Dave....I was thinking the other day about the state of civilization around the world and wondered how many centuries would go by with many nations never moving forward....Poverty and ignorance are the rule all over the planet and some of these places seem to remain as they have been for centuries. Most of the problem areas seem to have dictators, mullahs kings sheiks or some other form of despot. Out of control civil wars and such are all over. Primitive violence is the rule in Sudan and Somalia as it is elsewhere.

How do you suppose we , the civilized nations, can really make a difference? The US already gives more money and food to other nations than anyone else on the planet. Graft and greed probably spoil good humanitarian programs like the oil for food program in Irag. Attacking and "liberating" is usually a dubious way to win hearts and minds. Those who hate us will continue to hate us even after we "liberate" them. Maybe they like living like animals>?>??