>here is also the quote somewhere about if we
>even approach it we will become mlechas. Must be too potent for us...

Actually, if you are a Western born person, according to Manu Samhita you
*are* a mlechcha. There is no provision in it for any mlechcha to get any of
the varnas. You should not even be taught the Vedic scriptures! ;-)

As you say, it is far too potent for this age, and I cannot imagine when
people were ever qualified enough to implement it. No wonder the Indian
politicians whose vote bank are the 'lower castes' use 'Manu-vadi' as a term
of abuse . They believe that it is on the basis of the Manu Samhita that so
many atrocities and injustices were perpertrated on the lower caste people
by the higher castes. Selectively quoted verses could comfortably be used by
all manner of tyrants, racists, and bigots to justify their worst cruelties!