michaelr ... take a breath. I am not trying to bait you. I am following an interesting discussion. I thought you were doing well, and I agreed with those who defended you, in fact I was jumping in to do just that until I read fd's last post and your response.

By the way, could you point out where I used the term cowardice?

And as long as we are referencing past threads, mebbe you should look at past threads. You will find that I don't condone or promote blind patriotism. Neither do I condone those that dismiss veteran's as pawns. Both conditions indicate a lack of intellectuall depth, as well as being paternalistic. Each is as bad as the other.

Now ... back to the matter at hand. You made assertions, FD (when he got off his horse and settled down) asked specific questions. I am interested in your take on the issues he raised. You are correct that I don't agree with your stated positions, but I am interested in why it is you feel that way.

So, jump in or stay out. But in the future, if you don't want to get drawn in the discussion, then don't post. Or do, and get what you get.   

Mick