Well, I sometimes think it is not worth it... the term "Sheepie" is quite appropriate for those who simply want a Shepherd -- this being the "Lord" -- either politically or religiously. They want the comfort and security of being told what to do, as this means that they need not take responsibility for their lives -- except in minor matters of no importance to their "Shepherd". That their Shepherd can call upon them to make sacrifices, and hold themselves ready for shearing is part of the bargain. If you are a good "Sheepie" you are promised a future reward, a bad "Sheepie" is a threat to security and will be put away. Oh, they talk about freedom, and nod approvingly over its benefits... but they really don't want it. For many of them, life is merely an unpleasant interim before a promised Heaven -- in political terms, a period of war and taxes before a promised world of peace and happiness (like the words of the old song, "There'll be blue birds over the white cliffs of Dover, tomorrow when the world is free"). I work a bit for Ron Paul, but I wonder now and then... I'm smart enough to survive, and perhaps even avoid the slaughter and the shearings to come. Yes, an "uphill battle" with myself.