Mike

>> By spewing "Don't be concerned, don't get active; it will fix itself" you are essentially guaranteeing that it won't fix itself! <<

Spewing?

I'm saying none of those things. I'm saying that having lived in a number of countries, the things I see happen here (in the US) are not such monumental disasters. I also agree that "evil triumphs when good men do nothing".

FWIW, I'd have to say that when it comes to freedom, certain actions of the USA on people *outside* the USA are something to think about. Take a look at the Kyoto Accord and the World environment Conference currently underway in South Africa that Bush refused to attend. The average American has no idea what those world actions are, let alone the fact that your country is among the few who refuse to participate. The point of these efforts, BTW, is to agree on ways to slow down global environment damage. Bush says that might affect your economy.

Finally, did you know that as a non-American in the USA I can be picked up and executed without trial? That it "can" happen does not mean it will happen. If it did, I'd expect you to be among those decrying my execution, not because it is me but because of what it means about your country. but I'd say it is more likely to happen in Zimbabwe (where it would be illegal) than in the USA... which is a pretty good sign that the USA isn't so bad.

Regards

JR