The Raids Have Begun!

"They visited us last night" ...

"They gave us warnings ... "

So stated persons who wished not to be identified after Saudi government agents visited them under cover of darkness.

The campaign has started.

Against terrorists, you ask?

Al-Qaeda cells being raided?

Bringing untold horrors to a halt before they occur?

Horrors indeed!

The horror of receiving a beautiful bouquet of the ancient symbols of love and beauty - roses - on Valentine's Day from a loved one, that is.

The agents of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (no, I didn't make that up) have commenced their annual visit to florists and gift shops instructing them to remove all red items lest the vice of presenting one's sweetheart with a red gift is promoted.

No more red roses to convey one's deepest love and respect.

No more red wrapping paper in which to enclose a gift.

No more red teddy bears!

On the Day of Love you'll fail,
To find red roses on sale;
At least in Riyadh;
It's really quite sad,
To have one could land you in jail.

Its nice to see how the Saudi princes are promoting democracy and understanding in their land.