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4.2.12 WC: 191694 Today, my views on all of the above subjects have remained essentially the same, but because of my support, critical as it may be, for Israel, I am now widely regarded as a “conservative,” a “right winger,” a “sell out,” even a fascist. Many college and university students have no idea of my views on the core issues that separate liberals from conservatives (inexact as those categories are). All they know is that is that I defend Israel, and that is enough for them to brand me as “politically incorrect” and worse. This is the way MJ Rosenberg, an anti-Israel blogger active in Media Matters, a Democratic think tank, absurdly put it: “Dershowitz is not a Democrat. The only issue he cares about—and the only issue he ever spouts off about—is Israel. Unlike most Americans, [say 99%], Dershowitz has no particular opinion on any issue that does not relate to Israel.” His obsession over Israel’s imperfections has blinded him, and other of his ilk, to the fact that the vast majority of my books, op eds, cases and causes relate to civil liberties, criminal and constitutional law. This last change is not one that I have brought about by changing my views or actions, as were the earlier changes. I have done nothing different. It is the world around me that has changed with regard to Israel, and attitudes toward me have changed because of this. I will continue to live by my principles. I’m probably too old and too set in my ways to change even if I wanted to, which I don’t. I will not adapt my principles to changing times and attitudes, when I believe that these changing attitudes are wrong and bigoted. But I must recognize that the perception of me by many others is changing. After I helped win the O.J. Simpson case, I thought that it would be that aspect of my career that would be the focus of my obituary. Now I think it will also be Israel. Since I’m never satisfied unless I get the last word, I penned the following letter to the editor to be sent following my death: Dear editor: I don’t want you to think that I don’t appreciate some of the kind words written about me in your obituary, but I had a policy throughout my life of setting the record straight with regard to things written about me, and I see no reason to allow my untimely death to change that. Your understandable emphasis on my high profile cases distorts my record by downplaying the numerous pro bono cases I handled on behalf of obscure and indigent clients. I made it a policy throughout my life to devote at least half of my professional time to nonpaying cases and causes. One such cause was the defense of Israel from unfair attacks, but I was not an uncritical advocate for the Jewish state. To the contrary, I was critical when criticism was warranted, as with regard to Israel’s settlement policy. I supported Israel not despite my liberalism, but because of it—and because I have always defended just causes against unjust attacks. 356 HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_017443