Some illuminating posts here so far, the vast majority very thoughtful.

John Hardly, I just want to say that I usually find your writing to be particularly clear and articulate., and I appreciate that you have decided to post here.    You nearly always provide substantial "food for thought."    Your thinking generally strikes me as leaning toward the libertarian direction of conservative philosophy.

Thanks for starting this thread, Amos. I look forward to reading more as it develops, and hope that it remains thoughtful and erudite.

Janie