In a message dated 20/11/00 21:03:11 GMT Standard Time, [email protected] writes: << At first I did not understand what this conversation had to do with German Life. But now I think I get the connection. It must be all those AMERICANS who risked their lives in W.W.II or else you "obedient servants of Her Majesty" would know a whole lot more about German Life.>> Snip >> Angie Its not very often I post serious messages on this list, mostly attempts at humor or factual points. However, I must admit that my posting had nothing to do with German Life. The only excuse I have for being on this list that I have a distant Hessian ancestor. You may, or may not,think this is reason enough. I must tell you that I have a great regard for Germany and its peoples and have lived amongst them for a number of years. I am not sure what point you are making about WW11 and American lives, may I just say that I know about WW11, I took part in it. My horror for the loss of lives of WHATEVER nationality is as strong today as it was in 1945. That's why I am not ashamed to admit that I cry every November 11th when taking part in memorial services. <> Snip Quite how you bring in stereotyping Germans I cannot fathom, perhaps you will explain. <<Please understand that the current state of affairs deeply concern many Americans. We are fighting for our very foundation. Making fun right now is down right rude.>> Snip I am aware that this is so, the vacuum caused by the delay in electing a new President has vast repercussions throughout the world. But let me explain my posting. The first part of each section was written by an American in response to a spoof declaration which you may well have read. So, in 1 the question of saluting was the American question, mine the response Similarly in 2 through 6, the first part is an American question and the response mine. I regret that the American contributor and my sense of humor are not yours. The original proclamation of revocation which prompted all this has been circulated over the Internet and newspapers world-wide. Yours is the first condemnation I have seen. Of course you are fighting for your very foundation, I appreciate that as much as you do, where we differ is in our ability to see the humorous side. For what is it, nearly fourteen days? Two powerful men have been arguing over whether someone did, or did not, intend to vote for them, using all the power of the courts to try and prove their points. Really Angie, don't you think that humor is the only way to treat such ridiculous behavior? The fact that America will eventually have one of them as President is difficult for me to comprehend. We in the UK have strange people as our leaders, if you, or anyone else, saw fit to make fun of them I think you would be applauded by the majority of Brits. Laughter is surely the best and only way to treat a situation where you have no opportunity of influencing the outcome. I rest my case. Jack Garner