In a message dated 4/1/03 8:04:36 AM, [email protected] writes: << Taliban authorities will cut off America's supply of convenience store managers.>> It IS funny; but when we were trying to sell our stores, the only people who wanted to buy convenience stores in small towns were the Pakistanis, who, of course, wanted you to give them away. We were really worried about how our long-time employees would be treated and whether these people would "give back" to the community through community service, which had been one of our priorities. We were pleased when we finally were able to sell to a local person. We do have to think, though, of the other side of the coin: it will take a generation or two, and the descendants of these people will be "Americans." That's what America is all about; hey, two of my grandparents were immigrants! I can't fault these new immigrants for wanting to claim the American Dream for themselves and their families. We are the consummate Melting Pot, and I wouldn't have it any other way! Kuz Karen