I am also glad that there is an effort to eliminate FGM. As an American citizen I am distressed that some in the US government do not want the US to be under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.

In reply to Foxy- With respect. I hope I'm not putting words in David F's mouth but I think you're missing the point.

It is always unfortunate that my view on FGM will upset many
Give this ex Christian some rope
As is my right I consider no God ever existed
And if they want to, any faith wants to,in any way control how I live they have zero right to
FGM is too dreadful to let a primitive belief impose it on any one
We Must demand no faith ever again harms any one
Out law this practice and put long terms in prison for all involved on it
Ultimately my belief would be just as confronting for the slowly dying Catholic Church

Canem Malum,

With all due respect - I understood what
David said. However, there were a
few other thoughts that occurred to me
and David answered and broadened them for me.
For which, as always, I am grateful.
I've inter-acted with David many times on
this forum over the years. I admire him
greatly.

Hi Foxy,
Yes I believe so.

Whats bothering me right now is the implications of this.
http://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/us-democrats-act-to-end-government-shutdown-20190104-p50pod.html?ref=rss

- And I'm not even focused on the shutdown issue, it's the bigger picture that really bothers me -

You see Foxy, I support the 2nd amendment and the wisdom behind it;

"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."

What I understand this to mean, is that the real power of the United States resides within its citizens; who hold the ultimate 'checks and balances' over the government of the day; and who also reserve the right, 'enshrined in the constitution' to overthrow a tyrannical government and ensure the security and rights of the people that are guaranteed to them.

Now for me, it's not the government of the day that are the problem.
- It's the Democrats who are the problem -

If I stand back and look at the bigger picture,
What I see is US democrats who RELY on IMMIGRANT votes and handouts to put and keep them in office.
And everyday that passes that the border stays open, Democrats and gaining votes and representation oven existing citizens; and the mandate of the people - in Trumps Presidency.

And so the Democrats are relying on non-US votes to put them in office; and whilst in office they use that power to destroy rights guaranteed in the constitution; such as the First amendment.

[Cont]
Now a lot of people get killed with guns in the US, and I kind of turn a blind eye to it, if only because I believe this is the price of having that right (to overthrow a tyrannical government) enshrined in the constitution.

I look at the bigger picture and wonder if a Civil War is not ultimately on the horizon;
(If that happens, SOROS and the bankers WIN as well so I don't want a Civil War)

But it may come down to being no other choice and if the US citizens leave it too late, will be put down and all rights in the constitution lost.

And so, I wonder what can be done to ensure the rights of the US citizens enshined in the constitution remain intact; and what else can be done NOW to avoid a Civil War, before it becomes not only inevitable but completely valid.

I think Trump needs to declare a National Emergency and Martial Law and send tanks and military to the border and if any Generals stand against him, fire them on the spot.