It's bed time. I'll reply in depth on the morrow. I think you're wrong on many issues, but I've GOT to get to sleep now!
Mark
Wow, there is some incredible debating going on here. GEDean, that was all very impressive and enlightening.
abnormaltoy, I look forward to your take on this.
TT, I am impressed by your knowledge (albeit classroom taught knowledge, and not yet real world knowledge) and glad you are not one that would whine about injustices in the world with the US being the top of the your hit list but yet sit cozy in your warm safe home watching 300 channels of
on the TV.
I too am a love it or leave it kinda person, and it seems you are too. I like to see someone actually stand behind these words. You have my respect. More power to you, I hope whatever your endevours are work out as you expected and reality doesn't slap those rosey liberal student glasses off your head in another 5-10 years.
Seriously, what do you think you'll find there that is going to so much better that it is here? Other than the aboriginal people you want study. Or, do you think these people had/have some wondrous relationship with nature?
Socialism hasn't worked anywhere. There's rampant poverty. Governmental corruption (far worse than even the left-most nightmares of our government.) diseases, poor medical care and really big bugs! 
two words terrestrial leeches
As far as slash and burn agriculture being the most most environmentally friendly forms of farming on the planet, I would beg to differ, but that is an debate for a different thread.
