Err - I was referring to the latter part of the comment, where spun suggests differences in what an audience wants based on the economic (and political) climate.

But well-played, Raven.

If I may step in here: a corporation is granted a charter by the state, allowing it certain extraordinary benefits in exchange for the presumed advantage to the state (and society at large) of such economic activities. Although this process has become routine, we shouldn't forget that this give and take underlies the essential concept of the corporation. A corporation which does not benefit the larger culture, or which actively plunders and undermines the economy (as has become increasingly the norm), deserves to have its charter revoked.

At some point, I would like to believe this might start happening. Wishful thinking, I know, but one can always dream.

One of the most insightful comments in this entire discussion - but I have no mod points today!

Don't know where you heard this, but it's not true. The Utah state legislature is in session now, grappling with ways to close the budget deficit, including an across-the-board 7% cut in agency funding, and early release for large numbers of convicts in state prisons.

...except, of course, they will more likely blame other people who don't look or think just like them.

I emphatically did not intend to say 'and how's this new?' Even though such things have happened many times before, each new incident is an outrage. The FBI wants to be treated as the most respected law enforcement agency in the nation, and yet demonstrates complete disrespect for the letter and spirit of the law. I am thus angry and skeptical, and frustrated that more others are not.

Thank you for your spirited, and accurate, defense of my original comment. I was particularly thinking of officials in both law enforcement and government when I chose the phrase 'act surprised.' They cannot be excused on the basis of ignorance. Even for the general populace, FBI misconduct has been so frequent and so blatant that only the newest of newbies will not have encountered it before.

In every decade since I was born (in the early 50's), the FBI has engaged in egregious misconduct, although sometimes we didn't find out about it until years later. I am amazed that they have any credibility left, and puzzled that people continue to act surprised when these things come to light.

I strongly disagree. Most users do not watch the cursor moving around on the screen, but rather concentrate on a region of interest as the cursor moves into the desired position. I would contend that the ability to move the cursor predictably, without focusing directly on either the mouse or the cursor itself, offers major advantages.

I'm delighted to say that the concept of 'productivity' is no longer relevant to anything I do with my time or my life!

Dear Cmdr Taco: The past tense of 'forecast' is just 'forecast.'

If I ask for "citations, please," I hope you will take it not as an expression of skepticism, but rather as coming from a genuine desire to be able to quote authoritative sources for this information.

Great sig, by the way.

The central pit, or courtyard, was standing room only, but it was surrounded by three tiers of stadium seating.

I have read that the largest contributors to the campaign against Prop 19 are the makers and distributors of alcoholic beverages, but certainly the prison industry also has a horse in this race.