First of all, no one demanded or even requested a ban on religion, so that statement is just so much bullcrap. It just amazes me how some people can take the tiniest scrap of NOTHING and try to explode it into something it's not. Please point out what words or phrase I used to prompt the last paragraph of your above post. The fact is, I didn't even comment on Mark's post so what's with this diatribe against me? Personal, maybe?

Someone else mentioned the 'religious' factor which got the usual (and predictable) negative reponse. I then merely opined that bringing religion and one's personal religious beliefs into a secular forum was probably not a good idea; a FAR CRY from requesting a BAN. I think you've done a lot to prove my case. In any case, THIS is the right forum for this discussion and I'll be happy to discuss 'Freedom of Religion' (which, btw, has nothing to do with any your 'grievances'), 'Freedom of Speech' (likewise), or any other subject on which I may have an opinion. Listen, the hardest concept for most people to accept is that someone else's opinion is just as valid FOR THEM as yours is for you. It seems to be especially hard for 'People of Faith'. Hey, this IS a PUBLIC forum, which means that you're likely to encounter a wide variety of opinions on EVERY subject, so if you're going to threaten to leave (and try to make it appear as though it's my fault) every time one (opinion) doesn't agree with yours, then (in my opinion ), that's downright childish.

BTW, my take on Freedom of Religion is that you have the freedom to practice it, not bombard the rest of the world with it. As for Freedom of Speech, just re-read your own posted definition above. I happen to agree with it.

chas