don't judge unless you know. my mother, a good jew, came home from school on ash wednesday with ashes on her forehead; her friends had daubed her. her immigrant parents almost plotzed. not everyone wears the ashes voluntarily. in addition, some people may be going along with a spouse or parent or friend and, although not having drunk the kool-aid, is making someone else happy with very little personal sacrifice (the ash comes off with a little soap and water). that doesn't make them sheep. that makes them not terribly dedicated to combatting religion and somewhat dedicated to making the loved one happy.

g