h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

In America--there are statistics that show that at least one quarter of the populace has mental problems---this is never accepted as a public health issue however and when one of the loonier citzens wigs out and runs amok and kills all sorts of people (usually with firearms) all sorts of handwringing goes on and people bemoan the fact that loonies have guns and what to do to stop it when other uncertifiable loons INSIST that they have the RIGHT to purchase all sorts of firearms immediately whenever they want them no matter how that endangers the populace and leads to women and children being injured and even killed by them because in their minds they are the good guys when women and children think that THEY are the maniacs who need to stop toting guns everywhere where there are women and children. These loons actually make fun of women and children protesting their obnoxious behaviour.

Be happy that this insane situation does not exist in your country, but you are right that any GOOD gov't should take care of its sick and weaker members and that THAT is the price of living in a functional modern state not a war zone.

>>... gov't should take care of its sick and weaker members and that THAT is the price of living in a functional modern state not a war zone.<<

Aye, Elektra and here's a small amendment:

>> ... and THAT is the price of civilisation<<

Amen, Rod.

I hate to say it Elek, but I do look over at America from time to time and thank my lucky stars. You're both right that the price (or part of the price) of a functional society/civilisation is compassion for *all* your citizens- society is nothing more that collective cooperation for mutual benefit, and 'mutual' must extend to all, not just some.

Oh, give 'em a chance, benj - they're still a very young country...

I know, but they've had all the mistakes made for them.

maybe so but there's nothing quite like DIY is there?