Oh boy, I rarely do this.............but I feel I must............

I was born here..........long time ago..........in a small town in Ohio.

I LOVE MY COUNTRY!!

Not just a little --- but PASSIONATELY!

No, we don't have it all nailed down and perfect..........but we try...........and we welcome people from all over the world who are willing to try as well.

Let me think - well, no, there aren't six McD's on my block or even six churches...........but within easy walking distance there are several Christian churches, a mosque, a temple - I could take my pick of several religions. We all manage to get along.

McD's - yes - there are those along with Carls's Jr. and Bob's Big Boy and a dozen pizza shops - take your pick.

Life style? How about I lead my life style according to my beliefs, and allow you the FREEDOM to live your life style as you choose.
If you have ever traveled around this beautiful country you will encounter so many different life styles your head will spin.

Let's see - I can go shopping and the corner grocery store is run by Pakistani's- the 7-11 is run by people from India. They made a huge improvement - the store is now glistening and clean.
Around the other corner the big grocery store is run by Koreans............or the other larger store - a chain - has someone from a different country at each check-out stand.

Wait, you don't speak English? Let us help you - we will teach you in your native tongue and English. Please don't lose your heritage - it is something to be proud of. Some of the schools have a total of 59 different languages..........yes, that number is correct.

We welcome them all....................

You have a great new idea for a product or service - go for it..........we will encourage you - help you financially and support you.

Whenever I see license plates that say 'I LOVE __________ (fill in the country), I do get upset. You have complete FREEDOM to love that country, but I wonder WHY ARE YOU HERE? Something not quite right back home?

Nope, we don't have it down to perfect yet - and many things are a mess - but we have the FREEDOM to complain - vote out the guys/gals who made the mess in the first place and hopefully get it right.

It means I have to get off my duff - pull myself away from the computer and VOTE and GET INVOLVED. That is what I do as just one person in hopes that I can help make it better.

My family came from Germany in 1856 - never heard one word about any of them going back...............they stayed here - worked hard - made a lot of contributions in hopes that with their new found FREEDOM they could make a difference and they have. I am proud of that heritage - I am strong - because they were too -and they gave me that legacy.

I as a woman, can own my own home, run my own business, do as I please............and I AM GRATEFUL. Each and every single day I am grateful that I was born an American.

Now, the fact that a young woman's miscarriage cost her $18,000. is still an outrage in my mind. Our healthcare system needs to be corrected - overhauled - made more affordable - get the lawyers out of it - and let Doctor's practice their calling as ethically and honestly as they can and make a decent living doing just that.

But even with our failings - I don't plan on moving out of this country any time soon - no, it is my RIGHT to try to make it better for the generations to come.

(gets off soapbox)