Hey Reg:

Gotta disagree with ya somewhat on the capitalism thing.

What we're really talking about is socialism. Whether you are talking about the UN, Halliburton, Bush Co, or America today in practice: they're all practicing a variation of socialistic political philosophy.

You'll say I'm full of it, but capitalism is not a political philosophy, it is an economic practice which socialism has long employed in monopolistic forms. Consider Hitler or Mussolini, both socialist. Just as Lenin, Mao or Stalin were but with different economic management philosophy(in practice). Fascism is a capitalistic variant of socialist political philosophy and practice(as we are witnessing in Washington today).

Now me, I reject socialism, though it engulfs me in America. Short of a truly benevolent king, which are rare, I would rather rely on republican rule of law. No I am not a republican party member. Nor in fact does the party embody what I am writing about, lol, not hardly, sadly.-\

I would remind you, because I believe you have acknowledged it here, that capitalism worked pretty well for America prior to the Santa Clara County v. Southern Pacific Railroad case of 1886, wherein corporations now claim the origins of their personhood(sic). Something I suspect we both believe show be reversed and is a pox on our nation(& thus the world). Further I again, in the kindness of tones, urge you to recall that prior to that time and for some years after(until they were gradually struck down) most states had rules against unrestrained capitalism, in the sense it was not permissible for corporations to meddle in elections, via money, and other accountabilities.

And although I believe capitalism to be imperfect when unrestrained, as with the publics inability to get speedy legal judgment against their bad antics; I also believe Adam Smith invisible hand capitalism, which called for corporate restraints(limitations), has provided more than any of the other capitalistic variants employeed under all other political varietys than strict rule of law republican practice(equality before the law). I am convinced the the closer men strive toward the latter, the greater human liberty and material progress for all.

Too, arguably, all commerce is capitalism.

Your notion that capitalism equates to gluttony is absurb. It does however equate pretty well with the economic promotion of the pure consumerism cultural philosophy, promoted by the way, by the unrestrained multinational corporatations. I would suggest also that the gluttony stems in large measure from hedonistic cultural philosophy based on corporate promotion of consumption; not Christianity, which calls for personal restraint.

However, I would agree with you that this country would be a much different place if 85% of the citizenry were, in fact, practicing Paulian Christianity per Jesus' direction. In the first place I don't believe 85% of this nation is even remotely Christian, let alone in practice, and secondly, whatever portion of us do make up this nation are primarily Laodicean in practice.

Anyhow, just wanted to keep ya on yer toes, respects