Thanks for that 405.

I've listened to Dr Paul for two years now, on a fairly regular basis, and those comments didn't, and do not now, sound like this most forthright of Pols. Suffice it, I appreciate your research.

He's the straightest shooter, non hesitant Pol I've ever heard, including Kucinich, although Dennis has his merits.

And David, be proud you're a socialist. Progressives call themselves socialists so they don't have to admit to being socialists. You're not the coward type ... at the top of your lungs now, I'm a Socialists and I'm Proud to be a Socialist!

I say you're a socialist not as a slam, nor in anger, but as a matter of fact because you favor more government as the solution for just about everything. That's the hallmark of socialist, thinking government has the best answers to societal problems.

George Bush is a socialist too. Just the fascist variety. Hitler was a socialist. You yourself have said herein that American nationalism isn't that big a deal(related to the illegal immigration issue if I recall). I see you and most of the higher echelons of government as International Socialist. They have a long tradition.

I don't really consider myself a libertarian sir, not anymore(socialists, via the communitarian movement, have co-opted a great expanse of what was formerly Libertarianism: but that too is a hallmark of socialism, fabianism or incrementalism.) but I'll cop to the Jeffersonian connection.

All that said, I see a place for government. I'll even admit, given human nature, perhaps more government is necessary but I'm partial -and always will remain so- to government within arms reach of the governed. Meaning government HQed in DC, or the Hague or the UN is no good and never will be.

Order yourself up a copy of The Vermont Papers. It's an interesting read on how government could be restructured in order to be most responsive at the local level. It's an interesting read but like so many 'modern' inventions it doesn't take into account the old truism of human nature: he who has the gold makes the rules.

Love ya Gentlemen(you too Ed, please don't mellow with age y'ol Gargoyle(none y'all:))

OH! I'm not convinced the sweatshop, conveyered, narrow specialized modern lifestyle is more humane. Nor challenging. And certainly millions find it boring, and unrewarding! Nah, I'll take the "At Your Own Risk/Let the Buyer Beware" world of former times. Trust me, I'll figure out the height of modern civilization somehow or other, on-demand hot water, ahhh.