>>>I agree with your conclusions. However, I betcha we disagree as to the root causes :-)
>>
>>Could be. I think the #1 cause is American arrogance.
>
>I would think antipathy...

From the "Wondrous wizard of Id"... the king and the wizard in a coach while the crowd cheers halfheartedly (and occasionally someone sneaks a "king is a fink").

King: They don't seem cheerful.

Wiz: Familiarity breeds contempt?

King: No, I don't know any of them.

Wiz: Then maybe it's just envy?

King: I don't envy them, either.