Comments on: Independence http://quilldancer.com/2008/07/04/independence/ Mon, 07 May 2012 13:43:09 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Raven http://quilldancer.com/2008/07/04/independence/comment-page-1/#comment-3150 Raven Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:58:58 +0000 http://quilldancer.wordpress.com/?p=917#comment-3150 Well said. Well said.

]]> By: Quilly http://quilldancer.com/2008/07/04/independence/comment-page-1/#comment-3149 Quilly Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:54:15 +0000 http://quilldancer.wordpress.com/?p=917#comment-3149 Brenda -- you've been visited. Brig -- I'm not doing enough, either. I did attempt grocery shopping for a month (except for perishables). I have a garden on my lanai (finally). And we recycle as much as this state makes convenient. Living in a tourist economy is what raises my hackles. I see whole scale waste on a daily basis and some days I just snap. Also, there is what seems to me to be a disproportionate ratio of SUVs on the road, especially for a place that requires very limited need for such things. Brenda — you’ve been visited.

Brig — I’m not doing enough, either. I did attempt grocery shopping for a month (except for perishables). I have a garden on my lanai (finally). And we recycle as much as this state makes convenient. Living in a tourist economy is what raises my hackles. I see whole scale waste on a daily basis and some days I just snap. Also, there is what seems to me to be a disproportionate ratio of SUVs on the road, especially for a place that requires very limited need for such things.

]]> By: Brig http://quilldancer.com/2008/07/04/independence/comment-page-1/#comment-3148 Brig Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:32:05 +0000 http://quilldancer.wordpress.com/?p=917#comment-3148 I ranted on this subject the other day. Many people are happy to blame businesses for the high gas prices and the government for- well, everything. My very first comment said that "living beyond our means is the American way" and I cringed. I would like to say that I do my part. I would like to, but I'm trying not to lie. What I can say in all honesty is that I'm trying, and I'm going to keep trying. Grow as much as I can on my little balcony, cut my driving by 90%, plan my meals around foods I can find at the farmer's market so that there isn't the cost of transporting those foods across the country, aim for low energy appliances when I have the choice... It's not enough. I ranted on this subject the other day. Many people are happy to blame businesses for the high gas prices and the government for- well, everything. My very first comment said that “living beyond our means is the American way” and I cringed.

I would like to say that I do my part. I would like to, but I’m trying not to lie. What I can say in all honesty is that I’m trying, and I’m going to keep trying. Grow as much as I can on my little balcony, cut my driving by 90%, plan my meals around foods I can find at the farmer’s market so that there isn’t the cost of transporting those foods across the country, aim for low energy appliances when I have the choice… It’s not enough.

]]> By: Brenda Bryant http://quilldancer.com/2008/07/04/independence/comment-page-1/#comment-3147 Brenda Bryant Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:57:36 +0000 http://quilldancer.wordpress.com/?p=917#comment-3147 It's hard for me to comment on America, since I'm Australian. I only know that we encountered lovely people when we visited you (as you would if you visited here). And I would like to say that, although our countries are imperfect, they're still much better to live in than others we could mention! I write about Australia (and other quirky things) in my very new Blog Rinkly Rimes. <a href="http://rinklyrimes.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">http://rinklyrimes.blogspot.com/</a> I hope you'll visit me. Brenda Bryant It’s hard for me to comment on America, since I’m Australian. I only know that we encountered lovely people when we visited you (as you would if you visited here). And I would like to say that, although our countries are imperfect, they’re still much better to live in than others we could mention! I write about Australia (and other quirky things) in my very new Blog Rinkly Rimes.
http://rinklyrimes.blogspot.com/
I hope you’ll visit me.
Brenda Bryant

]]> By: Quilly http://quilldancer.com/2008/07/04/independence/comment-page-1/#comment-3146 Quilly Sat, 05 Jul 2008 06:42:50 +0000 http://quilldancer.wordpress.com/?p=917#comment-3146 Brian -- one for all, <strong>not</strong> <em>ALL FOR ME</em>! Bill -- thank you. Amber -- OC commutes 2.5 hours one way on the bus going to and from work. He says even with the wasted time, it is both healthier earth-wise and more cost effective than driving. Holly -- ease up there, don't get all rampant with your agreeing. The world needs its snarks, too. Shelly -- I am not as green as I should be, but I am working on it. Good job on your share! Dr. John -- that is an awesome speech and deserves front page billing! So, Melli -- , did you write this before or after you filled the gas tank on your SUV? ;) Actually, I have no complaints about SUVs per se. My complaint is that they are status symbols of extravagance -- and waste. [But I know you didn't buy yours so folks will think you are important and wonderful. You'd still be that without it!] Jules -- I wish this island were a little more recycle conscious. You'd think it would be since the space is finite. Juliana -- to me important days are milestones -- and isn't the purpose of a milestone for stopping to take stock of one's progress? That's what I do with them, anyway. Kila -- welcome back. I totally agree. Jientje -- I agree. I think conservation should be a world-wide concern. I also think the one nation which <em>claims</em> to be concerned with the welfare of the world should be spearheading the effort, not living highest on the hog and producing the most waste. Andrew -- Thank you. No wish to share an opinion of your own? Bill -- thanks, I'll be by tomorrow! Brian — one for all, not ALL FOR ME!

