Did you vote?

[Hikngrl]

ok, well I didn't see that! I never look at the subject line past the first post on a thread as most people dont use it because the subject of the tread is actually the subject of the post.... or at least thats why I don't use it.
_________________
~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

[Kristyn]

[Hikngrl]

I only brought it up because it was decided long ago that we weren't gonna do this here so there would be no hard feelings... I must then admit that that was not then my last comment either so no need to apologize.

My darling daughter is very passionate about her politics. Much more so than I. I am very proud of her for her involvment in our world. Many youth today are very complacent. That will never be said about my daughter! God bless her!
_________________
~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

[Abe]

[Daddee]

I love the people of this site.

You can't believe how much that above statement is true.

The wisdom and sicerity expressed by most everyone on this site is simply beyond compare. Show me another group as diverse and yet as tollerant of each other and each others opinions. You might find a few - but this is a shining example.

Seriously, you guys are the best.
_________________
"Only small minds want always to be right."
- Louis XIV

"...haven't you lived long enough to know that two men may honestly differ about a question and both be right?"
- Abraham Lincoln

[ck1]

Yea, well you're pretty ok too Jarod.
_________________
-Colin

"The Journey is the Destination"

[Andy]

Yes! I have to agree with that too! I also hang out on some astronomy forums and most of those people are tearing each others heads off since the election! although fun for me to read, I don't think many of them would be the kind of people I would like to hike with!
_________________

http://community.webshots.com/album/136917818udlQWZ

[evenstar]

[Kristyn]

[jmzblond]

Its difficult for me to actually put into words all the thoughts that are flying through my head all at once. I've been limited in my internet access lately, and haven't been able to keep up, participate, or respond to emails, PMs, or posts as I'd like to. This being said, I want to attempt to formulate some of my opinions into comprehensible, readable sentences and phrases.

This country was sought and fought and founded on the ideals of freedom, and the belief that with this freedom, happiness would most certainly follow. It is my personal belief that our own individual happiness is subject only to the boundaries established by our own intellectual, social, and emotional limits, not by the opinions, choices, or even laws set forth by others. Even when one individual or organization tells others one thing, not everyone follows the herd. That is how leaders are born. That is how heroes rise, and greatness forges a change. How is this possible?? Simply... freewill. We all have it. We are all born with it, not just Americans, but EVERYONE. We all chose to lead, rebel, or simply to follow. We make those choices everyday sometimes in the simplest of forms, others in monumental life altering decisions. Either way, we all exercise freewill everyday. Freewill and freedom are two separate things, and sometimes I think we forget not only how important our physical freedom is and how grateful and appreciative we should be, but also how powerful our own individual freewill is and can be. We choose to vote, or choose not to exercise that right because the choices haven’t established themselves to be a clear representation of ourselves, our wants, needs, or opinions. Its still a choice. We choose to marry or commit ourselves to someone we believe to be our soulmate, or choose not to exercise that right because we haven’t found someone that we are that sure is “the one”. Still a freedom of choice. We choose to carry a fire arm for protection or justice, or we choose not to exercise that right because we don’t believe in violence or killing or the promotion of either. Still... a right of choice. We choose to attend church, read religious books, and practice the rituals established, or some of us choose never to even say His/Her name... still should be an individual choice. No one should tell you that you can’t, or that you have to. Sometimes you don't want either. There are countless other examples, but the point is, persecution, discrimination, and/or chastising should never be a choice whether you choose to exercise a right, or you choose to exercise the freedom not to choose.

