Right on, BT.  Sex has no relevance here. For example, last time I heard, Jimmy Caataa is still a "man" --- (anatomically).

NEVER,NEVER trust a "liberal" 

This is something I pointed out years ago in a call to a local, conservative radio program: The "ultimate reward" for Muslim "martyrs" is literally a personal harem. Funny how it all comes down to sex, huh? Christians go to paradise to be joyful with their God forever, Hindus get resurrected into better station and eventually get to some form of paradise (varies with sect), and Buddhists have a similar supreme release from a reincarnation cycle, but Muslims get a harem... Even disregarding the obvious devaluation of women to no more than toys, a serious problem in itself, Muslims' ultimate reward (which, I assume, only applies to males; ought to look into that) is effectively sex. Interesting given how obsessed the Muslim culture is with making sure women are kept covered in public, never allowed to demonstrate attractiveness. It also says something about the religion and culture.

If you stop and think about it for a moment, that specific reward actually makes a lot of sense in the right context. Warning: Blasphemy (but well thought out blasphemy, not moronic libel) ahead. Consider Islam's origins: Muhammad, discontent with his merchant's life goes to pray, has a seizure (and, supposedly, a revelation from Allah), and starts preaching, gaining followers. He eventually becomes a warlord, crusading against the unbelievers to capture Mecca. Now, as a warlord, leader of thousands of fighting men, what reward could be promised them that would make them unafraid to die for his cause? An afterlife in paradise? Well, that's already being promised by several religions... Think, these are mostly young to middle-aged men, so what would have universal appeal that other religions don't offer? Why, an afterlife in paradise with your own personal harem! I think anyone can agree that the male sex drive can be a tremendously powerful motivator, something this specific bit of religious canon seems to capitalize upon. (I'd like to look into the creation of the Koran, specifically the parts referencing the afterlife and see when they were created compared to Muhammad's actions to check my suspicion. If anyone knows of some good sources, I'd appreciate it.)

www.rhjunior.com Great comics with a hefty dose of Christian and anti-nutjob goodness.

"With your mind as high as Mt. Fuji you can see all things clearly. And you can see all the forces that shape events; not just the things near to you." -Miyamoto Musashi

Uniquely American?

Boy, is SHE sheltered if she thinks so.  I recommend she visit South Korea and try to deal with the old boy network, or possibly the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Peru, Angola, India, etc....

Myers noted that many are parliamentary systems where parliament elects a prime minister rather than the people directly.

You're correct bal, however, isn't the real underlying issue why have women through history taken the position of power in cultures that were clearly non-matriarical?  Note that queens (Elizabeth, Victoria, Sheba), prime ministers (Indira Ghandi and Golda Meir) and dictators (Evita Peron) have been women just to name the most famous ones.  I suggest this is more of the workings of group politics of the time than it has to do with gender per say.  A group seeking power uses anyone to their advantage to achieve their ends, it has nothing to do with altruism.

Hillary Clinton, whom Whoppi is indirectly referring to, is just a figurehead as it were of a group of people who stand to benefit by having her elected.  Obama is no different in this regard.  Here are two people of no relevent experience running for the presidency of the US, yet the group in question, the Democrat Party believes their agenda may be best served at this particular time by the token female or black.  This is just another diversion in the form over substance debate.

Which brings me back to the former female leader examples, the groups who put them in power and kept them in office merely did so as long as it suited their agenda.  Cynical, I know, but how else do you explain any of these women given the times they lived?  You really think any of these groups believed in the equality of women any more than the divine right of kings?  Take one look at the financial contributors to the Dem Party, do they give millions just because they "believe" in the Dem Party cause or do they have an ulterior motive, such as more money in their pockets????

 Lord Sidious / Darth Vader 2008  Long Live the Empire!  Come to the Dark Side, it is your Destiny.

Sharia Law, anyone?

The Rocky Mountain Collegian: Illustrating Idiocy