Interesting points. I DO think that some who used to vote communist now vote right because of frustration and perception that their issues are not being addressed. While I do agree that we have needed to understand and be perceptive of the rights of others and how any action affects or impinges on others, I think that this is a never ending slope that results in nothing getting done. There are ALWAYS effects on someone somewhere from doing anything. It can be used to prevent almost any action. In Boston we have not been able to build another airport runway because of the East Boston lobby citing "environmental effects'. Yes there of course would be more noise, etc. But ALL of these people bought homes at LOW prices because they're near an already built airport. Meanwhile, the entire metro area is held hostage as air traffic is limited. It effects business and the economy. Similar self serving wailing about "poor me" has prevented the conversion of a rich suburban located ex-military airfield in Bedford to carry more commercial air traffic. No amount of FACTS like the military had more flights per day and no noise restrictions can address the "environmental" concerns of the victims. This kind of thinking can be used to prevent just about anything.

-p