If that weren't such a serious subject that would be funny... but the real irony is, I bet nobody has to wait for an abortion, unlike the poor patient who needs a heart operation.

I haven't seen this movie yet (I will) but a friend who did said that it shows Lincoln as leaving no stone unturned (legally and illegally) to achieve his aims: maintaining the union and ending slavery. In essence, he breaks the rules of his office and his nation to get what he feels is "best for us." That alarmed me a little, partly because my friend felt it therefore showed him as a hero, and partly because I got a shiver of Obama up my spine. Break the rules to achieve your ends... hmm..

Exactly! Governed "by consent."

I hate to say it, Wolfgang, but that attitude, that it's only people from "places (not) known for their first-class educational institutions" feel that secession continues to be a right in a nation formed voluntarily as a loose union of sovereign states - which, as pointed out in other posts, it was clear from the outset had every right to join, not join, or leave as they would - is what makes people like me want to leave. You don't get the assumption of superiority dripping off every word you've written? Why does education make someone more intelligent, more humane, more ethical, or more worthy? How absurd! How condescending. How pitiful.

But try being a Baby Boomer and looking for work! You'd think you had a contagious disease. With a superb resume, and as you point out, great education, solid work ethic, and desire to continue working, many Baby Boomers find themselves unable to get past the thirty-something "HR Director" who can only see greying hair and a short shelf life (no matter what the individual's intentions are regarding retirement). Many in this generation would prefer to keep working as long as possible, but not as a greeter at Walmart. And yes, people-of-our-kids-generation, we DO know how to use the latest technology!