BARB, I think we are fortunate if one of our parents discussed such things with us as
we were growing up. My Dad like to do that, and as a result I grew up firmly grounded
in a lot of his principles. He was a very intelligent man. It was amazing how I grew
to realize that as I grew older myself.
"..fortifying values along with nostalgia for a traditional sound.." Thst says it
beautifully, BARB. Your description of 'religion' encompasses, to me, both the faith
and beliefs of a group, and the practical business of keeping things running smoothly.
I tend more to make a distinction between 'faith' in God, and the accepted dogma of a
particular group, which I call 'religion' and may not wholly accept. Another way of saying
it might be that I see 'faith' as the spiritual aspect, and 'religion' as the manmade construct.
Is that true, MARYPAGE, that Poke weed is toxic unless boiled? I thought I had heard
of a poke salad, but obviously that wouldn't work if the stuff requires cooking. I see
JEAN mentions 'poke salad', too.
ROSEMARY, we do tend to hope that a change in the people in charge will make a big
difference. Unfortunately, the new people have to handle the messes that have come down
to them, facing the same obstacles and difficulties. We expect miracles, which is of
course totally unrealistic. That's happening here now, with people complaining because
President Obama couldn't immediately turn around a dozen years in one direction.
I can understand why young people get discouraged, but the fact is that our vote is
the only way we have of emphasizing to our leadership that we don't like the way they're
going and will kick them out if they continue.
