Where Does The Left Stand?
Asks David Adesnik at OxBlog.
More than any other blogger I know, Kevin explores numerous issues precisely because they are complex. So it doesn't sound very plausbile for him to say that this issue is just too complex. At least Kevin does admit in his post that his arguments on this subject amount to "feeble excuses".
Speaking more broadly, I think Kevin is really missing the point if he believes that excessive complexity is what's holding back other liberal bloggers. After all, there is no issue more complicated or more written-about than Iraq.
Clearly, something else besides complexity is preventing liberal bloggers from writing about Israel. I would suggest that there is a part of the online left which is so viciously anti-Israel that moderates have been intimidated into silence. Let's hope that this kind of viciousness never migrates off line, where it might threaten bipartisan support for Israel.
Which is, I suspect, exactly what the DLC is terrified of. Because the left has an enormous anti-Israeli component within it. If that element becomes ascendant, the Democrats will fade into an unelectable minority party. The viciousness of the anti-war, anti-Western and anti-israel elements is also something the DLC fears. The "moore" it is exposed to public view, the harder is it for the Democrats to pretend it's not there. The more closely the Dems are associated to such venom, the harder it will be for them to win elections. If they lose the Jewish vote, they are in deep, deep trouble.
Do read all of Adesnik's post, including the comments if you get a chance. There's some good stuff in there.
Blogosphere, Left Wing, Politics, War | Gaius Monday, 24 July , 2006
By Chris, Monday, 24 July , 2006 @ 8:49 pm
I would make one correction to your observation. It is not “an enormous anti-Israel” component that afflicts the left. It is an enormous anti-Jewish component, and it is now starting to surface in posts to liberal blogs (like those recently to Daily Kos). This goes way beyond mere politics.
By Gaius, Monday, 24 July , 2006 @ 9:06 pm
I don’t disagree, it’s a little less harsh putting it as anti-Israel. Might make it less automatically rejected, if that makes sense.
By jpe, Monday, 24 July , 2006 @ 9:29 pm
It’s complicated, and outside of Drum’s expertise. (and probably outside his interest). So what?
This whole meme seems kinda silly, like you’re obsessive fan boys that thinks anyone that isn’t interested in comics is a deficient human being.
By Gaius, Monday, 24 July , 2006 @ 9:37 pm
It’s silly? A war is silly? jpe, frankly I think you just showed how unserious you are.