Hi,

I am really quite pleased to see a substantive discussion on this list on this topic.

I just want to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the wide set of cultural differences that people one this list bring and want to propose that we all remember this while both making statements and interpreting statements.

Often something can sound offensive to someone with different cultural perspectives that was not meant that way. So care needs to be take in both reading and writing - especially if we really want to deepen our knowledge of what others believe and argue.

One of the great things about the diversity of NCSG, both in terms of cultural and political perspective is that it gives us a crucible in which to broaden our inter-cultural knowledge and instincts.

As I said, I love seeing this list used for real and substantive discussion of hard topics.

cheers

a.