Thanks for your response and I appreciate much more your affirmation of freedom of expression.

When 1984 was written it was far into the future. We have passed 1984 and welcomed a new century and Millennium but the themes of 1984 are making a comeback. It is ironic that in the two nations that were the original champions of modern democracy on 4 July 1776 and 14 July 1789 (Bastille day) are now having to face the idea of censorship and restriction of the rights of citizens.

I will take the liberty of agreeing with the poetic license statement but disagreeing with Rushdie's choice of target.  Hailing from the same South Asian region, I know that religion is a very powerful and stabilizing force for hundreds of millions of people, many of them still living a hand to mouth existence.  For a smart man, Salman was not that smart.  Living a comfortable upper class life in Britain and writing a book that targeted the religious sensitivities of many in South Asia and elsewhere whose only mooring to sanity was blind faith.  When some perceived their faith to have been slighted, a few took extreme measures to excoriate Salman and the rest is his story.  There are many issues that I feel strongly about but religion, that is a powerful stabilizing force for good in some of the poorest regions, should be left alone.  

Now, as far as my current issues with Western practitioners of medicine goes, I stand my ground firmly because my views are shaped by several negative incidents with medical malpractice and the loss of the lives of family members due to the malpractice.  Doctors of Western Medicine are paid highly, have a high regard in society and enjoy many privileges in my country where they are almost deified by the masses.  However, in almost all professions there is accountability and the risk of getting fired from the job for substandard work.  Some doctors dealing with the most precious human lives get away scot-free with the taking of lives.  Hence my strong feelings about my right to freedom of expression. 

Finally, on a slightly lighter matter, it is good to know that there is no glass ceiling for elves in Neopoet, unlike Santa's workshop.  I assume, based on your moniker, that what set you apart from the other elves worked in your favour and led to your rise in the rungs to power in the Neopoet hierarchy.

You are the Man.

Keith,

Haiku format is 5 syllables-7 syllables-5 syllables

You have created a version with 3 syllables-5 syllables-3 syllables

You might have created a new format - Shaiku (Short Haiku)

My favourite format is my own Rhyku due to the rhyme and there is harmony in rhyme that is probably the reason why many good poems are in a rhyming format.

You are to be commended for always expressing your views, no matter which side of the argument, in a civil,concise and intelligent manner with a dose of humour. You can serve as a role model for any members struggling to find their own voices and unsure of how to express themselves.