Len,

>snip<

>First drugs, then religion & now politics : something for everybody to argue about, the sort of conversation I like.

It's something of a free-for-all but I like it as well. I don't mind people who have different opinions and who speak them. I actually respect that. It's those who disagree with me and who criticize me (make personal) the fact that I have the opinions that I have. All I want is an equal footing to state my opinions. I figure that if I cannot handle the results that this is my problem, not someone else's. <g>

I have had people try and pressure me to stop discussing faith-related issues when they come up in the natural course of discussions. I suspect that they are uncomfortable or something but that's not a reason for me to cease. Nor for them I suppose. Then there's this business where some complain that I am trying to influence them Of course I am trying to influence them! As they are me. Well, duhh.. <g> I just don't buy into the double standard where they can use their being offended as justification for them to force their view on me and force me to accept that view. That goes for religious tyrans as wll as political tyrants. Christianity sets men free. Not free to become slaves to passions but free to be free FROM passions.

>
>(PS. At the risk of being branded communist, I will confess to having strong socialist leanings)

No!!! What a surprise!!! I'm shocked!!!

< BG >