Why, then, should others pay for the fire brigade to douse the flames?

ECONOMIST: Russia sounds the alarm

They are fighting to get good health care, to contribute to U.S. efforts at homeland security, to prepare the fire and police departments for potential attacks, and to help others repair their psyches after witnessing the worst possible.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The chief's is the only house whose the entrance faces the fire -- all the others face away -- and it is important for outsiders not to walk in the sacred area between his house and the fire.

CNN: The Himba: Namibia's iconic red women

Others will reform the tax system, make it easier for state and municipal governments to fire workers, and protect federal revenue from transfer to lower tiers of government.

ECONOMIST: Cracking the Brazil nuts | The