[ChiefGator]

I voted "No" because I don't think it is true!! (spoken in an excited Milhouse voice...)

Not to wax too political/moralistic, but....

[I] legislation and law enforcement that affirms homosexuality, [/I]

Umm.. do you deny homosexuality? Don't think it exists? Some of the greatest minds and artists ever have been gay. (No need to be P.C. while you advocate a witch hunt against the ammoral 'homosexuals'... we can call it 'gay' here..) Alan Turing comes to mind. He finally killed himself since it was illegal to be gay in the U.K. The government fed him steroids and drugs to try and 'reform' him. Is that a better solution for you?

[I] oppresses the free exercise of religion, [/I]

Nope. just plain false. The free, private exercise of religion is one of the most coveted, protected rights in America.

[I] treats violent criminals and drug traffickers as 'patients', [/I]

Again, no. We have more people behind bars in this country than any other country. We have more behind bars per capita than almost any other country. And the vast majority of those are simple drug offenders. Or, they were before they were thrown into a common jail and deprived of their rights. That tends to change your attitude somewhat. Good thing we are winning that
'War on Drugs!'.

So, in conclusion, I don't think athletes could be considered a microcosm..

Mark :)