Re: Over here ... Over there..... or Utopia?

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Comments:
: : : Ilse,

: : : I don't intend to say too much as I expect it would truly be 'too much' & I haven't posted or communicated via the internet/email in quite awhile for various reasons. However, Ilse, there are some things (few, though they be) that are currently more disruptive to my life than the overload of communications generated through the electronic era, one of which would be the tears or hurt of a great friend. You are & have been more than an acquaintance, more than a friend. You are a GREAT friend & I can't ignore this moment. I can't demand you reconsider, nor can I tell you to feel differently. But I can beg & implore you to stay here & post your "quips" as well as exercise your right to express your opinions, observations, perspectives, & thoughts - because we have been & will continue to be richer for it.

: : : I think I do understand very well how you feel & I hope that rather than end what has been important to you & to many of us, you take the opportunity to express the frustration you've been feeling for a long time. Yes, I know you've bitten your tongue quite hard & quite often. I also know that you've gone to great lengths time & time again to avoid offending others. Thank you, thank you ... it is appreciated.

: : : We've come to this sort of trouble before on the board & I'm sure  we will again. I'd rather take it on, you know? Part of the problem is found within the subject header - "Over Here ... Over There"  as well as the fact that you feel yourself to be a minority (European on an American board). But there is NO 'here or there' on the board! There really isn't! There is a perception at times that this is the case but it is a misperception. This board is not America & it is not used exclusively by, nor intended solely for, Americans. (Even the Seven Years War was broader than that!) I think people do sometimes forget or overlook & conversations get peppered with 'we' & 'us' & 'here' etc. For the most part it is unintended, I'm sure. Nonetheless, yes, a person not living in the U.S.A. can certainly find cause for either exclusion or offense in the way things are sometimes said.

: : : Ilse, for the record, has been HERE forever. She has been very much a large chunk of the heart that developed into Mohicanland. I do not want to lose that heart. Forget the magic - it's long gone, but the heart ... Stay here, Ilse, as you are. The days are too stark already.

: : : Regarding the "exchange" ... no, there was no opinion voiced nor venom spewed. I would ask people to be a bit more reflective before painting too wide a stroke. American patriotism? Funny thing about that ... I never knew what it felt like (or as Diana so eloquently described, what it tasted like) before 11 September. I never knew what merit American Pride really had before 11 September. I've always lived in the U.S. but I never had cause to feel these words before. I was never "anti-American"   ... I was a disappointed American. My disappointment & criticism never undermined my country, it illustrated one of its great characteristics. If democracy is made stronger by dissent & freedom is nurtured by opposing viewpoints then why accept anything less on a 'global' forum?

: : : The original post ... one Romanian editor's reflection upon red, white, & blue - a question was asked regarding an overseas perspective. A person from overseas (who might view the subject nation as overseas?) replied about that perspective. Some would agree, others would disagree. Some would approve, others would disapprove. Some would find comfort in it, others would find it somewhat exaggerative. That's a good thing. A very good thing ...

: : : No need to offend or take offense, okay?

: : : Ilse - I think I have your point. Please consider what I am asking. I would very much look forward to reading your thoughts and opinions in the coming days, weeks, months, & years.

: : : Please ...

: : : With regards,

: : : Elaine

: : 
: : Dear Ilse,
: : I would like to second Elaine's post.  I will miss you terribly if you leave.  You are an important part of our family.  Please reconsider and stay.
: : Chris

: 
: Me three! Me three! :-)

: Seriosly though, you do know that what we need here is a good bonfire, easy conversation and some Heinies....or the other "heinies" - handsome loinclothes to sit on...
: I AM speaking of my husband. :-)
: caitlin


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