No cliff notes. I studied this stuff in college and when not drinking, fishing, or riding my motorcycle, I use my seemingly infinite amounts of free time in A-Pool to read a lot of books on public policy. That was all from memory (and if that makes me a dork, oh well.). It's just what I am interested in. And, yes you are right. People disagree on the interpretation of the Constitution. The Supreme Court just happened to rule one particular way which makes it law.
And, as far as acting in self-interest, I agree...to a point. And, no it's not a utopian dream to think that countries are capable of placing principle and ideas ahead of narrow self-interest. That is exactly what the founders did. Unfortunately, it is not "just the way it rolls" when we sacrifice exactly what makes us unique, what makes us American. To quote the ever-wise Ben Franklin, "They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety and will lose both."
And about capitalism. I think capitalism is wonderful. However, I think people get way too caught up in their obsession with the almighty dollar. You are correct that the government considers the fiscal side of all policies. That should not be the driving force behind policies, though. Maybe our values as the country have gotten off track.
I am not living in some utopian fantasy. You are a realist and I am a liberal. (Not liberal as in the left side of the political spectrum, although I am that as well, but as in Realism vs Liberalism.) I am guilty of being an American idealist and a man of principle.
And, yes, you have the right to be able to live how you want. It is what makes our country what it is. I think all of us on here are willing to give our lives so people can have their own opinions, no matter what they might be. I am just giving you my (admittedly very strong) opinion.
