That's right, Oberon was hung up on virtue.
Pardon me.
Now that I know "it" is "there" I'm OK with everything.
Don't get me wrong, I love my country.
In the many states and cities I have lived, I can honestly say that the people I would characterize as "good" out number the "bad" by a wide margin.
Typical teachings in the education/upbringing of many Americans include:
(1) Get good grades and you can get a good job
(2) Any natively born American citizen can become the President.
(3) Work hard and good things will come your way.
(4) Take the high road.
(5) The value of individuality in our society.
The list above is hardly exhaustive, just illustrative. However...
I know plenty of people with impeccable GPAs and a crap salary/benefits package.
There is no way that anyone can convince me at this point in my life that any U.S. born citizen can become President, not unless they happen to go to Yale Law and join the Skull & Bones Society.
For too long I worked my ass off and saw the fruit of my labors distributed to cronies instead of a good raise/bonus for me.
I've taken the high road time and time again during my life, but that hasn't stopped others from playing dirty and causing grief to others.
Regarding individuality, it seems that it is fine and good at the societal level as long as a person is part of the ruling 51%.
Does this mean I will stop doing my best, doing the right thing, and being myself?
Of course not.
I'm just not going to walk through life expecting things to go rosey because I am following some prescribed ideology, working my ass off, and being a good boy.
Work hard, be good, and look out for your fellow man, but don't ever forget to watch your back, and don't get so comfortable that you don't question the way things are going. There are alot of folks in powerful positions that do not practive what they preach, and expect us all to be OK with them exploiting the masses for their own benefit.