when I clipped this I had 2 socially minded clippers particularly in mind - both female! You of course are one.

Thanks for thinking of me!

There are many unique things about the American character, not the least of which is individualism.

Individualism is not a bad thing. Our Founding Fathers declared that "all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights."

A noble and revolutionary idea, even if in practice we still haven't totally achieved it. (At the time, of course, only white, land-owning males could vote; women, blacks, and Indians were not counted as "men", and therefore had no rights, inalienable or not.)

But too many...

when I clipped this I had 2 socially minded clippers particularly in mind - both female! You of course are one.

Thanks for thinking of me!

There are many unique things about the American character, not the least of which is individualism.

Individualism is not a bad thing. Our Founding Fathers declared that "all men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights."

A noble and revolutionary idea, even if in practice we still haven't totally achieved it. (At the time, of course, only white, land-owning males could vote; women, blacks, and Indians were not counted as "men", and therefore had no rights, inalienable or not.)

But too many Americans also believe in "rugged individualism"; the idea that any one person can find success on their own and that government help for people should be limited. You know, "pull yourself up by your own bootstraps."

Well, it's pretty damn hard to pull yourself up by your bootstraps if you haven't got any damn boots, a reality lost on the conservatives among us.

One makes the elite wealthier. The others enrich the masses only.

Too many Americans fail to understand that the US would be happier, healthier, and more productive if the United States had a cradle-to-grave welfare system. But, God, Americans fear it so... first single-payer health care, then no more freedom of speech and re-education camps!

I lived in Europe for a number of years, and people in the States hardly believe me when I talk not only of universal health care, but of universal day care, preschool, and elder care; paid maternity leave and college; taxes used to benefit the common good and not the military-industrial complex.

I don't know if the United States will ever see a change in priorities: people before profits, but I'll continue to work towards it. Wish me luck.