Spoken like a hard-core hacker. :) I don't think it's an issue of whose 'better' than who - to me it's more a matter of a demonstrated willingness to grow, change and adapt. Americans - for many reasons lanas mentioned - just tend to be insular w/re to the rest of the world. This isn't healthy from an evolutionary standpoint, and if continued, will lead to certain societal decline and diminishing global influence and significance. Precisely what we are trying to do in our own unique fashion. I think it really starts at home - reforming yourself first, and focusing on how you raise your own children. If we each tend our own gardens, then I think the rest will take care of itself. I abolutely agree. And let's not leave out - 'the Blues', perhaps America's most precious gift to the planet. - Maluvia