Watching all the fighting going on, I'm wondering why I bothered. I mean, I survived a few years of elementary school on the philosophy that no one attacks the kid they haven't noticed. I know when I'm asking for trouble (well, I usually know. There are always the social blunders you didn't intend to make, but let's not go there).

And, I mean, if anyone thinks that I wouldn't prefer to have to trot around a couple of miles of concrete with the epidermal layer (and some of the dermal) gone from the soles of my feet than jump in on something like this, they are sadly mistaken.

So, why?

Well, lack of common sense, sure. I've always had that. That general attitude that makes you think, hey, maybe the little lemming really _does_ know where its going. Yeah, been there, done that.

And then there's all that "Give me liberty or give me death" stuff that I couldn't help absorbing as a kid (hey, it was in the air). The feeling that those things need to be said.

Also, let us not forget the areas I could mention that still have laws saying People Like Me can't vote, own property, or stuff like that. Because of personal beliefs. And, if someone had stood up and said something extemely unpopular, would it have made a difference?

Well, yeah. Because history shows some people did. And they made a difference.

Me, I figure there's a better than even chance I'll say the wrong thing and make it worse, but sometimes keeping silent seems wrong.

For the kinder, more civil, even supportive responses, thanks.

For the ones that might have been intended sarcastically or might not - I'm assuming not. So, thanks.

For the use of the words moral and ethical, I don't know an alternative. An ethics system is more than an opinion. I realize some people have radically different value systems than me. That doesn't make them any less important to us.

Ob. B7. Having said my Cally-esque piece, I think I will now give into my natural impulse, be Vila, and go into lurking.

Ellynne ________________________________________________________________ GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.