OK,I read all the rules

Interesting. Here we have three "fans of history", with three slightly to moderately different perspectives. Such is to be expected, though, with the number of books out there, arguing the most varied of views.

We could obviously go on discussing this, but probably better in the "Serious Discussion" forum. On the other hand, it goes back to what I said in an earlier post in another forum: I shy away from heavy argumentation over topics that do not have an immediate bearing on my life. I probably sound like a slacker, but, in my defence, I do have a lot of work to do, which I just want to get done, and get my degree, before I attempt to make an impact on the social or political scene.

In the meantime, I prefer to meditate and study various ways of spirituality, such as, at this time, Zen Buddhism.

This is not to dismiss your friendly approaches for intellectual discussion. I sincerely thank you, and, from time to time, God willing, will engage in heavy debates.

I just remembered your statement


and realized I could have addressed this.

Believe it or not, I have no qualms about confessing my politics, which include socialist ideas, and I don't remember ever having been harassed. Perhaps it is because I tend to associate with people of equivalent intelligence or intellect, who show understanding and an open mind. Granted, I wouldn't walk into a redneck bar wearing a big hammer and sickle insignia; that would be asking for trouble.

So, to conclude, I think a lot of Americans, nowadays, are better educated, and not as brain-washed, and thus it's not such a hot-button issue. The days of the "Red Scare" are (hopefully) gone, forever.

I would say it probably stems from the fall of the USSR, and as a result, a lot of today's generation grew up with a very crappy and weak Soviet Union, and the fear of communism wasn't as great. I mean, there is still the PRC, but the main communist country has been the USSR, and when you grow up in an environment where people don't fear the USSR/Communism anymore, it sort of slips their minds, and becomes a thing of the past.

But, then again, I wouldn't say Americans are better educated. I just got off the Facebook 9/11 conspiracy theory board -__-. So yeah.

There certainly still are people who go around trying to get a new Red Scare going - you only have to turn on the FOX News network (btw, I wish they would change their name - they're besmirching the name of my favored animal).

On the issue of how well educated the average American is, I must agree, it could be better.

I'm not sure what that 9/11 conspiracy board is like; I certainly have heard some theories about how the Bush administration permitted the attack to happen, etc, etc - you know; stuff that will probably never be known for sure.

hello and welcome to the forums.
I'm also a "fan of history", and look forward to having a intelligent and insightful conversation with you.