You hit the differences between the cultures squarely on the head. It begins with strong moral and family bonds and intellectual rigor. Do a google search on IQ scores of the various races. High IQ is not just a latent talent, but a molding of the mind from early childhood. Families that value intellect strive to instill it in their children, along with moral guidance and discipline. The result is an overwhelming record of success.

The real tragedy of Martin Luther's actions is that they lead to perspectives like these: "It's just religion, folks. It's ad hoc." Nothing could be further from the truth.

"Love the sinner, hate the sin". Exactly. Any hate towards anyone by a Catholic is a failing on the part of the Catholic. But hate towards the sin is a duty. To keep silent and not call it a sin is a sin itself.

Comparing the neolithic movement from hunter/gathering to agriculture to modern public policy? And Government did get involved in computers and aircraft - using resources to speed developments being made at private companies. Perhaps the same can be true for private education?

A quick look at our local police beat answers all the questions I have concerning why pot is still illegal, and why its legalization (or decriminalization) is so vehemently oppose by law enforcement. I would estimate 80% of all non-traffic routine arrests are pot related. I would go on to estimate that pot related arrests comprise 95% to 99% (depending on the month) of all drug arrests. Most are petty offenses that generate local money through fines and sentencing to court mandated "rehab". It's a giant cash cow for the city and for Law Enforcement (who get a percentage of the fines from each arrest).

Although I am on the opposite end of the political spectrum as you, Loiso, for the most part I have to agree with you. We would go around on the pregnancy issue, because that involves another life, but on the whole, the less government the better, period. It troubles me when my party tries to legislate morality and supports old laws that encourage government interference is matters that are not clearly in their purview. It is hypocrisy and such an easy target for the pink undies crowd.

Without knowing more, it seems like the charges were stretched to compound the magnitude of the sentence. And in this case they were stretched too far. If it is true that there is no law against propositioning a minor, then that should be addressed - don't use some archaic dust laden statute twisted around to make a case. And get government out of the bedroom. The law is farcical on its face in this day and age. I'm surprised anyone here is rallying to support such an intrusion into our lives.

Michael - Great point and a great article - but as far as you last sentence? Towards the end of the Bush Admin. I was not a great fan, and I am a die-hard republican. The out of control spending perpetrated on his watch was unconscionable. Still, he should have stood up and taken his pummeling and diverted fire for Romney. His obligation to the Republican Party did not end when he left office.

I disagree - The gender gap was more significant in terms of raw numbers. We lost because of soccer moms.

Sir Winston - one of the true visionaries of our time. He would roll in his grave if he knew how the pacifists and communists (in a different guise, of course) had once again claimed ascendancy and threatened Western Civilization with their misguided ideology.