Dear Skeptic and Little Hawk,

"Stackey really does deserve to be completly ignored"

Yes, but I couldn't resist hurling those French "power-sults" at him. I think they contain a great deal of subtle humor (like, "Would you mind clipping my toenails?")

I do take your comment as an indication of moral support.

Thanks!

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Little Hawk,

Thank you for your kind words.

"Conservative versus liberal debates seldom stay reasonable for very long, but we might as well all give it a try at least..."

If you want warm water, it requires both hot and cold water to be mixed.

I appreciate passionate debaters as opponents (of course especially when the facts are on my side)

If you want reasonable and well thought out compromise, the extreme views must be discussed.

This is what "democracy" is all about, not exactly what our current democrat party stands for (but used to)

"What's the alternative? Nothing very good"

That is exactly correct Sir.

The alternative is "bi-partisanship" where both sides are alike on all issues and the likely result is that government always wins and the citizens always lose.

I'm a member of the pro-citizen party.

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Wydat,

Thank you also for your concern about my state of mind, but don't worry, I'm just practicing up for the "big time"

"You both have your points. Whatever happened to "A kinder, gentler" anything? Don't get me wrong, but we are so divided"

We believe school kids need to be challenged with higher expectations, when they succeed they should indeed have higher self-esteems as opposed to worthless social promotions.

That is compassionate.

We have always believed what "current studies" show, that children are better off with their own parents, a married couple who love and care for them.

That is compassionate.

We believe that parents should have the FREEDOM OF CHOICE to send their children to a learning environment that most reflects the values they want instilled in them, not some government indoctrination center which undermines the parents desires.

That is compassionate.

"Is there no middle ground with any of us?"

If you are an American, we have a concept called the "American Dream". Perhaps its existance or meaning has been lost over the years, but here is what it means to many:

To buy and own your own home, raise healthy kids, make a good living doing something you like.

To have the freedom to; pursue any endeavor you choose and practice the religion you wish. To be better off than your parents were and have the opportunity to excel by your own initiative. (ie, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness)

That is the common ground.

SEE? No anger.

mav out