You're right, Nick...life's journey should not be measured in dollars earned or goods consumes.

But I'm a fairly typical American, all things considered, and I'm glad to announce that my life isn't measured in those terms either.

I'm also a comfortable resident of the capitalist system, which is very fair at measuring how much I contribute and rewarding me for that contribution. Are you assuming that socialist systems are better at making such estimations? I'd have to take serious issue with that assumption.

Yes, there are things I'd like to see changed...I'd love to see teachers and nurses paid more than movie stars...I'd also like to walk on Mars and get 1000 miles to the gallon. Some things are more difficult than others.

The free market isn't perfect, but it's far, far better at estimating the value of a contribution than is some disinterested pencil-pusher in a faraway office.

The market is, after all, us: people, citizens. It reflects our interests and our values. It is, in the end, the most fair, balanced and democratic way to determine how valuable a contribution is.

Just an opinion...