Hi John,

>Almost no-one wants to create a strong "Christian religious" America. Sure, there are plenty who want America to uphold Judeo-Christian values, but that's not the same thing at all. America was founded on the principle of religious tolerance.

I know, and it therefore stunning that your government (e.g. your president) seems to include GOD more and more into politics. I just hope this is not going to be a trend.

>And, yes, the Isreali-Palestinian conflict is undoubtedly influenced by powerful Jews....but also by radical and powerful Muslims. But that's the way it is - people with resources or connections with a strong belief will get involved on the side they identify with.

Are there any powerfull muslim in your government? Sure, and as my knowledge of how your society works this is something that can not be prevented in it current form. But is it really a healthy situation that your government is so influencible ?

>It's not fundamentalists exclusively trying to stop gay marriage and abortions in America. Right or wrong, a solid majority of Americans, 68% last I saw, oppose gay marriage. Yet an equally strong majority support civil unions. A lot of Americans see marriage as a sacred act before God and that influences their viewpoint. But we're also pretty fair on most issues and that's why most folks don't have a problem with civil unions conferring the same rights and benefits.

I understand that pov. We have taken the step only about 10 years ago, and up then there was quite lot of discussion about that too. But the religous forces in our country are not that strong.

>China is not servicing our debt; however, I agree with you that the US should fight stronger for human rights in China.

I always though it was, and that the depency on china for credit was increasing. Who does pay your debts?

Walter,