I agree with Berkowitz that some segments of the “Left” have simply lost the plot and with it any capacity for thinking rational discourse on many important issues (Iraq, Israel, radical Islamism to name the most prominent).The “Left” is supposed to be against hate but increasingly some comment form the Left is dripping with hate, and I agree with Berkowitz that some of them have allowed hate to blind them.

But he ignores the splits with the Left, and the many groups and commentators who have sought to stake out a political position more consistent with the truly liberal traditions of the Left.

For example:

Commentator Jeff Weintraub [his blog].

ENGAGE, a group formed in opposition to the (idiotic) proposed boycotts against Israeli academics.

The Euston Manifesto (I signed it).

Scholars for Peace in the Middle East

These groups and commentators are responding to the disillusionment and disenchantment many people who see themsleves as of the “Left” on many issues have felt with the way the political Left has gone in recent years. San Francisco Bay-Area commentator Keith Thompson wrote an essay a couple of years ago entitled “Leaving the Left” which resonated with me. He identifies a key turning point as the 2005 Iraqi election, which many “leftists” could not or would not applaud as a positive for the Iraqis, regardless of their position on the invasion of Iraq. I opposed that invasion and continue to consider it a colossal blunder, but could not help but be impressed and heartened by the turnout of Iraqis in their millions to vote.