Neil, that was a fine rant - an excellent rant, in fact
I enjoyed it thoroughly. Thank you. I even agree with much of it. I would post a reply specific to your fine rant, but since it wasn't directed at me, I'll resist the urge. I'll wait for another one aimed at me. (I have a great idea for a new twist to the GW/CC thing. Perfect rant material.)
By the way (and you did touch on this), would you confirm (or deny if you disagree) for the other non-Americans who frequent these threads, that there are really two Americas. There's the one they see on their television or computer screens, and then there's the real one - you know, the one you've seen and experienced with your own eyes. I read them describe things and people that I've never seen or experienced.
I realize that I'm just an ignorant country bumpkin who just fell off a turnip truck in the middle of some survivorlists zone who stays glued to FOX News, but you'd think I would have seen at least a smidgen of what they describe, considering all my years here.