Tabs,
I owe you an apology. I am relatively new to this site (how did I get upgraded to Senior Member in a year???) and my original 'quick' reading (and hasty reply) to your post was made with the thought that you did not live here. In further browsing other threads and from your comments, I see you are possibly in Nevada?
My reply was more in reaction to those (non Americans) that continuously complain about how terrible the USA has become and tend to throw stones, while living within their own glass house's abroad.
Sorry.
I agree with many of the statements made here and for those that have not read: Slouching Towards Gomorrah by Robert Bork ...I highly recommend it.