Making no statement regarding the general conversation here, I'd suggest
that you read "Guns, Germs and Steel" by Jared Diamond for a reasonable
refutation of your supposition regarding the relative worth of cultures.

I read the book -- interesting stuff. Diamond makes some good observations.

It's too bad it's written and constructed so awkwardly -- which, IMHO, made
for a terrible read -- because it deserves a wider reading. It's just one
of those books that, given a good editor, could have been a truly fun read.
Instead, by the second chapter I was forcing myself to slog on, in hopes of
gleaning whatever the heck it was he was trying to say.

In the end, the slog is worth it -- but what a terrible price to pay for a
bit of insight!

He didn't change my view of the world -- but his book does present an
interesting alternative viewpoint.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"