You know, it is very hard to say, but it is possible that a significant per cent of the apparent stupidity is induced by media.

Not all of it, of course. Just for example, what if we had thought through the issue of relating to American Indians and establishing alliances from the beginning, that we then treated honorably? History would have been incredibly different, and arguably better, although it is impossible to assess how much the long tradition of warring tribes would have affected things. IF the Spanish had been less fixated on gold and the aggrandizement of the Catholic Church, what a civilization they could have built from Santa Barbara clear South to Chile!

Anyway, that's all in th epast, but it does indicate some areas of stupidity about human groups and organizations.

Frank, thanks again for your thoughtful contributions.

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