Aside from the occasional one-liner, this group avoids religion, politics, economics and the like in our gatherings because we all understand the diversity of opinion within the group and how that could deteriorate our enjoyment. The only reason we even had the discussion was because of her fascinating line. I was not confrontational only quizical in my attempts to flush out her thoughts. She did the majority of the talking and I just enjoyed listening. Every once in a while it's healthy to re-familliarize myself with the radical mindset. I do the same with all zealots from the greenies to the "Jesus" in every sentence bible-thumpers. At least, if I'm in the right mindset I will. ;)

>No point in discussing anything with her, Jake. There's something about ultra-left-wingers where it stops becoming a philosophy and becomes a religion. You can't argue with a deeply held religious conviction since logic is now out the door and it's all faith-based.
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>>Background : My wife and I participate in a food group with 6 other people. We get together once a month and rotate hosts. It's well known that the political spectrum amongst the group runs from libertarian (me) to socialist with a couple Republicans, Democrats and the disinterested. Politics almost never comes up and the few times it has is usually a minor jab in jest.
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>>Between courses of our last dinner, I'm sitting outside with the socialist. I knew she's a looney, but I had no idea just how far off the left end of the spectrum she resided. I know she volunteered for Obama's campaign, has her radio permanently set to NPR and believes MSNBC is too right wing. Even that knowledge didn't prepare me for the gem she offered this night. We were discussing organic farming, free range animals and what's marketing vs. real and she caught me off guard with "I think that mass production, not just of food, but of everything is a big problem with the world today." 8O
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>>Just when I think I've heard it all...wow, just wow.