Blink,

I apologize for not realizing that you may have commented in the manner that you did because of your own experiences.

Objectively, I must point out, if memory serves, the Czarina Catherine the Great almost doubled the size of Russia during her reign. She wasn't kind in her approach. I am curious to know if matriachal societies show a clear tendency towards avoidance of violence or not. Anyway, that's a whole discussion by itself.

Thanks, Blink, for your kind reply.  My esteem for you never dipped for a moment, and my *sense* of you has been always that you are a very good and special person.

Justin,

Thank you for your sense of love and mediation.

Love to you both,

Rob