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Frank: I too have noticed that the discussion has been free of name-calling lately, and it is great! People will be more open to information that is communicated in this way than they are to heated posts based on opinions. Your suggestion about adding a loved one's name is an excellent way to self-police our posts. It is easy to get caught up in the moment when writing about something you feel strongly about. Frank, I am always impressed by the thought you put into your posts! We have many (though not all) common beliefs. One of the things you mention is animals - I am an animal lover and I am appalled at the torture that goes on in the name of research. We like to claim that animals are not enough like us to worry about their suffering, but in the same breath claim that they are enough like us that we can learn from research on them. That is not always true. We would not have aspirin today if it had been tested on cats - aspirin is toxic to cats. There are other valuable meds that kill animals, yet work beautifully on humans. I don't buy the argument that animal experimentation it is ok because humans are a "higher, more intelligent" life form. If you buy that logic, then you should be willing to donate your body for research to benefit aliens if a "higher, more intelligent" life form ever visits out planet. By the way, that was the "logic" used by Hitler to experiment on Jews. Also, by that logic, could MENSA members experiment on people who have mental retardation, or perhaps use them for body parts? (I am merely making a point here, not advocating this - please don't be think I am promoting this sort of thing!) Don't get me wrong - I know that some animal research has benefited humans, as did Hitler's research. I guess it is just a question of whether the ends justify the means, and the answer to that question will be different for each person depending on his/her own ethical beliefs. As for me, I understand the desire for and need for research to benefit humans, especially when we or someone we love deeply is in need, but what I don't understand is causing pain and suffering to innocent beings and taking lives to benefit other lives, whether the forfeited lives be human (natural or cloned), or animal. Wendy -----Original Message----- At last... For the past couple of days we have held a constructive politically based discussion (yes discussion regarding the content of this board is political) and while opinions were strongly expressed we did not bash or call names. If only those that posted responses, and read them, would keep it mind when they post in disagreement with either world leaders or others on this board. I am convinced that even those who disagreed with me have read these messages and perhaps learned something about each other or themselves. My suggestion would be that each person read their own postings before they push the send button. Substitute the name of a loved one or a leader you respect for the person, organization or country they mentioned. Read it again. If they would feel comfortable hearing others speak that way then post it. If not then tone it down unless you don't care if your message is lost. .... I believe its ok to eat meat... (but feel bad doing it when I think of it) I believe animals do have feelings and many can demonstrate a much higher intelligence than we can imagine... (we must respect that when doing research... did you know neurologists wack off the top of cat brains and then teach them how to walk again) I wonder how many people that believe abortion and human cloning are ok would at the same time be abhorred at the cat experiments... (Not meant to enflame just to stimulate thought on the issues) I feel for the animals but do understand the need for the research... ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn