OT*****More philosophical musings******
j_b, I hate to think what would happen if the folks on this thread began to argue about political philosophy in general, when we cannot even be civil when debating the present political situation in particular. <gg>
Since we obviously have different (although not necessarily antithetical) philosophies, I won't launch into a debate. Just a few generalizations:
1) Conservatives, typically, see a Golden Age some time in the past, and it's all down hill from there. (Am I right in seeing your post as firmly in that tradition?)
2) Liberals, typically, see a Dark Age somewhere in the past, and see - or hope for -- Progress in the present and/or future.
3) Mixed Breeds, typically, see progress in some areas, regress in others. (I include myself in this category.)
I will also comment briefly on one specific point you made, because I sense it was meant to be at least little polemical (aimed at a self-described New Deal baby): for you, the Decline and Fall begins with the New Deal. In my view, you have idealized the pre-New Deal Period (you omit the often violent labor unrest, hostility to "outsiders" -- such as immigrants from southern Europe -- on religious as well as social grounds; segregation, etc.). Hence, in my opinion, you have entirely overlooked the positive achievements of the New Deal (while stressing what you see as its negative achievements).
That's it! End of discussion! Else, fear it will snowball into a sock-it-to-em avalanche! <gg>
jbe
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