>We also have pretty basic political differences. >The most relevant difference in this context >is that I view Stalinism as no better in its >works than fascism, and for all his innocent, >good intentions, Tell's posts are a paean to >Stalinism. And the NYT and WSJ are paeans to capitalism (which I hate every bit as much as or perhaps *more* than "Stalinism," especially since I have to live in it). Shawgi's posts are certainly no more offensive (to my mind) than anything the WSJ or NYT have to say. When I get past the rhetoric, I find I agree with much of what Shawgi says, at least in outline, *about capitalism*, though not necessarily with analytical details or proposed solutions. By the way, please don't accuse me of defending Stalinism; that would be both wrong and stupid. Max, I agree that we have pretty basic political differences, but I don't think the most relevant differences between us are our views of Stalinism. Actually, I suspect we mostly agree on this point. I believe it's in our views of *capitalism* that we most strenuously disagree. (I could be wrong here; I'm just going by your posts on PEN-L since I've been reading them.) Blair ************************ Blair Sandler [EMAIL PROTECTED]