It's about time the real diversity of opinion within the Jewish community on the subject of Zionism was explored in the context of the Mideast peace process (or lack thereof), although I thought it did slight the truly appalling levels of violence perpetrated by IDF forces in the occupied territories and what this means as far as the moral authority of jingoist lobbies such as AIPAC.

An unmitigated, badly-needed breath of fresh air; it's about time these courageous critics within the Jewish community were heard!

The story colors in the influence of the Israeli lobby and the rapture right in US politics. The general public is a more informed democracy from such information. It gives information that strengthens my desire for limiting lobbyist influence and for publicly financed elections.

Finally - a clear, rationale discussion of AIPAC that clearly shows that criticizing the policies of the Israeli government is not criticism of Israel nor of Jewish people, and most definitely is not anti-Semitic. Article also makes clear the social context under which the most radical view takes the fore in any group.

Interesting quotes and statistics. Though Kamiya says directly -- and correctly -- that AIPAC does not equal "American Jews," he occasionally uses some incautious language ("lobbying by American Jews," "the American Jewish establishment") that implies they are the same. The third-to-last paragraph puts to rest the concerns I had about the headline demanding that all Jews take responsibility for stupid war-loving AIPAC.

Note: Daily access to the Salon site requires a sponsor click and a 5 second wait... The author demonstrates the scope and breadth of AIPAC's powerful influence in steering most all US foreign policy matters regarding the Middle East, including wars. He also explains the reasons why it is so difficult to change the status quo, specially for American Jews.

Can't say anything I'll be labeled an anti-Semite.