something about the current madness about circumcision in my state of origin. first, i'd like to point out that anyone who attempts to compare circumcision with female genital mutilation should get a big kick in the teeth: there's some data out there that says male circumcision actually may have some medical benefit, specifically in decreasing the occurrence of UTI's and other infections. no such information exists to support genital mutilation, which at its least invasive involves the wholesale removal of the clitoris. second, north dakota being north dakota, i would worry that this lawsuit and much of the hype it will receive, reflects a rather nasty (but also rather underground) strain of anti-semitism that is perceptible in the state. (favorite oft-repeated question of my childhood: "what religion are you? catholic or lutheran?")