From: Spudboy100@aol.com
Date: Sun Jan 26 2003 - 18:08:56 MST
<<The greatest spin-off from the military is technology. The key is to keep
the
resources allocated to military funded technology focused to development and
testing
with the commercialization phase done in the private sector.
EX-GPS. The civilian system now uses military developed technology. I
suspect
that a completely private venture capital R&D and deployment, debugging
program
would never have had enough cash flow to become reality.>>
Yeah, GPS is one of the suprises of our age. Or, rather, what use we make of
it.
<<There is no need for Europe to try to copy the USA in a military sense.
Someone has to be the brains that keeps the brawn from blowing itself and
everyone else to
kingdom come.>>
Are you sure that Europe has the lions share of intellectual capacity? The
decisions they make for themselves sometimes seem very short-sighted to me.
<<The USA embodies some of the best and worst of humanity. The key is
balancing each and focusing towards useful goals.>>
Perhaps this is America's perceived penchant for risk? "He who dares-wins!"
But not always. Ah! Strong, the dark side, is in you..yes! Sorry.
<<Japan , Canada and Europe have been able to create better average standards
of
living for their citizens than the USA. That has been the peace dividend.
The USA
has a disproportionately higher empoverished class than the EU, Canada or
Japan.
Socialism may squander resources on social programs but infant mortality in
Canada
is 7/10,000 VS Iraq @ 210/10,000.>>
Well, in my own, typically, arrogant, American way; allow me to suggest that
the aforementioned societies you have listed, benefit, in large part, from
the US taxpayer footing the bill for a huge chuck of their security. :-) I
mean, one can't afford socialized medicine, top of the line education, and
keep the Russian Bear (of Soviet vintage) and the Chinese dragon at bay. Or
rather we might, but that also would entail (me thinks) raising tariffs, and
becoming Festung American (fortress).
To do that, it would take more unity of purpose then the US has, so far,
exhibited.
<<For this attitude, we too get the USA pissed off at us occaisionally. The
aide to
our Prime Minister called Bush a moron. I'm sure they think we do some
idiotic
things too. Life goes on.
..MJ >>
Not to defend W, but from my point of view Chretien is surely, no mental
wizard. I am not sure that his leadership even provides good governance for
Canada, but I will let you decide.
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