I agree with what GUEST and the others have said. Ignorance and fear mixed in with the rhetoric of extreme and unquestioning "patriotism" make for very angry and violent people.

I still have hopes, though, that once they see the bodies coming home, they will begin to ask questions, esp. now that a suicide bomber has successfully lured four US military men to their deaths and Iraq is threatening more. That i.e. not knowing who to trust over there, etc. will cause people to think more critically, I hope.

In the meantime, RR, you asked for a hug, so I will include this little bit for you which my mom shared with me a few years ago. It's a little schmatlzy, but maybe we all need that about now, eh?**BG**:

HUGS

It's a wondrous thing what a hug can do
A hug can cheer you when you're blue.
A hug can say "I love you so,"
Or, "Gee, I hate to see you go."
A hug is "Welcome back, again!"
And, "Great to see you!" Or,
"Where've you been?"

A hug can sooth a small child's pain
And bring a rainbow after rain.
The Hug! There's just no doubt about it,
We scarcely could survive without it.
A hug delights and warms and charms,
It must be why god/goddess etc. gave us arms.
Hugs are great for fathers and mothers,
Sweet for sisters, swell for brothers,
And chances are some favourite aunts
Love them more than potted plants.
Kittens crave them. Puppies love them.
Heads of state are not above them. (LOve that one!!!)
A hug can break the language barrier
And make the dullest day seem merrier.
No need to fret about the store of 'em.
The more you give, the more there are of 'em.
So stretch those arms without delay
And give someone a hug today.*


{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Rustic Rebel}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

*please remember to respect personal space!:-)