*THAT* was incredible. What a story....and I strive to be as principled as Horatio.....I do pretty good....

Unfortunately I was blessed/cursed with the ability to see the other side of the coin....NOT that I agree with the other side of the coin, but it definitely muddies the waters for me at times.

You see TB...as I suspect you feel the same way...I do not expect the government to *help* me. If bad times fall upon me, it is solely up to me to remedy the situation. It is what builds my character. Even if someone from the government were to knock at my front door and hand me help on a platter, I would more than likely turn it down. MY bottom line is: I do not *expect*...except from myself.

Therefore that is how I live my life. I am extremely independant. I am often quite disappointed that others want...demand...expect SOMEONE...to fix their perceived dilemma. They do not depend on their own fortitude. I have family that falls into this category....one can simply not do enough for them...and they are middle aged!!! They remain emotionally 13 years old...and very bitter because they are perpetually in a state of *someone else do it*....and I simply feel this is stinkin' thinkin'. I hold myself to higher standard of integrity...why shouldn't they?