[Eowyn-of-Rohan]

Mr. Cockburn is publicly accusing his old friend of homosexuality

Mr. Cockburn's advances were probably rejected. Nice to hear one of my favorite writers being given credit for his insight, courage, and integrity. He shouldn't have to retract everything he has ever said in order to appease a particular group, and if he did, he would't be Hitchins

[Steve Schulin]

In a letter published in today's Washington Times, Cockburn denies the allegation. He thinks his comments about "Hitchens' habit of greeting friends with a proferred kiss on cheek o even lips' might have been source of confusion: "...[M]y allusion there was to Judas Iscariot...", he says.

Cockburn attacks Hitchens in the letter for his "increasing seclusion in fantasy". He speculates that Hitchens may be suffering from delusions like other advanced drinkers. He also attacks Hitchens for trying to get Sid Blumenthal "nailed by Congress on a perjury rap". It was this latter case which prompted the Judas reference.

As best I can tell, Hitchens saw Bill Clinton and the risk he posed to our nation, more clearly, regardless of state of inebriation, than any of our U.S. Senators, including the Republicans who allowed the trial to be just a charade.

[austex]

Mr. Cockburn's advances were probably rejected he got his cock burned so to speak

[cricket]

"He shouldn't have to retract everything he has ever said in order to appease a particular group, and if he did, he would't be Hitchins."

Right; that does seem a bit much for a 'new' 'neo'. . .so to speak. 'Second Thoughts' is not an overnight reconsideration of a lifetime of idiological positions. Just glad he has had some, and is moving along with wiser minds.