Saved our hides in two world wars. Polluted us with MacDonalds, Coca Cola and chewing gum. Given us jazz, blues, bluegrass and rock and roll. Sent over appalling dross on television. Provided expertise and capital to develop large parts of our industry (for instance North Sea Oil). Taken away a lot of our best scientific brains by the simple expedient of paying them fairly. Given us Mudcat and thousands of friends. Mixed feelings really - but the same goes for my own family.