Well, I can't say I have ever read anything you would need to apologize for, but then, as with cotton, I haven't been around all that long. I understand the rules regarding religion and politics are in place for a reason, but I think it is a shame to be unable to discuss them in a reasoned, logical fashion, rather than as a personal attack on one's beliefs. I have very strong beliefs and I don't mind one bit having them challenged. I figure either I or the person I am talking to may learn something from the exchange, provided reason and logic are integral to the discussion. But I guess many are resistant to reason (not here, specificly, but in general) or half the american public wouldn't still think Bin Ladin and Hussein worked together. I don't mean to offend anyone. So I hope these comments will be understood to be strictly my opinion and not intended as criticism to anyone here, particularly DocJohn. It's just that I have always felt able to freely argue about my beliefs and perceptions without fear. If you don't agree with those beliefs, I would like to hear your reasons. I may even change them if your argument is persuasive enough. It's my experience that those who cannot do so without rancour have accepted the beliefs of others (parents, religious leaders, etc.), without reason or understanding, and so get defensive due to being unable to defend them.

Please understand that I mean no offense. It's just my opinion. Again, I apologize if anyone is hurt by my remarks but I felt they needed to be said.