BB,

I understand all that - I've been following the thread.

Carol is a tenacious debater and so are you.

I respect both of you immensely, more so after witnessing the way you have argued this case.

But in entrenching yourselves in the bipolar scenario which exists above (which I understand does not necessarily reflect your personal view) you end up losing touch with the fact that you are contributing to a communal thread.

Your debate is very specific and your reasons and Carols for engaging as you are are complex, and the whole "I was only ... " "well I'm just trying to ..." thing could go on forever.

Carol raises some interesting ideas as do you.

I think you could cut each other a bit of slack. Carol deserves some respect for exploring the deeper sinister side of the whole thing, just as you do for being a spanner in the works for her.

In the end, working together, you fine hone an interesting possible scenario that stands the test of ruthless scrutiny.

Funnily, I actually note what I read to be a consistent note of affection and respect for carol and her ideas in the way you debate with her, despite your stubborn refusal to accept her opinion. She is determined to think for herself and not to be railroaded and that is to her credit.

God help anyone who gets in the way of the two of you if ever you unite on some point.