What about bridges in china? it is the direction that counts. interesting that u are comparing the US to 3rd world countries in SA without admitting that this the direction the US is currently headed.
lets update it from events of 65 years which may no longer have relevance.i guess since africa and eastern europe don't have all the telephone copper wire in the ground.they have the advantage that they are getting wireless from the start. cover story of the economist is on cellular in africa and its positive effect on productivity.