embrace the Palestinian cause? Why?? Anyone? Anyhow, that is the reason I am not about to abandon the conservative movement.

Since I am - by American standards most dedicedly - a liberal, I feel inclined to reply. If I only knew what “the Palestinian cause” was.

Although the thought of how a Palestinian state would (or would not) work do not seem very appealing, I do support a two-state solution; because the alternatives I can think off seem worse, for Israelis and Palestinians alike; although the more I learn about this region and this conflict, the less I seem to actually understand.

Does that mean I support the Palestinian cause? Well, it might make me agree with some Palestinian nationalists, but others seem to dream of either a totally utopian one-state solution, democratic if they’re amonst the decent folks, a totalitarian, religious dictatorship based on ethnic cleansing if they’re not. Although Palestine is deeply militaristic and ridden by radical Islamism and some particularily ugly forms of Arab nationalism; I hope that we’re still able to find some allies in the battle for democracy, human rights and secularism - there, too.

At the same time, I certainly see how many - most, depending on which Palestinians you are talking about - Palestinian claims are ridiculous, at best. At worst…

The reason for the real anti-Semitism found in parts of the Left, at least here in Norway, is a combination of thorough, but extremely one-sided, knowledge about the sad state of Palestinians, and an amazing lack of knowledge or willingness to seek knowledge about Israel. My impression is that this is not as bad amongst American liberals, unless you are talking way left (by American standards, again).

If Israel is indeed the only reason to stay with the conservative movement, I’m somewhat puzzled. I’d say another pro-Israeli liberal or ten would not really hurt. And there’s certainly enough of stupidity - in regards to this issue too - on that side of the aisle, as well.