May I briefly join this discussion on free speech and thought? An old adage tells us that every written or spoken word is someone's opinion; a book, a speech, an E-mail - communication of any sort - provides interesting food for thought and possible further consideration, but unless the message can be proven with an unquestionable source, it's really just someone's opinion. Isn't that one of the tenants of genealogy research? When we read history, we should always try to remember that we are reading someone's opinon of the facts of the case. In all things, consider the source, evaluate the information given, and reach an informed opinion of your own. Only by knowing all sides of a question can we find the truth Here's a good example of directed thought: in many states, school textbooks are chosen by officials who are political appointees. Writers only make money if their books sell. It is a human trait for the seller to want to please the buyer. American History has been written for school textbooks in such a way that it will be the most saleable to the buyer, political appointees. History is rarely recorded without prejudice. Marj in Oriental NC