Czechoslovakia was fortunate that its escape from scientific socialism was peaceful.

What you call fortunate was a lot of work, restraint, and good will on all sides. And especially police and army that realized that we were in it together and a peaceful transition of power is in the long run more beneficial for everyone. So, all I’m saying is that yes, it’s rather uncommon, but history proves that it’s possible.

I rather resent being called selfish. My wife and I have paid our fair share of income tax, payroll tax, property tax, sales tax, etc.

Fair point, I know very well what you are talking about. I, too, play by the “rulebook” and give “unto Caesar what’s his” (though I don’t consider it a charity or some kind of good deed) . I’m not from US, so student loans and the political promises of debt forgiveness don’t affect me, but we have similar problems where I live. But I essentially given up hope that politicians (in general and anywhere) stand by their electorate. Where I’m from we have a saying that whatever the winning party, it has always the same slogan — “No one can promise you as much as we can!” And the “Evil Big Banks” (was that irony on your part?) certainly don’t have your or my best interests at heart (the year of latest economic crisis that took wealth of many people I know saw banks report record profits —I rather LOL than weep or rage in frustration).