Life can be quite humbling; the longer you try to keep your seat on some intellectual high-horse, the harder it hurts you when you fall. Somewhere along the line I began to believe that the universe was trying to teach me something, and that if I didn't pay attention I was going to end up repeating the lesson over and over until I got it. Maybe when I do "get it" I won't ever have to go through the rough stuff again. One can only hope.

I think you're right about Bush Jr. There is not enough "noblesse" there. Personally, I think that is what hereditary wealth brings; a gradual erosion of the more admirable qualities in people. I was giving both Guest and George W. the benefit of the doubt on the sincerity of the "compassion". It sounds more like an ad jingle than a statement of personal conviction.

Enjoy your day
Bart