George:

I never thought I would see the day that I am sticking up for Jim Moran, who has had many problems of late. But I think he is getting a bum rap.

I read a column by Richard Cohen -- who is Jewish -- that placed the statement in a much more meaningful context.

Moran made his statement in response to a question at an anti-war meeting from a woman who said, in essence, "I am a Jew. I am opposed to the war in Iraq. Why aren't their more Jews here?" Moran's response, in that context, is NOT a statement that Jews are pushing for a war in Iraq; his response can be seen as pointing out that Jews have political power which, if used to oppose the war, might cause the government to rethink its policies.

This is not Pat Buchanan preaching a Zionist conspiracy; it is a political figure who is opposed to the war bemoaning the fact that a group -- Jewish leaders-- who have some political clout have chosen not to use it, or not to use it on the side of opposition to the war.

Cohen went on to note that Moran has a history of being pretty sensitive to Jewish issues. As Cohen noted, Trent Lott's statement has to be interpreted in light of his long history of similar segregationist comments. Moran's comment has to be interpreted in light of his long history of respect for Judaism, Israel, and Jewish people.

Having said that, though, sometimes even bum raps stick. The prudent course politically would be for the Democrats to find another candidate not so vulnerable.

Lloyd Snook (electronic mail, March 17, 2003)