> This is the inherent problem with democracies. Oh no, I'm in lock step with you on that one, Brother. I have been democraskeptic since the 90's. >>Pray tell, why do you like socialism? That's the thing, I don't *like* socialism. I could cheerfully live in Pinocheist Chile. Other than having a blanket dislike for Muslims, I could probably live well enough in (non socialist) Saudi Arabia. But unless it's your goal to specifically live in a kingdom or under a military coup, socialism tends to recommend itself. For what it's worth I'm probably a good deal less political than you are, and I have very little interest in debate. I'm not trying to cut off your main point, whatever that may be, but I'm fairly upfront about the fact that I'm probably less open minded than you think I am and I'm not shopping around for a new belief system. Facts tend not to impress me.