well I agree with the sentiments that Hilary IS annoying and Jeb Bush SHOULD be the next prez! also does my heart good to see the "Happy Happy Joy Joy" song getting some love on here! 455

No more Bushes, no more Clintons. No dynasties. The country was founded on an aversion to inherited titles.

Thanks Jon, I think I've done HHJJ a few times.

Absolutely right, GW. But the class system still persists in "democratic" America, thanks to unlimited, anonymous donations to royal families who, in turn, have proven their fealty to special capitalist interests. In recent weeks, I have gone first-class on airline trips. I was revolted by the forced separation of the entitled from the un-entitled on the basis of money. This, when the wealth gap and the perks gap have finally become a big issue. The airport's exclusive first-class lounges with their fawning attendants and un-pronouncable food dishes are encitements for the peasants to arise, pitchforks and torches in hand . My daughter-in-law says, "If you have the money, you should be able to buy these things." She doesn't understand that institutionalized conspicuous consumption is bad social policy. Too bad you don't get to choose your in-laws.

The wealthy have always had better things than the poor. But, for a time in America, the working class could have houses, reliable cars, appliances, vacations, and discretionary income. As these things disappear, the contrast grows. If it ever comes down to what Al is talking about, it won't be Massachusetts 1776, but rather Paris, 1789. The prevailing philosophy is what makes the difference, then and now.