Lynn from Montana appears to lack a sense of history and of man. What Jefferson wrote applies precisely to what we are experiencing today. Vultures, both corporate, political, bureaucratic, and financial are indeed trying to "take from the mouth of labor (i.e. men) the bread it has earned." The times may have changed, but not the nature of mankind. And I think Jefferson had an excellent grasp on mankind's frailties and foibles - and avarice and greed. They are still with us, as they have been for centuries and centuries.

The nail has been hit squarely on its head!

What a pity - nay, a tragedy - that GWB cannot, or refuses to, read. But then, if he could and did, would he ever understand the full meaning of Jefferson's words?

But how much more satisfying to know you are correct!

Aw heck! There goes the fun out of shooting the messenger 'cause you don't like what he says! Especially if he insists on using facts with which I do not find favor!

Aha! Political correctness (PC) rears its ugly face, which has two despicable sides - ignorance and arrogance.

What does he mean "exclusive?" Aren't other peoples of other nations allowed to possess these same qualities of life? After all, isn't that why Bush took America into war - to provide Iraqis with these same qualities (except he called it democracy)?

For a man whose blades keep going around in circles, Mr Sikorsky certainly knows how to shoot straight.

Well, there's the CIA, FBI, FDA, FEMA, HSO, ACLU, IRS - to name a few alphabet soup miscreants, all of who seem determined to force their 'laws' upon US. I think it polite to call them scoundrels.

There is no better cure for most of out ills and problems than some thorough and careful introspection of ourselves as individuals.

We seem to grasp at shadows every four years - and lose the substace in our lives.

Shades of John F. Kennedy! And so it should ever be.

Right on!

Mr Commager says it all.

Can anyone put it better? Better yet, can anyone live up to this?

Durant was a great historian and was thus able to place current ideas and events in a logical perspective. What he has to say above appears harsh but is very true and, unfortunately, difficult to put into practice because of political poltroonery.

Another lesson from history which oft goes untaught and, even more so, unlearned. As the noted American philosopher, Pogo, once said: "The enemy is us."

Not only that, but bad intentions as well.

Yes.

How very, very true.

Obviously Fort Worth is a hotbed of pitiful socialism. In my experience, living among the people in four different countries - if charity does not begin at home (i.e. the local community), the government steps in and` fouls up the whole idea with a gigantic 'welfare' bureacracy and kills off the whole concept of Christian charity. And humanity is worse off for it. As for relying upon "quotes from the pre-christian era" - I do think Publius Terentius Afer is from that era, so why not rely on his words?

I think it is the depth of ignorance to attack the speaker instead of the words. What Pataki says has an ominous ring of truth to it. As to his personality, I have no idea and if one is to attack the speaker they should show evidence of their justification for so doing.

There is considerable truth here. But one has to think on it for a bit to perceive it. Something like this has already begun the process of turning the USA into a truly despotic socialist state,

Here's to solipsism! If you have the integrity and courage to accept the responsibilities which come with it.

Right on!