Ahhh, Cal. You always lead the charge to "do in" people who agree with you more often than not. Look at your "footprint" here ... your exhaust fumes. The comments are "tearing apart" Republican governors who actually have to "run" a state and not "pop off" in editorials.

Ann, I enjoy your columns. But is this what you want to breed? Behold your followers: loadstar Wrote: Letting them remain will be like ending slavery (also a tragic mistake)-- a lingering mess for all. We DO NOT NEED millions of low educated, low aptitude, culturally disparate who were weaned on socialist guvment trying to cradle them.

Professor Adams, Do you ever look at what your well-written columns leave in their wake? Just asking.

Mr. Thomas "danced" around a huge problem for Republicans. Explain this. 20 women in the Senate, 16-4 Democrats; 78 women in the House, 58-20 Democrats. Same in the state legislatures -- lopsided Democrat advantage. Females outnumber males in voting age population. Females vote in greater proportions than men. Females favor the Democrats. This advantage ... doing the math ... is about 8-9 million votes nation wide. Why the deficit for the Republicans? Mr. Thomas fails to address these facts. The RNC people need to stop relying upon anecdotes, as Mr. Thomas does, and address the core issues here.

Wow, Professional Adams. You did good job ...and kicked off a reasonably civil discussion that highlights denominationalism... and then the "demoninationals" versus the "non-denoms." It makes me think about the book --- Applebee's America --- and the chapters that look at religion. The book is based on an intriguing question .... how do you sell candidates? Food? And God? The techniques turn out to be shockingly similar. As an aside: I admire the US because, through its rules and politics, allows a variety of "cafeteria Christians" and others to live without the fear of religious wars, which are the worst kinds of wars. These debates have been going on for some time now.

Mike, Get a little more creative. You are duplicating. Colbert did this schtick. Invent a new one, OK?

This is kind of the exclusivity found at the Rotary meeting I described. They are many Democrats who are Catholics. Want to read them out of the faith? There are many Democrats who are denominational Protestants (Methodist, Anglicans), should they be read out of the Christian faith? Many Democrats who are non-denominational. Should they be read out? Certainly, as we know, there are many of the Jewish faith who are Democrats. Should they be read out of the Judeo-Christian faith? Simple truth: Exclusivity leads to permanent political minority status (ask the Goldwaterites and the McGovernites). Inclusivity, without abandoning faith, leads to majorities. A simple political maxim.

I belong to many organizations (I guess I have social capital). The problem is when these organizations meet, they have little experience in welcoming "different" people. The Rotary breakfasts, in one of the most affluent zip codes in the US, is a case in point. The guest or new member walks in. The host --- "proud as hell" --- trots the person around "as if" on exhibit. This is "our" Asian, this is our friend from India, this is our black friend, this is our Latino friend. Invariably, the guest is asked by one member without the slightest effort to be subtle .... "What is wrong with your people? They vote Democrat." It is embarrassing and I've mentioned this in meetings. And then, I'm dismissed as liberal. Geez.

Mike, Read downward and behold. I enjoy you. You are engaging. But look downward. Your fan base.

We are stronger than you think. We take care of things locally and don't need a propagandist to tell us how to handle our issues and problems. That is your big mistake. You bought into the drama of being a columnist and trying to satisfy those who will post your column here. You forgot the regular people. And, in so doing, you dismissed a lot of folks.

Now, let's ride around any community, shall we? I can have a creche as tall as I want in my yard. My neighbors and I can collaborate and build a creche as high as the Eiffel Tower (minus those pesky neighborhood associations). We have complete, total religious freedom. What's the problem? No one is stealing Christmas. No one is stealing the Jewish holidays. There are dissenting voices and this site tends to elevate dissent (which we should welcome) to fear. Excuse me now, I'm going to arrange the shepherds and the Magi and adjust the lights on my outdoor display! Do remember, in every big city, in every small town, in every rural area ... people of Christian faith celebrate ... and have no interference from the "forces" you exaggerate