(...and now that we're back on track here...)
Ya know folks, after reading through this thread and particularly where some of my fellow Yanks seem to be badmouthing other countries about their "lack of freedom", I can't help but think of a little something Friar John posted in that "Current Events" thread today where he states:
Quote:
I read a statistic, and again, this it to reinforce Steven's point, not to get political, that this is a violent country. Where there's a will there's a way. Not only do we outnumber all other civilized western countries in gun deaths per capita, we vastly outnumber other countries in knifing deaths (probably baseball bat and crowbar deaths as well). I'm waiting for the ban on cutlery to make it's way through congress.
And so, what I'm wondering here is IF with all this "freedom" with which we Americans supposedly pride ourselves...well, IF maybe with all this "freedom" IF we ALSO often lose sight of the idea of "personal restraint and responsibility" in our actions and/or words, as compared to other places in this world?
(...there's ya somethin' to contemplate, huh?!) 
