Hi Charles:

I hope you noticed that I prefaced my statement about "hate" with the word "appear."

Like most Americans, I want our nation to be liked by every nation with honorable intentions. I respect Taike a great deal for his honesty and integrity. It just sounded like he was "predisposed" to disliking the U.S. as many around the world appear to be. That is their privilege... just as it is ours to dislike obvious tyrants such as Hugo Chavez and that little imp from North Korea... not to mention Mr. Idiotidad from Iran. Anyone who has the stupidity to deny the holocaust is unworthy of friendship... or respect.

For those of you who may have forgotten, the United States with it's industrial capacity and resolve was largely responsible for the defeat of the Axis powers in WWII. No, we did not do it alone but we did have the courage to stand up and be counted.

Finally, the jury is still out on global warming and I'm not sure I concur with the estimates regarding carbon emissions. I certainly agree that we (the USA) should do our part to reduce them... but not to the extent that we do all the giving and the rest of the world gets a free pass. Everyone should adhere to the same reduction rules... third world or otherwise.

With all of that said, can we get back to stuff regarding General Arrangers? (LOL!) Otherwise, lets just take this topic to the Bar... or perhaps the parking lot... again, laughing!

My best to all of you!

Dave Rice