Occam’s Beard,

Wrt “moving back one step”, I would note that socialism in its many flavors was a peculiarly 19th century phenomenon. A comment section doesn’t allow the room (and I don’t have the inclination anyway) to explore Jewish involvement in the development of socialism but I will note that it was heavy and widespread. London, Paris and various German cities were intellectual centers for the development for various brands of socialism and Jewish intellectuals were instrumental in the propagation of whatever flavor they favored. I believe that Catherine has a point in her comment about socialism being a substitute for traditional religious faith. Socialism has been faith based since inception with reason being worshipped in lieu of a more distant deity. I realize that this is not an answer but I believe that the answer does lie in Jewish participation in the development of socialism from its genesis.

Catherine

You type much faster than I can think. W’s anger is real and most people perceive it as being appropriately directed at the terrorists and the fools (your cue, John) who misunderstand the seriousness of the situation. Most Americans really do perceive terrorism as the most important issue of the day and most of them understand that Kerry is a poseur willing to say anything for advantage and lacking in the most rudimentary principles. That is at the center of granting Kerry the style points for the debate but giving W the substance points.

It’s coming down to a matter of trust and the percentage of people dumb enough to trust Cap’n Cut’n Run will not exceed 45% on Nov. 2. I think that Bush can well afford to show even more anger – staying cool in the face of child killers is not a plus.