The quote from Hume sounds like the Little Red Hen story.

I hope the author takes into account that a lot of shut-ins or folks who just cannot get out much for whatever reason, get a lot of good out of being on the computer through connecting with friends of support, etc. as we do on Mudcat and also that a person CAN put their money into the political process through being online, thus spending time and money. Obama has proved the latter to his benefit.

Having said that, I wish we lived in a friendlier neighbourhood. I know I could call on a couple of them in an emergency, which is comforting, but they are none of them overly friendly and not esp. the types of people I'd want to spend a lot of energy or time with. Not being snooty, just know we come from very different walks of life and that I have to be careful how I spend my energy.