Unable to set env vars.

I can't set env vars. I have tried from a terminal in Gnome, I have tried from the command line, I have tried using my .profile file and .bash-profile file.   Anybody have any ideas???? I really don't want to re-install.  BTW I am using a fresh install of RH 7.1.
(my forehead hurts from pounding my head on the keyboard, make it stop...)




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