It's very easy for Americans to say that their own government is run by and for the people, unlike other more totalitarian or 'zealot' states, as you call them, especially today. However, it seems to me, and many other people living in 'less civilized' countries around the world, as your remark seems to indicate, that much of American politics is directly influenced by highly conservative or 'zealot' organisations that do not have the average person's interests at heart. As for saying that Mr. Fink's opinions or remarks were inappropriate, I have to say I find stating that the constitution should protect the rights of the unborn, that embryos are 'god's children' and that other countries are more 'zealot'-like ( and, therefore, potentially less civilised) than the United States, are highly 'inappropriate' remarks as well and one's that I find to be 'zealot'-like and potentially verging on the offensive to other people on this list. ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).