> I think what the problem is though, is that you yanks are just far too
> polite to behave like that. Don't get me wrong, this politeness is one of
> the most endearing features of the US character. I love you for it. But the
> flip side is that idiots can get away with talking utter drivel in public
> and their fellow US citizens are too polite to ridicule them. So complete
> idiots are not made aware that they are complete idiots and will say the
> most idiotic things without being embarrassed.
>
> I hate to say it, but you Americans are just too nice for your own good.
Yes! Somebody observed that this was the lesson of Borat.
Part of the difficulty with laughing at the monstrosity on the bus is that it's unfortunately not ridiculous enough -- the widespread public embrace of torture fits a little too closely with its actualization. I'm always a little relieved at how Aussies and other Anglo offshoots tend to be completely nonplussed by the acceptance here of (for example) defending property with deadly force.
-- Andy