You made this response very easy. I agree with you 100% on point #1. I don't think it's callous. I think it's common sense. Number 2: I really wasn't trying to imply that you weren't qualified to talk about economics. Perhaps I misinterpreted that you were trying to teach me something about it. As a side note:, I believe monopolies can certainly be sustainable so long as they are allowed to be. I don't really feel like arguing that point now though. It's starting to get a bit tangential. As for point # 3, I will simply say this: my entire premise is based on the idea that the less overall knowledge that people have, and the less that they have to do things on their own, the lower their ability to problem solve--especially in emergency situations. I think I'll leave it at that, unless you have something to add. ...and once again, thank you for your response.