I have so tried not to respond but I find I must, not to feel inclusive of other respondies, but simply to defend my own sence of quiet indignation at bias and stereotyping.
<It shocks and amazes me that you pinko scum can still be allowed to call yuorself Americans.>
Well I'm not.
<You can bitch and moan all you want about how the evil corporations have doner this country wrong, but really...what have you done to build up this great nation and keep it safe.>
Nothing if you mean the US. If you mean my country I have produced economic benefit to society, a reasonable taxation income for the government and have participated in the political life through white & green paper submissions, letters to the editor and outright protesting.
<Hell...when you commie bastards arent going on strike, your trying to get gays on the television to pervert my kids...>
Hmmm not worried by gays at all, not a member of the communists and have never gone on strike, I have quit over ethical and moral considerations does that count.
<you and your hippie doctrines are all science crap with no basic foundation in the economic real world...>
So facts and figures and real hard data as well as sound hypothesis extrapolation and theory is crap ...... while it has no foundation in the real economics world. You do know that economics is simple extrapolation and opinion based on multi variable stats, more of an art than a science at all really.
< I would say get a job, but the only type of occupations you people seem to be able to pull down is computer webpage designer (PCs are plastic, bitches) and granola taste-tester.>
I have a job, it pays Ok and it gives me a nice sence of fullfillment. I have also worked in several manual jobs, including contract hunting, Kiln cleaner, powder monkey, conversational english teacher and Fencer (I bet I have placed more fence than anyone on this board, My total is 275km of 4-5 barb, if anyone wants to take my title as board fencer.) My PC is actually a continuously recycled steel case, I am yet to buy a new monitor, my speaker are natural wood based ( better harmonics ) but yes I have some plastic goods.
<If your little post-oil theories pan out, I hope you are the first that gets eaten for food.>
Well, nothing like a small death wish to help stir a pot

(small canibalism pun there), while I will probably feed a few; my abilities to defend myself in present society and my circle of friends would lead me to think 'ha ha ha ha I'd love to see someone try'. I'm 6 foot, 230 pounds, ex footballer, with skills with weapons, explosives and manual self defence ( few people on here have probably killed deer or kangaroos with a spear or bow). I own a farm, as well as my almost owned urban house, the farm is used as a travel stop for a motorcycle club. I don't worry about my personal safety.
As well I benefit from the fact that my nation would also be one of the last to fail severely. Our required conservation of Fossil fuels to allow domestic alternatives to replace imports is actually surprisingly low, if the government actually starts to support change in the next 3-6 years. As a net energy exporter and gross food exporter my nation should be better off than most. If my expectations do not occur, I still own a house, a farm and good physical stocks based on oil, energy and military hardware. If it does come off that the world relapses badly back 100 years, I should be OK, what with being able to bike to work and having some considerable extra income from the investments as well as a fair vegetable and herb garden. I do fret for my brother a little but I doubt he would stay where he is, if society starts to crumble.
So anyway there goes my reverse rant.
My friendly reaction is remember at worst we are slightly delusional messengers and at best prepared prohets. I do not believe there are any people here who would deliberately act to harm a nation with anything worse than heated rhetoric but sometimes warnings are heard and insurance like preparations are always good.