Bill — thank you.

Amber — OC commutes 2.5 hours one way on the bus going to and from work. He says even with the wasted time, it is both healthier earth-wise and more cost effective than driving.

Holly — ease up there, don’t get all rampant with your agreeing. The world needs its snarks, too.

Shelly — I am not as green as I should be, but I am working on it. Good job on your share!

Dr. John — that is an awesome speech and deserves front page billing!

So, Melli — , did you write this before or after you filled the gas tank on your SUV? ;) Actually, I have no complaints about SUVs per se. My complaint is that they are status symbols of extravagance — and waste. [But I know you didn't buy yours so folks will think you are important and wonderful. You'd still be that without it!]

Jules — I wish this island were a little more recycle conscious. You’d think it would be since the space is finite.

Juliana — to me important days are milestones — and isn’t the purpose of a milestone for stopping to take stock of one’s progress? That’s what I do with them, anyway.

Kila — welcome back. I totally agree.

Jientje — I agree. I think conservation should be a world-wide concern. I also think the one nation which claims to be concerned with the welfare of the world should be spearheading the effort, not living highest on the hog and producing the most waste.

Andrew — Thank you. No wish to share an opinion of your own?

Bill — thanks, I’ll be by tomorrow!

]]> By: Bill http://quilldancer.com/2008/07/04/independence/comment-page-1/#comment-3145 Bill Sat, 05 Jul 2008 01:26:06 +0000 http://quilldancer.wordpress.com/?p=917#comment-3145 Hey Quilly, I was already by today, but wanted to let you know there is something waiting for you on my post today Hey Quilly, I was already by today, but wanted to let you know there is something waiting for you on my post today

]]> By: Andrew http://quilldancer.com/2008/07/04/independence/comment-page-1/#comment-3144 Andrew Fri, 04 Jul 2008 23:32:08 +0000 http://quilldancer.wordpress.com/?p=917#comment-3144 interesting thoughts -- I like the photo! interesting thoughts — I like the photo!

]]> By: Jientje http://quilldancer.com/2008/07/04/independence/comment-page-1/#comment-3143 Jientje Fri, 04 Jul 2008 20:38:22 +0000 http://quilldancer.wordpress.com/?p=917#comment-3143 That's a great post Quilly, but it does not only apply to Americans. Out here in Belgium, we should take the same lesson, and change the same things! Happy Independence Day! That’s a great post Quilly, but it does not only apply to Americans. Out here in Belgium, we should take the same lesson, and change the same things!
Happy Independence Day!

]]> By: Kila http://quilldancer.com/2008/07/04/independence/comment-page-1/#comment-3142 Kila Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:27:48 +0000 http://quilldancer.wordpress.com/?p=917#comment-3142 Happy 4th of July! America has so much going for it, but there is always room for improvement. Happy 4th of July! America has so much going for it, but there is always room for improvement.

]]> By: juliana http://quilldancer.com/2008/07/04/independence/comment-page-1/#comment-3141 juliana Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:12:14 +0000 http://quilldancer.wordpress.com/?p=917#comment-3141 you know, i'm not much for 'very important days', be they holidays or anniversaries or any such stuff (we had our independence day just 10 - actually 9 - days ago and i haven't mentioned it anywhere) but this was rather wonderful. i only wish more people would think the same way. thumbs up! you know, i’m not much for ‘very important days’, be they holidays or anniversaries or any such stuff (we had our independence day just 10 – actually 9 – days ago and i haven’t mentioned it anywhere) but this was rather wonderful. i only wish more people would think the same way.
thumbs up!

]]> By: Jules~ http://quilldancer.com/2008/07/04/independence/comment-page-1/#comment-3140 Jules~ Fri, 04 Jul 2008 19:00:08 +0000 http://quilldancer.wordpress.com/?p=917#comment-3140 Good stand Quilly and I completely agree. Americans in general spend much time pointing fingers and not looking in the mirror and I think that is the gest of your post. We have been recycling for a while and recently our neightborhood was giventhe huge recycle cans to replace the small box containers. It makes it even more simple to do. Good stand Quilly and I completely agree. Americans in general spend much time pointing fingers and not looking in the mirror and I think that is the gest of your post.
We have been recycling for a while and recently our neightborhood was giventhe huge recycle cans to replace the small box containers. It makes it even more simple to do.

