Thanks Richard for verifying the point I made about the US admin line on whether Megrahi should have been transferred to a Libyan prison. Bill D suggests the proferred was harmless and inocuous (likewise presumably Obama's giving voice to Ameria's "anger"). He needs to reflect that any tiny country receiving such advice from the most powerful nation on earth needs a degree of nerve and a spirit bordering on reckless to ignore it. (I believe the US has bombed about 50 countries since WW2 so adding Scotland to the list would e no big deal.)

Bill, as I said when I made the point about your relative isolation here, the thread title suggests a parochial discussion of little interest beyond Scotland. Since I made the point, you have been joined by Joe, but I don't think we could say his contribution has helped your cause any!

John, I thought Dick was perhaps suggesting that countries who order their affairs independently of Moses & Co (amd perhaps other religious interference) might not subscribe to the (New Testament) concept of the sanctity of life?