Hi Pic,

I completely understand your viewpoint and likewise am always happy for your respectful way of communicating. You are correct that I do not have conservative roots, but I do understand where it comes from. You and I both have a severe mistrust of 'something' to be interested in gold/silver and mining... that is 100% true. I mistrust the world capitalist system and think it is basically built upon imaginary rules which serve the wealthy and greedy amongst us. Likewise I mistrust most governments when it comes to representing their people and avoiding getting caught up in the greed and money. I am neither a Democrat, a Republican or even really someone who thinks that voting makes any real difference... can't vote for the real policymakers anyhow.

My opinions differ from many on the board, but without respectful dialogue and presentation of viewpoints we don't get anywhere do we :)!

Healthcare for me is different from normal 'government meddling' when done correctly. I do not mean to suggest that what is intended by this bill will be the result, but the fact that more are covered is good. The fact that pre-existing conditions cannot cause you to be denied is good. For me, this is progress, despite the medicine that goes with it... I urge you to look into our system here is Switzerland. It is pure capitalism - private companies, free enterprise and loads of competition, in fact the government doesn't even compete. BUT... we ALL have to have insurance, we all have to have a certain level of care, we cannot be denied due to pre-existing conditions, we never lose our homes due to medical bills, it is expensive... but cheaper than yours and the health care is of an excellent standard (I have been told it is the equal of the top 1% of US care for everyone). Switzerland is definitely a nation with deep, deep conservative roots - just check out the recent activity of the SVP - but they still view health care as a right and not a privilege. Communism and universal health care have about as much to do with each other as common sense and the US congress.

I do hope that the progress made on some front is not lost due to the 'devil in the details'... for it would be a shame to take two steps forward and three back.

S