]]> By: Melli http://quilldancer.com/2008/07/04/independence/comment-page-1/#comment-3139 Melli Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:33:45 +0000 http://quilldancer.wordpress.com/?p=917#comment-3139 Yay Quilly! I find I used to be a lot MORE proud too... and we do a great deal, but we could still do more. I'm not sure I agree with Amberstar that MOST people want to live here though. I'm not sure that ever WAS the case. Fortunately! Can you imagine what our immigration would be like if MOST of the world wanted to live here??? Whew! It's always been a place for the down & outs to come and make a BETTER life for themselves. And I think what aggravates a good many of us, is that the down and outs STILL want to come here and make a better life -- but they want us to CHANGE <i>for</i> them! I'm not sure that's what should be happening. If they want to come, let 'em come -- but accept US and our country the way we are! It's why they wanted to come to begin with! But I definitely DO agree that we should be doing a lot more reaching out, a lot more lifting up, and lot more greening! Yay Quilly! I find I used to be a lot MORE proud too… and we do a great deal, but we could still do more. I’m not sure I agree with Amberstar that MOST people want to live here though. I’m not sure that ever WAS the case. Fortunately! Can you imagine what our immigration would be like if MOST of the world wanted to live here??? Whew! It’s always been a place for the down & outs to come and make a BETTER life for themselves. And I think what aggravates a good many of us, is that the down and outs STILL want to come here and make a better life — but they want us to CHANGE for them! I’m not sure that’s what should be happening. If they want to come, let ‘em come — but accept US and our country the way we are! It’s why they wanted to come to begin with! But I definitely DO agree that we should be doing a lot more reaching out, a lot more lifting up, and lot more greening!

]]> By: Dr. John http://quilldancer.com/2008/07/04/independence/comment-page-1/#comment-3138 Dr. John Fri, 04 Jul 2008 18:21:04 +0000 http://quilldancer.wordpress.com/?p=917#comment-3138 America has never lived up to its promise, its vision. its dream. It continues to act against its own best interest. But the wonderful thing is that because we are a free people we keep lifting up the dream. We keep calling for America to keep the promise. It staggers in that direction. It gets lost and we call it back. The price of being an American is to keep the dream alive. To keep demanding, begging, pleading that we move in the right direction. To keep the vision of equality and justice, mercy and kindness always in front of us. Not because other nations will think well of us but because it is our dream, our vision and we owe it all those who went before to carry on. America has never lived up to its promise, its vision. its dream. It continues to act against its own best interest. But the wonderful thing is that because we are a free people we keep lifting up the dream. We keep calling for America to keep the promise. It staggers in that direction. It gets lost and we call it back. The price of being an American is to keep the dream alive. To keep demanding, begging, pleading that we move in the right direction. To keep the vision of equality and justice, mercy and kindness always in front of us. Not because other nations will think well of us but because it is our dream, our vision and we owe it all those who went before to carry on.

]]> By: Shelly http://quilldancer.com/2008/07/04/independence/comment-page-1/#comment-3137 Shelly Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:59:39 +0000 http://quilldancer.wordpress.com/?p=917#comment-3137 Great post. I've noticed my peers are very uncomfortable and sometimes cranky with this type of conversation. I've always been a flag waver, we've never bought a car that wasn't American made, nearly all my clothes and furniture are Made in America. I've learned keep my fervent opinions about supporting my neighborhood/town/country to myself, because it's not always met with support or even kindness...that makes me really sad. By the way, I've nearly been run over by crazed American drivers when I've stopped to help someone in distress...that is sooooo not how my mama raised me. Great post. I’ve noticed my peers are very uncomfortable and sometimes cranky with this type of conversation.
I’ve always been a flag waver, we’ve never bought a car that wasn’t American made, nearly all my clothes and furniture are Made in America. I’ve learned keep my fervent opinions about supporting my neighborhood/town/country to myself, because it’s not always met with support or even kindness…that makes me really sad.
By the way, I’ve nearly been run over by crazed American drivers when I’ve stopped to help someone in distress…that is sooooo not how my mama raised me.

]]> By: hollydolly http://quilldancer.com/2008/07/04/independence/comment-page-1/#comment-3136 hollydolly Fri, 04 Jul 2008 16:40:27 +0000 http://quilldancer.wordpress.com/?p=917#comment-3136 very well said. i'm in total agreement, and that is odd, because i usually don't agree with people just quite so willingly. oh wait - that is part of the problem. okay, i promise to agree with more people. have a nice 4th. i got wished one at work. but they didn't give me the day off. jerks. (kidding) very well said. i’m in total agreement, and that is odd, because i usually don’t agree with people just quite so willingly. oh wait – that is part of the problem. okay, i promise to agree with more people.

have a nice 4th. i got wished one at work. but they didn’t give me the day off. jerks. (kidding)

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