<p>Been enjoying this discussion (Really more of an exchange of volleys than a discussion).</p>
<p>Dont care to get into it much except to offer the following observation/comments in hopes of enhancing the value of future exchanges.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Looking at the past/present and criticizing the actions/decisions of our leaders/governmental employees has been a part of the American way since its origin (Also appears to be popular in Japan). I encourage everyone to continue to exercise this right. (Wonder why my " / " key is overheating?)</p></li>
<li><p>Ideally this criticism will be productive and lead to some proposed corrections, changes, new ideas, or something. I find criticism in isolation is of limited value. When done by someone other than myself, it can take on a self-righteous and sometimes whining tone after awhile.</p></li>
<li><p>To expedite the productive aspects of the critical process, I encourage everyone from now on to balance their criticism with a suggested correction, change, idea, or something. That is, a solution to the criticism they espouse. To illustrate: I believe people who litter are self-centered, inconsiderate individuals that will never change and should be eliminated from society by public execution or, at a minimum, permanent confinement. There, I given a criticism and offered a solution. See the pattern? Criticism, Solution.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>A warning. I've found that the first part, the criticism, is usually much easier than the solution part. My lazy mind will tend to short-circuit the criticism/solution process and only perform the first part. I know, I've done it countless times. Just ask my wife.</p>
<p>Also, the time spent on the criticism usually is much longer and involved than the time spent on the solution. If you're not careful, the solution will be overly simplistic, unrealistic or the cause of multiple future criticisms by others (see above example). I've learned that a poorly thought out solution can undermine the credibility of my criticism and alert people to the fact that I'm not as all-knowing as my criticism contended. That's why I often choose not to offer a solution.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>If you can't, or won't, offer solutions (reasonable or otherwise) to your criticisms, please indicate this status prior to making your criticism so that I, and other readers, can decide whether we care to invest time in reading what I will call a "I've got a problem, so what are you going to do about it?" criticism.</p></li>
<li><p>Finally, make sure to take all opposing points of view as a personal affront to your faith, nation, family or, at a minimum, your personal self-worth. That way you will be better motivated to invest the time and thought necessary to draft an adequate response. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Please, carry-on.</p>