Another School Shooting in the US

[Baggers]

In too many ways, America is as extreme and fundamentalist as the countries they claim as their enemies.

So spot on, Durante Koala. I recall when I visited the US some time ago that I was in a country of extremes. The best and worst of human nature was on show. The fundamentalism/fanaticism/patriotism is right up there with any other such nation. Yet friends over there and friends of friends offered me every generosity you could imagine.

I recall a Yank friend (who is on the international talk 'circuit') informing me, when I pointed out this paradox, that the US was settled by religious zealots and much of that fundamentalist extremism still remains - as evidenced, in just one example, by their deep reverence for authority - do and believe whatever 'the man' tells you. He also pointed out that Aust was settled, predominantly, by convicts (minor offenders in the main) hence our deep suspicion of authority! I might point out that of all the countries in the world he visits, we're his favourite by a long shot.