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To: Seeker of Truth who wrote (54274)	10/15/2004 7:51:02 PM
From: energyplay	Respond to of 74559

Hi Malcolm - I think it is useful that you and AC Flyer are presenting some views that do reflect how the US is seen by some overseas investors - views which are hard to find in US media, but do affect asset allocations. There are investors with perceptions of the US, both positive and negative, which lie well outside the bounds of the distribution of opinion typically available. ************ The births out of wedlock problem was one the late Senator Patrick Monihan warned about in the early 1960s. The births out of wedlock problem was mitigated by large numbers of parents & grandparents taking over child rearing. This was possible because of the increased longevity and health and general prosperity. It's also a driver for buying larger houses. As a side note, if you visit some the KB Homes model houses in California, they are set up for mixed/blended families. The other mitigating factor against social problems was the increase in rates of abortion, about 20+ million since 1970. One sociologist even published a paper calculating reduction of crime due to abortions. That set off a firestorm of criticism, of course. The other response was a huge build up of prisons and prison population, and the imposition of tougher sentences. This is a nasty way of dealing with the problem, but it does work if done aggresively for about 10 years. Two more mitigating factor have been: 1)the immigration of smart, stable people with real family values and work ethics. This has provided an additional competent work force. 2) Movement of a larger percent of women into the workforce. These two above changes also compensate for the declines in the effectiveness of many public schools. There is both a limit to these adjustments and a cost for them also.