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I would say the events of 9-11 have exposed a lot about present day America. While its been said that America went along with the obvious lies of Bush and company because of fear, I think we just don't want to admit that our long standing hatred and contempt for Muslims, which is so marked in our popular culture, was an equal driving force in our easy acceptance of obvious mistruths. Along with that, there has been a general decline in citizenship and true patriotism, something the allegedly stupid Bush so well recognized when his only request of us after 3,000 Americans were murdered on 9-11 was for us to go shopping. That is not something any leader of a nation of engaged and caring people would ask. The problem with capitalism, as with any ideology, is it must be subjected to flawed human nature, and in this country, capitalism has brought embarrasing levels of greed and materialism. Too many of us seek happiness from acquiring things and since extreme materialsim is not the true answer, like junkies looking for a better high, we acquire more and more of these things in an effort for a contentment they cannot bring. For most, the role of consumer has blotted out the role of citizen; in a democracy, that allows power to fall into the hands of the few as we spend our days heading to the mall instead of in the streets. The multi national corporations now control our government not because they lavish money on pols, but because nearly all Americans are uninformed, unengaged and just too damn uncaring to take the time out and do their civic duty. When you live in a country where the prevailing characteristic is every man for himself, it must be remembered that the more money and power you have, the better that system works for you. That has been the genius of recent GOP success until its recent demise due to events; they have convinced people that being selfish will work as well for them as the top 1%. With all the recent bad news regarding the economy, Wall Street's reemerging arrogance and greed, rising joblessness etc., any nation of serious people would not be behaving as we are, but the ethos of living for yourself and over the top materialsim have done their magic on a people who while they still maintaIn that life style cling to it ever more desperately, as though by doing so they can avoid the truth they know is around the corner, getting closer every day; it's all going to end, and badly.

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Re: michael nola I well remember the NAFTA debate. Robert Dole, senator from Kansas, said that his mail and constituency ran 80% against. He voted for it anyway. I am only using him as an example. There are probably many others. He probably got some benefit from Archer Daniels Midland.. It will end badly as long as the politicians are bought and paid for.

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Nola, as a true Republican, a non-neocon, a fiscally conservative and socially moderate individual, I agree with nearly 90% of what you said. It is amazing. I must say though, that Republican belief was not always of individualism for the good of individual. It was actually individualism for the good of society. But individualism consisted of being fiscally conservative, of saving, of investing for the long-run, and not of delving into luxuries, too much of which have destroyed not only individuals but also governments throughout world history. But again, I commend you for what you posted. Let's hope things will improve ... which I doubt in the short to medium term.