"The idea that improving the world doesn't count if you get paid for it is an odd one, and probably reflects a different worldview. I guess if a doctor cures you, or anyone else does anything to improve your life, it's not a good thing unless he does it for free. "

Tom, get on with it! We were debating the dollar figure of charity from the US relative to other countries. Don't try this 'Yeti mind trick' of taking a quote out of context and trying to bash me with it. I mean, come on!

Now, if you want to debate THIS comment (quoted above), you are not going to get the same argument from me. The Yanks will always be remembered for the digital computer just as the Romans for plumbing.

On the other hand, just as the Romans, we got plenty of profit and cultural mileage for our genius. A contribution to the history of civilization? yes... A good thing in general? yes... Charity? no!

Tom, remember, we have come up with some pretty eff'in bloody-minded inventions. too....

Davin