Hie Gene ----- You asked: "Where does the defense end????? Where does the learning process start?"

Wiser men than I have been asked and tried to answer those questions. Unfortunately, there are neither easy nor straightforward answers. After more than 20 years in the criminal justice system (which has to ask and answer these kinds of questions on a regular basis and about conduct which is far more anti-social than that involved here), I can only say that it almost certainly depends on the individuals involved. Some of us learn faster than others; and, of course, some never learn. I'm not yet ready to say that Rene falls into the latter category.

I know you feel personally abused on this latest issue and I don't blame you at all for feeling that way. Most of your criticism was well-taken and I hope Rene takes it to heart and doesn't take my defense of him on that one point as indicating general approval. ----- jim o\-S