expounding upon MR's **ck Lebanon

Sadly, too many people see others as the problem and not their hate. Why think when acting and hating are faster ("more seductive"+)? "History shows that destroying has always been easier than creating."++

The US seems like an odd nation to be finger wagging and pointing, regarding its dismal history and track record (like genocide of native peoples, hundreds of years of slavery), condoning of underpayment of illegals (to some this is evil) -- I'd say, employment is illegal. They entered illegally, then have to be underpaid to exist -- tip from narrow-minded person, learn English and enter legally.

We do, however, allow freedoms -- sometimes too many to the wrong persons. I can go to a restaurant and order Korean food or an Indian restaurant and order food, sometimes not knowing what the items are. Better still, I can send it back. Most things are done by contract, not "I divorce you. I divorce you. I divorce you." sealing the end of the marriage. Similarly, I can get a job and then not randomly be fired.

I can drive through this small city and find Jehovah's Witness halls, Menenite Chapels, Synogogues, churches of all flavors (Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, Evengelical, Later Day, etc.). I do criticize others, belittle small bits of irony and inconsistencies in doctorine, but am happy there are choices. Really, the US is a consumer's market on many things including religion.

You believe that faith and faith only can cure your cancer, that is within your rights as an adult to let yourself go with that method. If you want to include poisonous snakes in your worship of God, that's okay too. If you want to accept no God (or god), that's cool. You may be ridiculed by others, not quite a Job character, but you aren't slain for it.

Killed for gayiety was a possibility, but now homosexuality is a fad. Aparently it's okay or cool, trendy to be seuxally wishy-washy. I think here, I'll be outdated and stick with hetrosexuality, but I'm fine with that. Simple principles, but very complex laws (too ubiquitous lawyers) make for a safer society with freedoms that other nations surrender or don't fight to have.

As for Syria, Lebanon, Jordan -- I think in the 70s you made it clear where you stood, and I'm sure that your mind is stuck, groovy with the 70s hate, retroactively cool, even in 2006.

+ Star Wars, New Hope
++ Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan