From GUEST 11:27
With this spectacle, I am deeply ashamed to call myself an American.

GUEST, you haven't had the guts to call yourself anything. This is a truly unfortunate situation, but it is a VERY American thing and nothing new to those who know enough about their country and its people:

1) Concern over an issue that gets publicized out of all proportion.
2) Self analyzation and flagellation over the excesses of 1).
3) A lot of practical good coming out of a bad situation.
4) The non-involvement of the central character.

I remember reading that Oscar Wilde was visiting the US at the time Jesse James was killed and noted in his diary that interested crowds had totally broken up his house for souvenirs.

Your other comments GUEST I quite agree with including Donuel's bit of clever satire.

Robo - A Proud American (No Matter How Much It Hurts)