The same thing is true everywhere, Robert. I found it especially true in dog breed discussions. I would say or ask something controversial and breeders would jump on me the same way that John did -- really ugly unnecessary abusive stuff. A lot of people just don't want to put up with that. They're interested in the subject. But they don't want to endure that kind abuse. Since I endure it, they write me to 1) agree with me and 2) give me any sort of information they think I might be interested in. It was a dog breeder who sent the ATTF to my door. Some people play even rougher than John in these discussion groups. As to the note I was sent and posted, you can't dismiss Amir Taheri lightly. He has a reputation as an authority on Islamic terrorism. He was the first journalist to report on the recruitment and training of terrorists in Iran. He isn't a crack pot. He's over there talking to people and seeing things. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amir_Taheri By the way, I'm having a problem with my internet power and signal. A technician is coming out Friday, but in the meantime my ability to send emails will be limited. The power cuts out many times a day; which for some strange reason lets me receive emails more often than send them. The last email I posted took almost a day to go out. Lawrence -----Original Message----- From: Robert Paul Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 7:09 PM To: lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [lit-ideas] Re: Obam tried to stall G.I., Iraq withdrawal > A lurker sent me the following: Are these lurkers who so conveniently appear whenever Lawrence wants to post unsupported tripe like this afraid to write under their own names? Why? The rest of us state our views and take our lumps. Isn't that the point of being on a discussion list? Maybe they're in the Federal witness protection program. Robert Paul