There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there always has been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'

I hate to say it, but it's about time.

See, most people don't know this, but the US has not left an actual state of debt since the 1920's. The Clinton era surplus is in fact, a myth, a very long spread one.

See, the "budget surplus" was obtained by loans, loans we're now failing to pay off. This has wider reprecussions worldwide, of course. The US spends trillions of dollars on foreign aid, both directly, and indirectly. To put it bluntly: We're borrowing money to shoot ourselves in the ass.

Just trying to keep my tail out of trouble as usual.

It's good to get ahead. Staying ahead, maybe not so much, if you get where that is headed.

Hope you've been keeping your head afloat and making ends meet Ian. *Trying to maintain a straight face and failing miserably*

I used to be able to make my ends meet Brenda! Serious... was a bit of a party trick but old age and all that; I couldn't manage nowadays!!! LMFAO!

Don't keep no straight face Brenda... I wanna see you laughing!

Mr Ript... you get your tail in trouble often? You wanna watch yourself mush! I have had a long day so your riddle has got me stumped for a moment... i will have a smoke and a cup of (English) tea(if gdlss and the other tosser don't mind) and get back to ya!!!

*Taping fingers* Don't want to make your head swell. Good day.

patience is a virtue Mr R. My tea's gone cold so gonna try again! Such a simple task!!!

I think Ript ( forgive me) can't keep it up!!! now for that tea!

LMTO! On another day I would take that as a challenge.

Try sanka Ian. Lexophilliacs favorite!!

I will have a look at that queeny, ta! Gone now to the land of nod.

land of nod which is my three cents

I work too hard. Not entirely happy with that and it has been going on for many years now; 30+ years. Dog eat dog and blah, blah, blah... I ache, etc... My question to you folks is... Do you believe in a better alternative. Is there an alternative? And NO, Slim, I do not mean M3C!!!

Any other of you crowd work your tits off too??

P.S. Here is a photo of an in-bred mouse.

Hope springs eternal Brenda! I think I prefer the 'blackmail' saga!! ... Far more exciting and less beholden... however; I will give the heiress some thought, too! Do you think she might wear knickers like these?

I don't know about the heiress, but I would, lol! Say...those look awfully familiar. Either you've been in my drawers or you've posted this pic before...

I would like to say I have been into an throughout your drawers Brenda but, alas, yes; it is in my store of images... quite decent though... from my perspective, that is!

You could be my heirsess any day Brenda... have you got any dough though?£$?

Alas, I've never met a dollar I didn't spend.

and now we are back on subject!!! LOL... from peter to pay paul!

I'll forgive you the money bit matey, as long as you bring me breakfast!

...sometimes...

Ian! *blushing* Behave!

Ok... I will try.

Nothing wrong with serving toast and tea.

yep... nothing like keeping ahead of the game, eh?

So what's new Mr R? Wot you been up too?