[Arkie2]

"Boorish and gruff as the new American Empire might seem, it is an anti-empire populated by reluctant heroes who want nothing more than to till their fields and mind their homes, much like Tolkien's Hobbits. Under pressure, though, it will respond with a fierceness and cohesion that will surprise its adversaries".

It's amazing how the rest of the world must constantly relearn this lesson. Yamamoto had it right when he said the attack on Pearl Harbor would awaken a sleeping giant. Well, the giant ( or Hobbit if you will ) is awake again.

[banjo joe]

The writer's honest ("American culture = oxymoron"). Let's review Europeon contributions:

communism, socialism, fascism, mind-body duality, the inquisition, etc. Just some highlights, here; the actual list is long and distinguished.