Mideast Conflict

Re “A Tale of Two Intellectuals and Life in Glass Houses,” Commentary, April 11: Talk about double standards. Alexander Cockburn wants Israel to lay down its arms and let the Palestinians attack Israeli settlements, while he supports the Palestinian cause that has a provision in its constitution calling for the annihilation of Israel. What other nation has a specific clause in its constitution calling for the annihilation of another country?

JONATHAN GROSSMAN

Huntington Beach

*

Ever since the creation of Israel, most of our politicians and many of our intellectuals have been guilty of intellectual sterility and historical obfuscation. They are well aware of two new commandments: Thou shall not criticize Israel and thou shall tell the truth, except when it pertains to Israel.

Edward Said has been under attack for years for courageously speaking the truth about the Palestinian cause. Cockburn should be commended for his editorial integrity. Listening to our politicians campaign for office, they sound as if they are running for the Knesset, not the U.S. Congress. Just ask the few members of Congress and intellectuals who dared to speak.

REMO G. TABELLO

Los Angeles