I can't agree with you on the second point. Especially the FDA, which a few years ago was proven to be entirely broken, understaffed, and couldn't handle the load they were being given. Not to mention the contributions of millions of dollars from pharma companies to get their products pushed out with little to no oversight. You are in a dream world if you really think the FDA and other regulatory agencies are not in the pockets of corporations. Just follow the money trail and look at the oversight of so many products that harm the safety and well being of Americans everyday.

I'm not going to jump on this liberalism/socialist train that everyone seems to be speaking of. I will however say that the masses are becoming incredibly lazy and ignorant. It's easier for many to just sit back, believe what they see on the news and then complain and or accuse. Even many of the educated can be accused of not standing up for their rights. (people only typically stand up when it has an effect on their day to day livelihood)

Where are the marches, the rally's, and the outcries? We are at a very delicate time. Many of the roads, set up in the past, are coming together today and we're realizing that these roads aren't good for walking on.

I speak to people everyday about politics and what do I hear? I hear people repeating nonsense. I hear unfounded accusations. I hear fear of change. What is really different today that couldn't be said 50 years ago? (I'm speaking onto the socio/political status) While I do have some concerns, I've been addressing them and constantly keeping in touch with my politicians. (again, being active is all that you can do. when enough numbers join in on being "active" then you have a movement and change for that group can happen)

Many are scared of a single payer healthcare plan, stop listening to the insurance companies propaganda. Many think that the government is now the owner of GM, learn a little about business. (and if you're nervous, that's fine, hold the government accountable for letting go of the stock in 3 to 5 years) Many have problems with immigration. Since when have we had any sort of effective immigration reform? It's more about decriminalizing it and getting rid of agreements such as NAFTA. (read The Accidental American-good book and I've had a few words with both authors)

What I don't hear many people in fear about are such things as the food safety act. Why doesn't the media cover this story? I don't hear about wage theft and workers rights. Why don't you hear about this in the restaurant sector? That's because the national restaurant association is the top 10 most powerful lobbies in the united states. (NY- has 200,000, CHI- 250,000. and LA- 600,000 workers that are being abused daily)

Why is it that the only "issues" we hear about are that which affect the rich and the powerful? If you take a step back, i hope, you will see what I'm speaking of and to. I read an article yesterday that said Mr. Robos said that the worst of the financial crisis is over. At the same time I received another apr rate increase after paying over the min for more than 2 years. For whom is this financial crisis over?

Again, much of what I speak of is internal. I cannot speak across the board, but in the US we still have a lot to fix. Corporate control and the financial institutions control of the US was well hidden for a long time. What we see now is that they're becoming more visible. The question of where America goes from here is an internal one. An internal issue that "the people" must address in their interest. This comes with education and an understanding of politics. Can't run a country on feelings.

First, I've had this conversation. I felt no guilt in saying that it was coming to them. I said this because their lifestyle was to sleep with everyone and everyone to get this disease so i felt no personal guilt. Then, when it happened i realized this was something they didn't want. I was befuddled by this fact. That is when human psychology kicks in. I have nothing else to say, but life has its surprises and when a friend is screaming for help you should look into what they are saying to see if you can help.

I was really happy to read this article as well: http://solveclimate.com/blog/20090519/retired-generals-call-military-citizens- step-climate-challenge . Now let's just see if the US military takes on some responsibility and helps out with the efforts.

Actually, the problem is that people think that conserving the environment means dramatic life changes, when in fact there are plenty of simple changes that can be made.

One very simple one is to eat less. Yes I said it, eat half of your portions and you are helping the environment. (this sounds like nothing, but if everyone where to do this it would take a huge toll of the agricultural carbon foot print-which is one of the largest) If you want to go one step further, consume less meat-which you don't need that much as it is. And you've all heard it, eat local foods if you can, etc etc.

Second, consume less energy, non-food related, this can be done in all kinds of fashions. One of the biggest losses of energy in a house is by not having it air tight. This simple adjustment can not only help the environment, but help the consumer save hundreds to thousands of dollars on their energy bills.

Those are just two ways that will truly help the effort. (more than you know)

One last point. I was at a case study last week on building a sustainable home. For 145,000 usd a man here in Chicago bought the land, rebuild the house, and made it sustainable. That is peanuts. By next year, he'll be collecting checks from Com Ed.

If this works out as you would state, then I might be interested in exploring it further. Again, I'm speaking on a subject I only know little on. Besides my tech friends that constantly talk to me about it. :)

Unfortunately, the world doesn't work that way.

In the case of Windows and Microsoft, i think you're thinking too small; consumers love free items especially items that are very user friendly, which is almost all open source I've ever experienced. This would completely wipe out Microsoft.

The whole idea of open source is anti capitalism which goes against our current economy. If we began to support such measures then we would have to change our economy. Which I don't foresee the government doing anytime soon.

Simply raise taxes? Not that simple, especially when you consider that this is supposed to be open source and that means that it is open in all regards. Once you allow the government to steer, you take away the vital element that keeps it afloat, no regulation.

The main reason behind saying no is the simple fact that if the government gives money to Open source then they will have rights to regulate it. As with all government money, they always expect some sort of utility in return. While open source would be great for the masses, it would mean less big companies bringing in profits and profits equal tax dollars.

Sounds like what the UN is attempting to do. Such things as the codex alimentarius are examples of what one world power can do. They look great at first but then you begin to dig and realize that corruption will always exist.

I see your rant but not really sure what you're getting at. My point was that capitalism brings about the thought of entitlement. To you it may be stupid but what they are requesting is justice. That's the point of socialism it would be a way to limit that by getting a consensus of the masses, hence social justice.