And I would only add this to the above guest's sensible remarks: the criticisms of the US citizenry are wholly valid. We are a democracy, and our government does what we ourselves allow it to do in our name.

You don't have to vote for Bush/Gore just because the conventional wisdom says that is the only "realistic" way to vote. You don't have to keep re-electing corrupt incumbents. You don't have to stay at home consuming, because it is easier than taking action in the public arena, regardless of your class background.