Love and Hate

Thanks, Michael.  Yes I agree about the president, but even if he wasn't so great, we couldn't possibly get any worse than what we had for the last 8 years.  And yes, England is superb.  I was looking at Marianne's pictures of her vacation in the western US, which is right in my back yard and feeling inspired to get away for a few days.  Prior to that, I was feeling a bit sorry for myself because we've decided to forgo a trip to England this year until we feel a little more comfortable about the job situation.  But we can do a fab vacation here if we really put our mind to it.  It's just that I kind of feel that the British Isles have spoiled me from wanting to go anywhere else.

Hi All,,;-)  I agree with what you said Ruth, I also am glad to be American but love to venture out but always nice to come home;-)

 I love america because of our freedom, but somedays also hate it for the same reason and we dont keep the history ! ppl afraid of being sued all the time!

 I love europe because of the history that it keeps and I have only been to Ireland and Scotland so i cant really think of something that I hate about it maybe the weather babs,,lol but hey you dont have Tornados..LOL

I guess we are freedom lovers here in the USA..and yet isn't it in everyone's "soul" to want to be free?...I would think so. The last 8 years showed us an man that didn't have to work his way up from poverty..not that many of our Presidents ever do in ways...but this was an man that could "buy" his way where he wanted to go...and he knew it and he used that.. so many of the things he did were from that viewpoint. I beleive there were times he thought he was doing things in his country's best interest. Maybe he came around in the right time so we could all know what was good when we saw/see it again. His biggest mistake was being to impulsive with the tongue at times. Freedom is something you have... when you give it, but it does not come out of irresponsibilty in actions. Nor do immoral concepts in life... make it flourish. We put "In God we trust" on everything, because "God" is love, and truth and rightousness in deeds. I think we still got it in us. I think so because I think we are indeed "God's" melting pot of rejects in the world in ways. The staute of Liberty says it well, many of us had no other place to call home, and we couldn't turn back once we got here.  so we survived the best we could and made things work..we had no other choice..but it made us stronger, brecause we suffered enough that when we could, we showed our best in heart to others as well. Yes, there are always rotten apples in the pile, but I'm talking about the pile that are honed and perfected to make an decent bit of food to partake soulwise. Ruth sound like such an person. I understand that securty matters in Europe, their traditional ways, and own persecutions is what may make others seem aloff at times, and I hope that 911 hasn' t made our country into an security ridden mistrustful nation of bigots. Time willl tell I guess which way it goes. But I have good faith that we can find our inspiration again and we can once more "Trust in God" for guidance. We seem to have an lot of work to do, time to get doing it . Change the things that need changed...with inner spiritual guidance of the highest order for mankind all over the world..and freedom to all. Mohers unite..that hand the rocks the cradle, rules the world you know.

RED - for the fire in our hearts, and the blood we have lost defending our faith from those choosing to attack it

WHITE - For the doves of Peace and freedom which we value dearly, our snow capped mountains that reach for the heavens, our purity of thought.

BLUE - for our unclouded skies, our unclouded  judgement, and the seas that surround our shores with life and renewed energy.

Mike Gerrard. 2009 (Lol)

I like the way you put that, Shirley.

And Michael, I think your lovely poem could apply to the Union Jack or the Stars and Stripes.

That we are, Michael, that we are.