I was raised to think that America was the greatest and only free,
democratic country in the entire world (Orange County, CA). It wasn't until
I started traveling that I found out that America is not even a Democracy
and not the Free country it pumps itself up to be. Yes, there are worse
places, that's for sure! Depends on what you're comparing it to. But the
only great place? I think not. And certainly we take ourselves way too
seriously. This country could use some serious improvement, like being
democratic for starters and getting back to that "by the people, for the
people" approach. Free country? By the letter of the law of the 'Patriot
Act', I could be arrested for making these statements. Now that's Freedom!
Yes, I should pack my things and move elsewhere if I don't like it here. If
Bush gets reappointed, I won't have any reason to stay. If I move to Europe,
I can buy the Lupo 3L I've been wanting (I can't buy it here, or even import
it). May freedom and democracy prevail, somewhere!

For all of it's flaws, VW makes great cars that are a blast to drive,
whether it's a Passat, a Golf or the Vanagon. (Sorry for the lack of Vanagon
content)

-Steven Dodson
Kneeland, CA
"Inga" the 87 Syncro

Date:    Fri, 5 Dec 2003 08:36:12 -0500
From:    Joe in NH <Joe18d@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: Volkswagen,
         the dumbest auto company in the world.. was: Re: T5 and camper

But I wouldn't live anywhere else! Joe in NH