I'm mentally composing an extended rant on the subject, but it'll have to wait. The bottom line, however, is that whether or not compassion is a priority a purely mercenary attitude is quickly absorbed by those subjected to it, reducing the very profitability and performance it's intended to enhance, in more ways than I have time to list. I'm convinced that that more than anything else is what happened to Americas competitive edge. Obviously I'm disgusted that that's the one thing that HASN'T changed for those who insist "911 changed EVERYTHING111" but even if I accepted their highest priority as the properly preeminent concern, their attitude hinders rather than helps their goals.

And, no, slapping them with vindictive penalties and abuse wouldn't help either (though anyone guilty of wrongdoing should face the consequences) That only serves to reinforce the adversarial dynamic so widespread today. What we need is to remember that collectives and cooperation don't automatically equal communism (nor does communism equate to them, rhetoric or no. ) It sure would be nice to see some sense in this country again. Before it's too late.