Dear WyoWoman,

I was the one the used the term 'cheerleading', not Jack. Perhaps my attempt to use a sports metaphor was not exactly the right way to say what I meant.

I believe Jack is right to point out to us that 'we' aren't the ones feeling the pressure from the HFA 'thumb' -- Max and Dick are. To paraphrase Jack's metaphor, Max and Dick are the only ones who "have to navigate their boat between a whale and an explosive harpoon on a pursing ship."

At the same time, we all can't fit into the 'boat' at the same time. However, we CAN help Max and Dick get the fastest boat they can -- by contributing to the Mudcat with funds (as well as supportive words).

If I've got this all wrong, Jack, please post again and clarify your point. Until then, let's don't start backbiting each other about this -- that's exactly what HFA and their ilk would want.

-- Áine