[PRCo] Clarifying A Couple of Off Topic Things

[ktjosephson at earthlink.net]

I wanted to clarify that I don't mind if anybody, Canadian, U.S. citizen,
European, etc., criticizes our country's policies, domestic or foreign. The
Good Lord knows we often deserve it. :-) And heck, it's a national pastime
for us to ridicule our politicians and leaders.

A few of the people on Richard's list were getting general, personal and
aggressive about our culture's flaws, or dare I say, with their perception
of them. Ironically, some of these people were writing that all Yanks
generalize about other cultures. Think about that for a moment.

As if I could stroll into the Oval Office and tell Mr. Bush I didn't like
his policies nor actions and persuade him to change his course.

I'm not crazy about how the war is being executed. But it sure as heck
caused Iran, Libya and North Korea to take notice.

No internal social activism is going to help anybody in the long run if we
can't keep our own country (and society) safe from outside attacks. There
were some pretty harsh restrictions on our personal freedoms during the
second World War. That war was easier to define than today's situation.

My beef with Seattle is that virtually every traction/transit fan from that
city  I've  corresponded  with has been aloof and condescending with their
replies. A notable except has been Don Galt, a kind and witty individual.

My wife wanted to charter a vintage trackless trolley and spend my forty
fifth birthday touring some of the system. This was to be a birthday present
to me. Not much cooperation with trying to set that up. I suppose I'm too
crass, uneducated and ill mannered to ride in their historic fleet.

Have you noticed Fred the Third, Harold, Ed, etc. can disagree pointedly
about various topics, but not get personal? Maybe some of us (me included)
can learn from their example.

K.

P.S.- My wife will be making the funeral arrangements after Derrick kills
me.