Great job, Robert, on picking up several of the issues. And, I believe one was missed.

Re my wounded innocence - I was neither wounded, nor innocent. You got that.

To clarify my issue with your "grades". My post containing as a minor point my astonishment that FrankC is a moderator, with no comments as to his character, intelligence, wisdom, perspective or sense of humor, or lacks thereof, rates a "D". Key - an opinion, expressed without personal references. (Inappropriate, yes. Have we seen, recently, others far worse - I believe so. Was there moderator umbrage - no.) On a scale of 1 - 10, I'd say a 1, 2 at most.

The offensive comment was to the effect that if FrankC is a moderator I'm Madonna. "D"

On the other hand, the moderator is allowed a personal reply, without responding to the content of the remark which was offensive. A personal comment containing "your biggest problem", rates a "B". Didn't say what was offensive, though we know. It was that in my opinion FrankC is not a suitable moderator. On a scale of 1 - 10, a 2, maybe, for a normal poster, an 8 for a moderator who is trying to demonstrate what is acceptable.

However, this sort of thing passes FrankC's inspection.

In response to the question "How come Mexicans are economic refugees, and Cubans are political?" in a thread where I accused the Bush Administration of hypocrisy, there was this reply.

How come Bowser doesn't live in Cuba?

"Maybe more hypocrisy?"

What do the bowsers of Cuba have to say?

"Maybe more hypocrisy?" Etc.

Passed.

Hell, I invite criticism. My style on the Habitablezone positively invites criticism. What I have protested in the past have been lies and foul language and characterizations. And I've always assumed a reasonably level field. So far it isn't, and I believe it can be leveled with experience.

Frankly, (pun, intended, impersonal, not going to character, intelligence, etc., or lack thereof,) I will enjoy seeing how this policy works. Considering Fox's sane, rational, low-key style, it looks to be tilted toward conservatives while the kinks are worked out.

One other remark - I've never been a party to ANY of the back-channel emailing which seem to accompany the lobbying on many if not most issues. Everything I've said has been on the Boards. I don't know why I wanted to say that, I just did.

Sincerely,