I found your information very interesting. But in the case of Sunset Park (where I live) the issue was not the cultural difference of dancing in the morning in groups in the park, it was merely one of legalities. There is a law that requires a sound permit if you use amplified sound in a public place. This law makes living in large numbers close to one another more comfortable. As for the "leader" being handcuffed, I can only assume that the leader became hostile towards the authorities. I have seen police issue warnings over amplified sound several times (once to me) and it is never accompanied by handcuffing anyone. Overall I found your post very informative.

To listen to the games being played - the businesses sectors "threatening" total chaos unless we bail them out amazes me. The auto industry is announcing a total close down for weeks. But they, like many other manufacturers do this annually. It is normal to close for a week or more at Christmas/New Years. Many of the workers are kept on salary at a reduced rate - negotiated by their unions and others go on unemployment. But our politicians act like they have no knowledge of this. I am so saddened by all of this. It reminds me of a Bible verse - "my people are destroyed by a lack of knowledge" (I'm paraphrasing a bit).

Our people, our business sector and our elected officials (gee, isn't that everyone?) caused this problem. The business sector "sold" us the idea that we can borrow endlessly. And as I already stated, our desire for instant gratification fed the situation. But it is our elected officials who should have been watching and protecting us, who failed the greatest. In NYC, the Mayor circumvented the law so he could remain mayor for another 4 years - what was his reasoning? It was that he was the only person who could tackle the economic problems. Well, wait a second, wasn't he in charge when the problem occured? So he was part of the problem, and now says only he can find the solution - how sad that the public buys this crap.

I agree with much of what was said, but I think I would add to the ignoring of consequences, the almost infantile desire for immediate gratification. Our country has become so self-indulgent. Few people work towards a goal. For example, people for the last 15 years were able to buy a house with NO down payment! And with 5 credit card applicatons coming in the mail each week, folks find it easy to buy what they desire, immediately - whether they need it or not..