I keep looking for the flaming threads and I barely even see smolders.
Mary Anne, I am very likely one of the extremists you are referring to,
and if the way I explore the implications of the war we are now engaged in offends, I sincerely apologize.
Mary Anne, we are indeed at war and we will have very tough times.
A full exploration of that fact will be vigorous. People, mostly young men,will die unless our enemies succeed in finding even more terrible ways to attack the heartland. Then it will be much worse.
I respect your opinions here, and I have never thought of you as any kind of token or "pet".

I find you thoughtful and interesting.
I hope you will again post here.
Sincerely,
Ed