Try as I may... Big Jim... I just don't think I'm going to convince you to become and arch-conservative. (My bad!)

In your defense, I've heard a similar statement about "behind every fortune lies a crime"... all my life. Your grandfather's perspective was during the beginning period of the decline of the "Empire" and I generally agree with his observations.

I still believe that there are more good people in the world than bad. I believe that each of us must earn our own way, conserve resources and borrow only what is necessary... then pay it back as fast as possible.

Like you, I believe that the big banks have been encouraged by governments to plunder the populace with ridiculously high interest rates. Credit card debt is a major problem in this country... and our bankruptcy laws are a joke. I wonder if "rich" lawyers and politicians had anything to do with this?

In many ways, I agree with you... but in equal measure... I respectfully disagree... but I hope you will remember to send me an autographed Album Cover when you've gone platinum!