Thanks, Severely. I was beginning to take it personally, but I feel better now.

I really enjoy reading the back-and-forth on Ricochet, but I'm happy that they incorporated the "Like" option from FB. A more noncommittal  way to join the conversation.

Speaking of which, has anyone else had a comment deleted from a thread? I thought I was paying an innocuous, but personalized, compliment to a recent podcast, but I guess it came off kind of strange. Just curious.

When I'm baking in the Middle Eastern heat, contemplating the Hercules helicopters that vie with PeaceNow propeller planes for control of the skies overhead, I love hearing the light, comedic note of rain-soaked Minnesota banter. You guys are a real pleasure.

I nominate this for the post of the week.

Great thread. Valiuth, I still owe you an answer about Palestinian statehood, but for the time being, I'm enjoying this back-and-forth too much to bother formulating a coherent argument to support my position in that conversation. 

I was certain that all clear-thinking, sane Israelis would support a strike, until I read an op-ed in "B'Sheva" pointing out that nuclear proliferation amongst nations hostile to Israel is an unavoidable part of the future. We can't attack all of them, so we should concentrate on good defense systems and beefing up our credibility by responding forcefully to local aggression, i.e. by the Palestinians, Hezbollah, etc. I thought they made a cogent argument.

I hope you're not serious. He appointed himself party leader until 2020, right? And his children inherit the leadership after him? Hmmmm . . . 

I agree, but I don't think it's only gurus. "Experts" are almost as bad.  I remember when I was in my 20's being contemptuous of my non-American in-laws who hadn't heard that fats were unhealthful, only to learn in my 40's of the existence of "good fats." Back then, I was instructed to breastfeed my first baby for the first six months and avoid all solids. How I protested when my mother-in-law wanted to give him some yogurt! By the time my eighth was born, though, experts advised introducing her to small amounts of everything as early as possible to allay allergies. In short, I've learned that we know very little, and that humility, common sense and moderation will probably serve me much better than following religiously the latest food trends.

Great list. I'd like to add (maybe instead of #1 if we have to restrict the list to 5 proposals) an idea to combat the metastasizing of the Federal government by eliminating Washington, DC. Have the US capitol rotate through State capitols, at each locale for two years or so. 

A two-state solution is a solution on paper only. The reality is that the Palestinians would not tolerate a Jewish minority in their state, and forcing 100,000 Jewish people to leave their homes in a settlement is unethical and impracticable. Those are the facts on the ground. Or, in your words, "whats done is done."

Wolfe and Butler prove Thomas Sowell's point about intellectuals not having to live with the consequences of their theories.

Judith, a pleasure to read your tightly-argued piece. (Loved the jab at academese.) I get panicky thinking about all the people who'd rejoice, or shrug, if Israel were destroyed, G-d forbid. But then I'm calmed by a glance back at all the obstacles that the Jewish people overcame in Israel's truly miraculous founding. May G-d protect and strengthen all of those who hope for Israel's success.

I agree.  And while single mothers are more sympathetic than walk-away dads, portraying the difficulties of raising children alone, or the cluelessness of someone who has made some regrettable choices in romantic partners, might be more palatable. Why should the opprobrium be all one-sided? After all, this state of affairs is something many women argued for. Men are not the only ones to blame.

I may have scored lowest of all (8), but, while I live in a bubble, it's definitely not an elitist American bubble. 

Back to the rest of the podcast after that quiz-taking break!

I hate these discussions. I'm suspicious of government nutritional advice, making me lean towards reducing carbs and increasing proteins, on the one hand. On the other, I'm raising a large family on an Israeli salary, and the thought of  doing it on lots of pricey (kosher) meat makes me panic. Additionally, I really love eating salad and whole wheat bread (and cookies). IMHO, what counts is probably how much you eat, rather than what. At least, that's what I'd like to believe.  

Jim, I'm so sorry. I'm inspired by your faith and fortitude, and pray that G-d blesses you and keeps you strong as you rebuild.

Over 20 years ago, when I was in high school, I went to a beach with a girlfriend, dressed in a long skirt and long-sleeved shirt, for religious reasons. We were taunted for being overdressed. Today, modest swimwear in styles appropriate for Jewish, Muslim, and Christian women is available on the internet. I'm not sure what kind of response I'd get if I wore my modest swimsuit (skirt with knee-length pants underneath) in the US, but here in Israel it's commonplace.

I'm curious to know if people in the US have seen women attired in modest swimwear at beaches?

I, for one, find segregated gyms liberating, but enjoy being at the beach with my family (which, happily, includes men and boys).