Thank you so much, A_Wanderer, for this - I certainly wasn't expecting it.
I know we are on complete opposite sides of the philosophical spectrum (and halfway around the world from each other), but I have hopefully sensed a basic level of respect from you that I TRULY appreciate.
I know I'm not "Miss Popularity" and I can live with that - my only concerns when posting especially in FYM is to try the best I can to give voice to those opinions of people who do not always have access to our forums because they live in situations of extreme poverty and can't always voice their own opinions.
I play the devil's advocate to shake the tree of our own parochialism and (sometimes) misunderstandings. But I try not to personalize the debate or, if the debate gets off on the wrong foot, to stay "stuck in the moment".
As many who are in FYM know I am deeply involved in several organizations that are knee-deep in the Global AIDs and extreme poverty struggle, so my time to spend in forums is limited.
But I do want to thank everyone who will publicly wish me well on my forty-something birthday
and even to those who will wish me the best but may not publicly post your wishes.
U2 has taught me to try my best to be a person of Grace - to try to extend Love and peace to the world and to forgive others as I ask to be forgiven.
I hope that I can live up to that standard.
U2 is the glue that binds us - let's ALL try to be more worry of their trust in us.