I'm not trying to be judgmental, I just have a hard time swallowing some of the vitriol that is spewed by the "average joe". I'm only trying to suggest that there are many people who seek to criticize on the basis of a vastly uneducated worldview that is born of a background of relative ease. It helps to sometimes see how the other half lives, if you know what I mean. We, as a nation, are quick to write off those who do not contribute. In some cases, these people truly are total losses: they have no societal value, and there is no changing that. In most, however, they simply have not been given the opportunity to improve their situation, or no of no other way of operating in life. I can't tell you the number of times I have personally seen the latter, and I have had the distinct pleasure (and I do mean pleasure as these relationships are part of what has enriched my life greatly) of being very closely involved with a number of these "useless citizens".
I just can't help but translate some of what has been written in this thread into "I have no idea how other people live, but they don't conform to my ethnocentric perspective, so they should be removed from my society". Given my background, I just can't buy that. I have been wealthy and traveled the world, but have also been homeless. I have grown up with a mother who works her ass off to provide gynecological care to underserved populations, but I have also personally worked in an ED saving the lives of Los Angeles' many illegal immigrants. I have been a rich white boy driving a luxury car, but have also have worked to rehabilitate gangbangers here in Los Angeles. I have been a member of an elite social class, but have also been a totally useless drug addict stealing to catch my next high. Everyone is a human being, and everyone deserves a fair shake. It's difficult for people to understand this when they have never had to really struggle. Sure, everyone (myself included) has had a crappy job, has been funemployed, or has had social drama, but it pales in comparison to the plight of the average global citizen.
Beyond this, I will not post my views on a motorcycle forum because they do not belong here. Furthermore, I am a moderator, and it is my job to remain as unbiased as possible. If I was a rabid conservative or liberal, my impartiality when it comes to handling issues here on the board might be called into question. That would be unacceptable.
Carry on.