Perceived vs real --- While putting concepts into two distinctive (and usually opposing) pairs is a useful tool to help us understand them better, using these opposing dichotomies to then continue discussing these same concepts is, in my opinion, a trap. Not to mention how it can lead to a rather philosophical debate like the one you provided here John about 'perceived' vs 'real' reality.

This is why I always feel the situation on the ground is what needs our attention, and discussing it from a theoretical point of view just leads us away from the solution.....feel free to call me a pragmatic!;-)

Source author: Andrej Skrinjaric andrejs@diplomacy.edu