Freedom and happiness are also two different things that should never be confused as being one in the same. Cat, you’re my friend. I’ve known you for several years now. As I’m not you, nor am I in your situation living your life, I would still like to offer up my thoughts. Marriage isn’t always all its cracked up to be... just ask someone who’s divorced and not by their choosing. On the other hand, when it does work out and last, it wasn’t because of a piece of paper, or because of any government recognition, or the endorsement of a certain religion. That piece of paper can be taken from you at any time whether you want it or not. The government can run out of benefits, or change laws at any time. And religion, don’t get me started on religion (I’ll save that for Daddee’s blog...) No one can change what your heart feels, except you. No one can decide for you who to love, who to commit yourself to, who you give your vows and promises to, or what commitments you make to whom. If all you say is true, then you’ve found the love of your life, and you’ve decided she’s your one and only “till death do you part letting no one else come between you”, including a piece of paper, a president, 51%, or any religions. Am I right?? Then why hang on to so much anger, frustration, and resentment?? Surround yourself and fill your life with love, happiness, and support. You have a wonderful and supportive friendship base here regardless of how we voted or our own political and/or religious views. We are all just trying to be as happy as we all can, just as you are. And sometimes that means making different choices from our neighbors, friends, or family. But its all the same freedoms, rights, and freewill. Again, there should be no persecution for individuality. The chasms of diversity felt in this country are because of the limitations of tolerance and acceptance set by the boundaries of our own social, emotional, and intellectual ignorance. This in turn leads to frustration, resentment, anger, bitterness, etc. A hostile environment both internally and externally making happiness, love, security, and compassion virtually impossible to grow, flourish, and prosper individually, and practically non-existent in society. United we will ALL stand together... divided we ALL will surely fall. Its not a matter or question of diversity or polar opposites, its about live and let live... equally.

As for rights and freedoms in this country, it is an incredible gift to be able to do as we choose, to have a voice, to be passionate, etc. But I believe discrimination and stereotyping is felt by everyone at one time or another during life and by varying degrees. Some of us for the color of our skin, others for their sexual orientations or preferences, others for their color of hair (hello?? duh...), some for their weight, others by their cup size, others for whom or what or how they chose to worship a higher power beyond themselves, others for where they’re from, the way they dress, the size of their bank accounts or lack there of, what they drive, who they voted for, IF they voted, where they got their degree, or IF they got a degree, etc. Unfortunately, discrimination and stereotyping is everywhere. I don’t believe any of us are completely immune, nor can we run, hide, or escape it.

I believe that with the concept of freedom, means there is more to life and choices than simply black and white, red party or blue party, gay or misogynism, atheism or Tammy Faye, blonde or Einstein, killer or complacent, happiness or Hitler. There is so much more to be cherished, savored, appreciated, and enjoyed... by ALL. Acceptance, tolerance, patience, understanding, education, compassion... Happiness and love is possible for everyone!!

Group hug... smile for the group picture... “chheeessee!!”... Now, everyone get along, play nice, and hike often!!

The resident Blond has spoken!!
_________________
Blond, James Blond... double "O", uh oh!!

"The romantic lifestyle of goats leaves a lot of time for digesting books" Charlotte La Chevre, (taken from "Conversations With A Goat" by Robert Shekter)

[Tom Treks]

Wow. I'm speechless.

Perfect summation Ms. Blond.



I just HAD to archive this one to my own special spot.

Bravo

[Hikngrl]

You sure put some thought into that one! Well said!
_________________
~~~Diane~~~

I want to shine!

[roger]

No stereotypical Blond here.

Well said

Thanks


roger
_________________
- you are what you do -

[evenstar]

"others for their color of hair (hello?? duh...)" Or for the flavor ice cream they choose to put on their apple pie ala mode!

Well said Jaimi! Proud of my identical twin sister who's so very, very eloquent!
_________________
John Richardson and Richie Rich, El Perro de Playero
http://members.tripod.com/~evenstar/index.html
http://www.arizonahikers.com
When the Man waked up he said, "What is Wild Dog doing here?" And the Woman said, "His name is not Wild Dog anymore, but the First Friend, because he will be our friend for always and always and always. Take him with you when you go hunting."
--Rudyard Kipling, from Just So Stories, 1902

[paintninaz]

J Me...excellent post!!
_________________
~Tracy

“Friends make the bad times good — and the good times unforgettable.”