Oldfart,

Sorry, no.

To do so is to say that there exists a class of people who are beyond redemption. While we may all agree that such a class exists, it is most unlikely that we will agree upon its membership. If, as I suspect, this is true, then I am unwilling to consign anyone, even those who I consider truly loathsome to a sub human status. To do so is to crate a caste system more horrific than India ever had.

There is no knuckle dragging political Neanderthal chanting “My country, right or wrong!”, nor any lily livered pacifist whining “Peace at any cost!” who cannot - in principle - be reasoned with. No one said that civilized behavior would be easy or painless, only that is a preferable state to a non sentient “us good – them bad” frame of reference. To be that way is to be as bad as those who we condemn.

I feel confident that everyone who reads these words has, at one time or another, fallen, and has been grateful for the assistance, be it either tough or tender love, extended by others which helped them back up.

Problems exist. Problems can and should be corrected. Unlike some, I prefer not to give up on others.