Bobert, I don't think anyone has anything against starry eyed idealists, except we can't allow the furture of our country be subject to ideas which have a whiff of promise and nothing else. "The states first duty is to preserve itself". Unfortunately, that still remains true today, as cold and as calculating as it might seem. There are dragons out there, and you see the fear that a simple change to the Social Security system causes among the elderly. Imagine subjecting the fortunes of our nation to a highly idealistic but poorly thought out idea. God is in the details, and even our last most idealistic President, Jimmy Carter, was an utter disaster for our country.

I do feel that those who claim that the Government is run by (fill in the blank) usually are disaffected people who feel as though they have little or no control over their lives. I can't speak for those respondants such as Troll, Doug R, and Whisle Stop, but I sense a vigorous debate ethic which portends a full life, with plenty of interaction untrammeled by any "secret government." Now this may sound a bit idealistic, but we are the government.

I first voted for Johnson, thought the two worst Presidents in my history were Carter, and Clinton, think the bravest, most non-idealogical President was Ford, was disappointed in Nixon during his second term, and think that the elder Mrs. Bush has provide the Nation with excellent leaders as mother and wife. I have no problem attributing the fall of communism to Ronnie ( with the able assistance of Lady T and Gorbie) and that MAD was the single most successful foreign policy by any nation at any time with the highest stakes imaginable. Whether my President or government is the one I voted for or not, I support the process, and will keep that ball in play from the bench, the sidelines, or center court, as time or opportunity permits.

I read two national newspapers a day and believe that if the newspapers are fully telling both sides of the story, then half the time they are telling lies, and it's my duty to figure out who.

During my police career, I was a hostage negotiator for 12 years and believe that some people deserve killing (and on several occasions put that belief into action).

I have played folk music for some forty years and was probably the only Marine Officer in Vietnam with an autoharp. I do not need to agree with a tantrum song to appreciate it's beauty or point.

I could go on, but my point is that, at whatever station in life you find yourself, you control the vast majority of your future. No great hidden shadow government is controlling your life. I have been the rooms with people from the CIA, FBI, ATF, DIA, SS and countless other agencies, and for the most part I found them to be dedicated to the nations well being, with enough inter-agency rivalry and institutional cross purpose to prevent them from taking over a 7-11 store.

I believe the best peace that you can have in your individual life comes from the confidence that you control your own destiny, and knowing that, the world as you know it, will fall into place...