> It is not part of our constitution that we have to
> keep the peace in the world whether or not the indigenes want it
> - it is not our business to decide what form of government is the
> best.

That is exactly how Bush thought about things, until September 11th.
That tends to be the Republican view - let the other countries worry
about their own problems.

But the problem is that the world is smaller now, and the problems of
the other countries are our problems too, whether we like it or not.

People cross borders, and have more than one natioinal allegiance.
Families are split up between five and six countries. Countries trade
with each other, taking money from some places and putting money in
other places. The internet has made national and even cultural borders
all but non-existent.

Maybe you don't have a mother and father still at home in Afghanistan,
but some Americans do. They do, in fact, care about what form of
governement exists there.


> As to the comparative value of lifestyles - How you live isn't my
> problem.

Well, when you said "think Walden Pond, SIMPLIFY" that you were trying
to say that other people should live the way you've chosen to live.
Maybe I misinterpreted. I think it's fine and wonderful that you want to
live on a farm. But not everyone likes animals, or nature, or the honest
physical labor of your lifestyle, etc. Lots of people really, really
love urban life and all that the hustle and bustle of cities have to
offer.

In the United States you can choose Wall Street, Wyoming, Walden Pond,
or Waco. You have the freedom to live out whatever lifestyle you choose.
Your post sounded like you thought your way was superior somehow.

> I have less distance to fall in the case of a depression
> or civilization collapse.

Well, maybe you don't like to climb high ladders. But some people
actually enjoy stepping up to that first or second rung, gripping the
sides with white knuckles, feeling how it feels to be up off the ground
a little bit, nervously stepping back down again with a great sigh of
relief. Other people even creep up to the seventh rung, just for the
thrill of getting up that high. And some people are brave (or stupid)
enough to get a kick out of climbing all the way to the tippy tippy top
of a precariously balanced ladder, and then let go with both hands. Some
people like the view, and find it thrilling up there. You are right,
they'll go bump when they hit the ground. But I guess they think it's
worth the gamble.

Love Liza