Like it or not Tom, for America to survive, we'll end up much like the European model, some mixture of capitalism and socialism. It has to happen and, short of armed conflict, you won't be able to stop it. Quality of life will change and that's a bitter pill for conservatives. Oh, you'll be right about a lot of stuff. Government will do some very goofy things. There'll be corruption and greed and it will be tougher for you to buy your incandescent light bulb but in the end we'll be a stronger country ready to face the real challenges the world must tackle such as overpopulation, energy, and environmental woes.

Socialist ideas have killed every nation where they have been consistently applied. You may find that the "European Model" doesn't work nearly as well when there isn't a robust capitalist nation across the Atlantic feeding innovation, wealth, and market base into it.

Like I've said before, it's easy to be fat and happy when somebody else is picking up most of the load.

I have no idea what image you have of a nation where lower quality of life and "stronger country" are somehow combined in the real world. Wealth and abundant energy are the keys to prosperity. Look at the nations that have actually largely succeeded in dealing with overpopulation and the environment. Any poor ones or centralized economies on that list?

It's disturbing to see how many Americans would gladly trade their freedom and choices in return for steady access to what they now see as entitlements.

Get your food, shelter, medical care, and basic needs. All you have to do in return is whatever the provider tells you to. There used to be another word for that arrangement.

I don't like the idea of bowing to Washington five times a day. You shouldn't either.