You requested input on the point of view of your last article. My feeling is that there needs to be continuity in the meaning of beasts through out the whole Bible. In ancient Biblical times beasts were kingdoms. A modern kingdom could be viewed as the corporation with the CEO having ruthless dictatiorial powers. I would hold the whore of Babylon to be Israel based on the Book of Hosea. The mortal wound that healed could be the 70 A.D. destruction of the temple or some other catastrophe. People contend that Jerusalem fits the seven hills scenario. Israel with its masonic roots control the global business environment. That my take from the other side of the pond.