Lecture (definition) - An exposition on a given subject delivered for the purpose of instruction.

No, that's not what I was attempting. I wouldn't waste my time trying to instruct you on any of the subjects discussed in this forum.

Debate (definition) - To engage in argument by discussing opposing points.

I wasn't attempting that either. It also would be a waste of time.

Foment (definition) - To incite.

Now we're getting closer.

But wait...there is a word that needs definition...

Socialism (definition) - Socialism refers to a broad set of economic theories of social organization advocating state or collective ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods, and a society characterized by equal opportunities for all individuals with a fair or egalitarian method of compensation.

Is that what you believe President Bush had in mind when he nationalized the banking system and our largest insurance company with TARP? Or when he invested almost $20 billion in GM and Chrysler, about 6-7 times their market value at the time? Those were actions taken by the last administration, not the new one, and at a time when the administration and the Congress were controlled by different political parties. The authority for the executive branch to do that came as the result of their strong request that the Congress give the Treasury Department that kind of authority and funding.

Wow! Although the current administration and Congress has yet to pass such legislation and begin further actions to nationalize various governmental functions, companies or industries--although it's likely that they will shortly--I guess we can conclude that both our political parties and the majority of our elected officials have "socialist" leanings, as you say.

I wonder what happened to have caused our government to abandon capitalism as our fundamental economic system so abruptly? Curious, don't you think?