fuafg, it's been three months since I posted those questions, and if anything, the situation has gotten worse. I'm at a loss for words. I can't believe just how incredibly stupid and selfish so many Americans have become.
As for your third question, who has the most leverage on the Orange Menace, hard to say. Might depend on whether the bigger leverage is a carrot or a stick.
Thanks for responding. I don't post on Tornado Alley often though I check in periodically. Once in while, I just can't contain myself even though I'm (mostly) preaching to the choir. :)