[jimbob]

yah, so Isreali and (the putative) Palestinian states aside...

... I felt like I was pretty even tempered, respectful and moderate in the Iraqi thread(s), but even I took a beating in the "Ratings". Oh well, I guess all that really matters is that I had agreed with certain individuals opinions, and how I presented myself evidently was secondary.

It's interesting to note that nearly everyone who participated in that thread lost considerable "votes". I guess if someone's to have an opinion they either take the hit, or turn off their rating.