Palestinian civilian toll climbs in Gaza

[Fozzledick]

26. Looks like it to me, Scat.

You don't mind if I call you Scat, since we're being so friendly and all, do you? That seems to be the nickname you've picked up around here.

I do wonder, though, about your obsession with my last syllable. Most people know better than to mess with it, but you just can't seem to get enough. I guess it's just a matter of taste.

Speaking of which, I don't have much patience for your disingenuous habit of trying to put words in other people's mouths. Sure, I can understand why you'd rather argue with your own straw man than what other people actually say, it's easy and avoids the real issues, but it just strikes me as dishonest and cowardly. Plus it makes having a serious discussion as difficult as having an honest debate with Mitt Romney.

But what really steams me is the triumphant flaunting of civilian casualties out of context to vilify Israel for defending herself against the terrorists who are actually responsible for causing them, and who actively seek to produce them for propaganda purposes. When I see people eagerly playing along with their deadly game it's hard not to presume that they support their goals and methods, although I suppose some could just be useful idiots.

So maybe you can help me out here, Scat. I tend to see the Israel bashers around here as falling into two camps: the hardcore haters who see Israel as a Great Satanic Evil than must be destroyed, and the "reasonable moderates" who say both sides are bad so blame Israel. You seem to be positioning yourself in the later group, but I can't ignore the sickening stench of the former. I'm hoping you can clear that up for me, Scat, but I don't really expect very much from you.