Yes, I see that we are too close to total agreement now. <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
I originally thought that you were from GB and looking to discuss the matter with other GB'ers. I just thought I'd insert my quintessentially American opinion in there. My bad!! <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
The only way I can help explain the differences between us and the British would be the influence of Europe at large. They're no doubt inundated by a lot of socialistic ideas. Perhaps the idea of a "Nanny state" seems more palatable to them on average.
For me, I'm already seeing too much of it in our country! As far as I'm concerned, things only get worse with increased government intervention. I've said it before and I'll say it again, NOTHING frightens me more than this "Dept. of Homeland Security" monstrosity we've created. The cure is going to end up being far worse than the disease.