I'm here because its such a good relief from the usual USA bullshit.  Really helps to get perspective and its a very bright bunch of people who write on a regular basis.  Its sometimes aggravating to read opinions that are critical of the US that seem to lump us together with the positions of the government, when many of us are trying to change the situation here, but it is pretty terrible what is being done in our name, and it is good criticism that focuses on specific faults generally.  It seems a bit disingenuous sometimes when one looks at the actions of some of the European governments that closely mirror the corporate visions of the US.  But, I like the proof that Europe gives that things can get better, and I appreciate the continual effort on the European left to fight against the slippage.

"I said, 'Wait a minute, Chester, You know I'm a peaceful man...'" Robbie Robertson