Bravo, MAV!

Your statement: "THIS COUNTRY WAS FOUNDED BY RELIGIOUS NUTS WITH GUNS!!!" is the most succinct and apt summary of the colonization of America that I've heard yet.

In Central and South America it was done by religious nuts with guns and swords, yelling "Santiago!"...and millions died.

I also believe there is no separation of church and state...by which I mean...if anyone truly has any form of spiritual belief, then he must bring it into all areas of his life, governing included, or he's a hypocrite. It is when one organized religion is given governmental domination over all other forms of belief that the situation becomes ugly, and that should never be permitted. I believe in the practice of diversity...a voice for every belief.

As for schools, I essentially agree that each school should be run by its own community in an autonomous way. I've seen the opposite done in Ontario lately by Mike Harris's government (which claims to be conservative...and is certainly seen by everyone as conservative). That government has repeatedly interfered in Ontario's schools and brought in draconian legislation which has so demoralized teachers that they are giving up their careers and retiring in record numbers. Never have Ontario schools been so savaged by a "Big Brother" provincial government before...and all in the name of conservatism!

How do you figure it, MAV? Just wondering, not taking potshots at you over it...after all, you didn't vote for Harris.

- LH