Thanks for those thoughts, Mark. You should have a nice time in Hawaii, it's a beautiful place, specially the quieter parts. I will see if I can find a copy of "People of the Lie" somewhere...

I am afraid it's going to get lonelier too, specially for the poor. Imperial Rome is busy strenthening its grip to a killing chokehold now that Carthage is gone...and I live in one of its client states, watching as the legions clash their bloodied swords on their burnished shields, and look hungrily about for another glorious conquest.

Mudjack - got that right. A scare tactic is exactly what it is. Nothing works better, when you are seeking to divide and conquer.

- LH