There's a kind of almost reverse alturism that many people here put up with. These are people who certainly have nothing that would make them think that they would constitute a middle class. However, they are required to subscribe to the idea that by being Americans, they should be happy listening to the constant din that it's always their duty to put their well-being aside for a time and go out of the way to tell people that they are excited and happy to just be around those that do well so well. I've heard this all my life. I feel it too now and then. Somewhere along the way, it becomes part of us. It's not a socialist nor communistic thing to think otherwise, it's just that here, it's a crime not to be on the team, even if there isn't much chance to become a star.

Those that do get off the bench should be damned grateful that we feel this way.

I do feel it though and I don't know exactly what it comes from. This must be unique to our country.

Charlie, who hopes he hasn't gone bonkers

For me, it often boils down to one or two things. Health care is the biggie for me and to adjust our sights when we go after terrorists. With Obama, even if his health care programs flop, the price of drugs will likely at least stay the same, not get worse. With McCain....Too risky.

McCain is a great guy but I think he confuses strategy with tactics and with his allowing the handlers of the GOP to stick him with Palin, he lost a lot of my respect.   I'm not all that convinced Obama has it right on Iraq but I trust Biden in that area. He knows what he's doing.

Charlie