We never had the Black Plague or famine. We've never had any hardship at all. This has been a country of relative ease. Petroleum plays a huge factor. And I think the fact that we're like the generation X country. A fresh clean country. Granted, we come from Europe, but it was all left behind. An experiment in freedom. I often replace freedom with free for all. And I mean that in the irresponsible sense. Anything goes. In a way we are like little kings here. I heard a speech that was given back in the 70's regarding peak oil, where it was mentioned that because of gasoline, each American has the equivalent of 300 slaves. Every person has the power and comfort of what kings once had. And now, instead of a ruling powerful one, we have many powerful ones. And they are directing where we will go, unless we as people stand up. But we don't because we're warm and full. And this is what happened to our rail system. We had them. In many towns across the country there were electric trolleys. We know the story. The corporations didn't like it, and soon people were given the chance to have their own "trolley", or automobile. Luxury. I think an old continent with history is one with memory. We have no national memory. And we broke with Europe in every way. But I think what we're discovering is that all of the science and gadgets and comforts will not replace the simple love in life. So maybe, and it's my hope, we will go back to being Europeans. Valuing good food and culture. And humility.