[Superman]

Markus, I appreciate the kind words, I really do. It is widely known that a "liberal" thinker in my country might be close to the middle of the political spectrum in Europe. Heck, I think a "liberal" here could be a "conservative" in some European locations. So.....I am aware that my thinking is probably shared by a fair proportion of Western Hemisphere thinkers, not counting America. So.....perhaps what you are noticing is the somewhat rare observation that an American might have a balanced view of public policy. I guess I'm asking the question and perhaps I will start a thread for this. I think the world, and especially Europe, find American politics interesting. Well, perhaps not so much interesting as amusing. Very conservative. And very glamour-oriented. Appearances are more effective than SUBSTANCE.

I hope to follow the American political selection process next year, as a European. Even though I am not a European. I hope to maintain some emotional distance, and think of it as entertainment. It would probably make much more sense in that light.

At any rate, back to public policy. I believe in government. Just as I believe in co-ops, groups buys, credit unions and labor unions. It's because I think it's all about PEOPLE. And I think we can accomplish a secure and prosperous community. Not by isolating ourselves from each other, and butting heads in furious competition. Sure, competition is fun and productive, but so is cooperation. Mutual goals. Teamwork. America is not about teamwork. These nitwits I argue with here prefer a more competitive, more independent and isolated society. Isolated from each other.

I was recently at one of those motivational things where the consultant had us play a game. I don't recall the rules exactly, but by the time the game was over and results tallied, it became clear that if players cooperated, their combined AND individual scores would be higher than if they competed. Naturally, they competed. And in doing so, they minimized their individual and groups scores. Had everyone cooperated instead of playing the competitive strategy, everyone's score would have been higher than their actual scores were. Again, there is a BIG place for competition. It is fuel. I enjoy it. It is the American Way. But gosh........couldn't we set that aside for just a moment....just long enough to minimize misery and maximize opportunity and resources?

Okay. You shouldn't encourage me, Markus.