Philip Hart writes: I'm a bit unhappy about the imposition of an "if people care about it we can't mention it (well, except for discussions of G*d)" doctrine but I won't object as long as it's even-handed and not applied to discussion directly related to the Vladiad. On the specific topic of politics, it is nearly impossible to have civilized discourse. The recent response by Mr. Congdon used fairly inflammatory language and as such was inappropriate. Anyway, as this forum in my view belongs both to the people who read it and to SKZB, I for one would welcome hearing his political views on occasion, especially since we seemed blessed to live in interesting times. And yet he is loathe to discuss them, because he admits to turning into an asshole when he does. If he shows such admirable restraint on a topic which he holds so closely and dearly, i think so should we all. rone -- "Alan Alda's all we are." - Kurt Cobain