It is sad to me that you felt it necessary to tell us who Freud was. Do younger people really not know?

I support Israel b/c they are more dedicated to enlightenment values than their neighbors and are our ally. By supporting them, I mean I hope for their continued existence (which was, in the beginning, a bad idea) and that they can live peacefully, not that they are always right. Because I support them, I would like them to empty their settlements and unilaterally recognize the independence of the West Bank and Gaza, however they would like to organize. At the same time, I would like them to return any attacks with overwhelming force and without listening to international complaints. Holding the land hostage has never given them peace. Fighting works, but only when the nation feels morally pure. That has become harder for many of them to do

Mr. O'Reilly could have mentioned that his opinion may be shaped by the lawsuit he faced a few years back by a Fox employee who accused him of sexual harassment. I have no idea whether or not the claims were true. The case was settled. He seems to decide who was right here based on Bieber's celebrity, with which he probably identifies, maybe because of his own suit. Who is right or wrong cannot be decided by status or situation. Sometimes celebrities are in the wrong.

I imagine (don't know) that like me and a small percentage of others, given a choice, PB would prefer Ron Paul for president. Obviously, not happening. Even Romney won't change much b/c the political will is lacking. Those in office in 2013 should not worry at all about their own future and put us on a sustainable path. It will cause much pain, but it is better than the pain we will receive if we don't do something fairly drastic. There are no good choices, which is why I favor dumb cuts - 10% across the board. I believe every department head, charged with finding it, can do that, only not being permitted to disproportionately cut employee salaries/benefits. No chance.

Here are the conditions where I would feel okay about it: 1) Arab League troops under our control and our rules, but their money. 2) We are reimbursed for the cost of the air war we would run with NATO, as in Libya with us leading from the rear by Arab League. 3) as many Syrian rebel groups as we can possibly contact and Arab League all promise a const'l democratic republic with first amendment as its primary law working with U.S. on const. and early election and with Dubhai being the transitional rulers of the country in consultation with U.S. in the meantime. 4) ONLY with a constitutional decl. of war.

When a young attorney, I tried matrimonial law thinking I could make a difference in people's lives. It was hard because clients were more intent on hurting their spouses than winning. That's how I feel about both sides right now. They'd rather punish the other side than win. If one side would put that nonsense aside and "grow up," they would likely win the independent vote, which is probably, like last time, everything. Because I want Romney to win, I hope he is the one who recognizes it. He is not going to be helped by conservative pundits like Mr. Elder or campaiging with Trump, that is for sure.

I feel so sorry for transgenders. There's is a heavy lot. But, I agree with Mike - Jennifer is a he and should not be able to use the locker-room. In fact, some hetero males might want to test this and claim they are transgender too and need to use the women's locker room. That might settle this fast. You have to wonder, are they going to force a woman to room with him in a dorm too?

The topic was birthers, King. In fact, read the first word of the article. Do you really only need to read those who just repeat exactly what the writer says or say, goooooo, conservatives? Though you seem not to be in agreement with me, I won't presume you are for against Romney, just misled as almost all partisans are. I want Romney to win, and it might not happen if birthers and those against gay rights dominate the conversation. In fact, Obama would like nothing better than to have that happen.

The birther issue, Trump, a disaster for the tea parties and the GOP, and others cannot let go of, is one of a few reasons Romney might lose the election. It seemed likely when Trump was proclaiming his investigators were learning all kind of things in Hawaii, that he was fabricating, as he seems quite comfortable doing. His interview the other day with Blitzer simply confirmed it. The one thing Republicans should be glad about is that he did not run for President. Another reason is the anti-gay rights agenda. Whether conservatives want to recognize it or not, the culture has tipped, and the trend towards pro-gay rights grows faster every year. You can debate the issue, but not the clear indication of the polls.

I think Steve Chapman is the most reasonable writer who gets published here. But, this was an article without a purpose or a point. He could have written - China. Maybe we need to worry, but maybe not. Next.