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But think beyond DOT's to private enterprise. Whether it is Honduras or even Israel, Third World standards go beyond government until they become part of a nation's fabric. Do you remember that spate of construction cranes falling down and collapsing over the past year or so? Do you recall building sites under construction falling down for no reason?

Third World standards, once introduced and not extirpated, spread like a communicable disease.

>> Third World standards, once introduced and not extirpated, spread like a communicable disease.

I find Third World standards in some of the highest-tech things, which is a recipe for disaster.

A couple of examples -

a) Air travel. I can’t tell you how many flights I’ve had delayed or cancelled because of a mechanical problem on the plane. Of course, most of the time those are on Airbus’, but I digress. First, I’m glad somebody found the problem before we got in the air. But, why are we having mechanical problems on the first flight of the day when it should have been checked out the night before? Why are we piling everyone onto the plane, then bringing somebody in to fix the problem, instead of getting it right before we board? The bottom line seems to be that there are rules being followed which have nothing to do with what is in the best interests of the customer.

2) Consulting. I am an IT consultant-type and have been for some time. Early on, I was told that in our company we “give the customer the advice that is best for them whether or not in was in our best interests.” I followed that advice once and had a lot of problems with my immediate supervisor. :-) I see way too often the situation where consulting advice is provided which results in more business, whether or not that is good long-term for the customer.

This then wraps back on itself when the customer doesn’t have the funds to provide maintenance on basics because they’ve bought what was sold to them.

There is a stretch of highway running from the airport in Panama, Central America, to Panama City that is owned by a Mexican company running parallel to the gov. highway. It is a toll road and very well maintained. The taxi driver encourages you to take that road even if it costs you more because it doesn't beat up his car as bad as the regular road. My guy even gave me a little break on the fare to encourage me. And we made it in record time.

What's that line at the end of Jurassic Park, "Life finds a way".

I remember being surprised by that. As an immig. from the third world (no capitals to glorify it, thanks), this kind of thing weirds me out. But I’d forgotten it, and now I’m terrified.

What happens next, after the spread? Can it burn itself out leaving the strongest survivors?