THANKS FOR THE TIP, NEVILLE: As I continue to search for my own voice, it's small consolation that Joe Conason -- usually one of the more thoughtful and articulate lefties -- is now reduced to spouting appeasement babble. Joe dutifully slaps Arafat's wrist, but concludes: "The only path back from the brink is for the United States and its allies in Europe to induce a cease-fire that can eventually lead to more talking and less killing."

Yes ... hmmm ... that's thinking outside the box, Joe. While we're at it, why not offer up Poland as a gift to Hamas and Hezbollah, and hope they'll leave us alone afterwards?