about the billion dollars Paula, now that the Democrats are in power due in part to their stem cell stance Arnold may now be able to distribute some of the 3 billion dollars allocated for ESCR by the Californians in 2004 and currently held up by stagnant thinking litigants. I see a momentum swing here once every one has settled from the endless photo ops and back slapping and gets on with the business of enacting legislation. Other states will follow.

Don't even go down the secula road Lara. Aussie and NZ are indeed secula countries but respect the rights of those that practise religious activities in our countries. Mel Gibson--an Aussie--is a prime example. The U.S. being the worlds leading economy has a deeply religious population. Seperation of church and state is neccesary to contain the radicals. Remember Jonestown, Waco, 9/11....

GO HARD SCIENCE

Howard, I totally agree with a separation of church and state. I hope you didn't think I thought otherwise?

My point was that in the parliamentary and senate debates that I listened to here and read about, the lines became blurred.

As an Australian I believe it is imperative that we keep that separation at all times, esp. when debating issues of this nature in parliament and senate. If one looks at the results of the last Census published, you'll find an amazing number of people here put Jedi as their religion.

I don't like Mel Gibson, never have. Unlike many I suppose. I have no time for him. He might still have an aussie passport, but he wasn't born in Australia as far as I know.

take care there,
Lara