Why would I need to defend or provide support that I am a follower of Jesus? And to you, of all people? What I was trying to imply (gently) above is that you seem to have your own, somewhat restrictive, view of what a follower of Jesus is, as your abortion comment suggests. And unfortunately I am old enough to know that once someone introduces the topic of abortion, the conversation is over - especially when the bona fides you demand are so limited and limiting. And no, I'm not trying to divert attention from my original post. In fact, I explained my rationale at greater length above. And I will repeat it - people should be more charitable - towards everyone, Americans and non-Americans. Not sure why that's aroused so much ire.