Sorry if I'm stirring this topic back up. I am new to this list and haven't waded through all the responses. I'm pretty much with you, mulchwoman. Call me an idealist, but I think people like King Jr. and Ghandi and Mother Theresa effected a lot of positive changes through love.
I abhor violence and narrowmindedness and intolerance...
Live and let live.
Easy does it.
Love Your Mother.
These are the slogans I can live with.
Let there be peace and let it begin with me. I TRY (and because I'm only human I screw up a lot) to lead by example and live by my principles.
Phoebe

From John:
discuss gardening. We should perhaps settle for that, making friends on the
basis of a positive.

Then again, perhaps you people should take it a bit easier on yourselves. I have
travelled just about everywhere, for many years, in the States. I have a very clear
picture of regional differences, values, what makes you tick. Take my word for
what it's worth: Americans are generally speaking great people. You've simply
got to stop blindly accepting some of the stuff that is being dished out. You
people have to, one day, grow up and accept responsibility for what and whom
you are "elsewhere" in this world. But remember the reality: some will resent you
just because you are you.
Be happy, work on improving things and Zen out until it hurts!>

Amen!

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Urban apartment dweller with a little patch of heaven

The Originator of this thread writes:
have a link to be able to garner different view points from every walk of life-but so
very lucky to have the right to do it!>

Double amen to that!
Please thank your son from me. I am very grateful to be an American from Many walks of life!

.......................................................................
Urban apartment dweller with a little patch of heaven