brucie and pdq - my apologies for the rather mean remark. Perhaps I misunderstood your posts but it appeared that you were "making fun" of the mostly thoughtful comments that people had contributed.

I really am not "hateful" but I also think that sometimes people need to be told very bluntly to "back off". Lately, I have been more intolerant - possibly because of the situation in Iraq. I have also been pushed to the limit by other mudcatters that insist on branding me anti-American, feminist or whatever name or label they can attach when I don't agree with them. I'm not a dumping ground.

I agree with the concept of peace starting at home and in your community. I admit that I haven't been a very good expample of that here on Mudcat. I have not yet learned to turn the other cheek. I will probably never be that meek. This is a cyber community and I joined so that I could have meaningful discussions with people from all over the world. I really don't want to hear insults or name calling or mockery - I hear it from children everyday. I don't expect it from adults.