[cricket]

"It is interesting that the person who finally defeats Richard III in Shakespeare's play, Richmond, is the one key character who never talks to Richard or gives him a hearing, and thus never comes under his spell. To talk to Arafat, which is what all pundits say must be done to bring peace to the Middle East, is precisely the wrong move, for there is no dialogue with a man without a conscience. . ."

Excellent points and analysis; worthy of discussion and debate. . .

[Harrison Bergeron]

"But the cost of repressing one's most destructive feelings is an inability to understand, without significant effort, those who give these feelings free rein."

Wow. So so true. What a great article!

Re you comment on Richmond... Spot on. My wife and I have had an ongoing dispute over a (former) family friend whom I have forgiven for their transgressions, but have absolutely, under any circumstances, refused to ever speak with again. The reason is evil... the kind borne of lies and refusal to acknowledge ones failings.

Peck, in People of the Lie, said that evil is better avoided than negotiated with. It's advice I took to heart when I read it ten or so years ago.