[cornelis]

My guess is that the Founders were aware of the dumby factor and tried to hedge against a country's usurpation by dumbies. But ours should be a lesson learned: there is no fool-proof way to make the world safe from the erruption of stupidity.

So I'll take a stab at answering your question. We have become so because we are prone to American optimism: with a little bit of tinkering we can make it work.

[prognostigaator]

"Oh well. Thanks, guys. Apparently the whole thread is screwed."

Have faith , some hope, and a lot of charity for a wise poster replied.....

"American optimism: with a little bit of tinkering we can make it work."

[pke]

Hey dumby, no serious replies allowed!