I am so glad that this thread hasn't continued to explode. I have no time at the moment but want to contribute.

My intended plan is:

1. Type in an extract from a book with the intention of discussing it in due course with Foxy (not too important but it can be done quickly and lets me put the book away)

2. Revisit the Hitler thing.

3. Be responsive to AJ Philips.

4. Chat with Foxy

Right now I'll knock off 1 and hope that I get a chance to do the other things before the thread closes off.

This is from Budziszewski's "Ask Me Anything":

"I mean that people deceive themselves about their motives - and not just about dating. People plan all sorts of things they don't admit to themselves."
Chad asked, "Like what?"
"Planning to lose their virginity, planning to fall out of love with their wives-"
"I don't see how you could do those things without knowing it. How could you plan to change your opinions?"
"By associating only with people who hold the opposite opinions. haven't you ever seen that happen?"
"Well, yeah. And I guess I do see how you can plan to lose your virginity."
"Sure. By putting yourself in the way of unnecessary temptations."
"But I still don't see how you can plan to get pregnant."
Mary rolled her eyes. "I'll explain it to you later."
"Do that," said Chad. "And I don't see how you can plan to fall out of love with your wife either."
"That's because you're not married yet,"I said. "There are lots of ways. For instance, you might hire a beautiful assistant and take her with you on business trips."

AGIR wrote:

"You can see how David F is very passionate against Christianity, and his words could indeed be seen as 'inciting hatred'....but he and I agree to disagree.. I don't think he causes too much harm or that suddenly people are going to jump up and start harassing Christians because of his words. David might reflect though....how he would feel if Christians were 'now' expressing the same tones about Jews.

Dear AGIR,

Some Christians posting are saying far worse things about Jews than I have been saying about Christians. In addition to your denying what Christians have done in the past you are denying the present.

Dear David :)

This morning I had the joy of meeting the Hon John Anderson in person.

What a wonderful morning. (Outer eastern prayer breakfast). he was the guest speaker.

It was a thrill to share in such a broad based community moment.. gee even a Catholic chap said 'grace' before our meal. Very ecumenical I guess.

But John was very down to earth and warm in person.. quite big too.
"I'm just a farmer" he says.. indeed.

You have a wonderful day.

Dear AGIR,

So glad you had a good morning. The ixora is blooming outside my window, and the poinciana is still as there is no wind. My wife is off visiting a lady in her nineties. Will give her a hug when she gets back. Just had an email from my granddaughter in Delaware. It is a wonderful day.

As Cleopatra said to Antony, "Mark, I'm not prone to argue."

Indeed dear David :)

glad all is well with you.
cheers + xaris and irene' :)

<<Can we say that a fundamentalist someone who is prepared to uphold a view or belief despite reason or evidence to the contrary. The belief or view is non-negotiable.>>

grateful,
There is a certain cringe factor involved in watching someone
painstakingly hoist themselves on their own petard.
Nevertheless you have succeeded.
Well done.