Was at a cocktail party of twenty somethings during a mandatory home leave.  A girl I knew and her husband were with State in another emerging country.  I avoided them like pineapple bugs because I was still hoping for a low level security clearance.  Seems silly today. 

Repeat: you should write a book or CB articles.

"...leftists not progressives".  I would place Kucinich center-progressive, and Tulsi right - center. Would be interesting to read more of your thoughts and experiences in Commentary/Community Voices.  Ask one of the sharp new interns for help....