There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned small town 4th of July parade to remind one of the grand ‘ole flag.

I would love to be the owner of this Woody. Why? Look at our logo!
I would love to be the owner of this Woody. Why? Look at our logo!
Perspective

I’ve been thinking a lot about the idea of different perspectives lately.  Not only in my personal life, but in life in general; life in the U.S., life in other countries.  Watching the news and seeing busloads of mothers with children being turned away is heartbreaking from where I sit. Then again I suppose it’s a matter of perspective.  I’ve recently read several interesting blog posts discussing the pros/cons of life in the United States.  I think that’s one of the best characteristics of this country; that such an open dialogue can be reached by the masses via the internet.  Freedom of speech.  It’s there for all of us, whether we agree or not.  And isn’t that an awesome thing?

Diversity

One of the things that continues to amaze me about the U.S., is the diversity. I don’t just mean diversity among the populations.  We’ve driven 3 major road trips across this vast country; the northern route, the classic Route 66 from Illinois to California, and most recently an 8,000-mile back and forth trip across the country.  Honestly, there were times when it felt as if instead of crossing state borders, we crossed country borders.  There are so many regional areas, each of which offers its own local culture, language, accent, food, style, etc.  It’s no wonder there are times when, as a nation, we feel divided.

Mt. Rushmore - visited on our northern route - amazing!
Mt. Rushmore – visited on our northern route – inspiring!
Rainbow Curve Bridge - constructed in 1923 over Brush Creek - only remaining marsh arch bridge on Route 66 - listed on the National Registry on March 10, 1983
Rainbow Curve Bridge – constructed in 1923 over Brush Creek – only remaining marsh arch bridge on Route 66 – listed on the National Registry on March 10, 1983 – Riverton, KS
Thirty-three and Counting

We’ve passed through 33 states. That’s not bad and I think it gives us a pretty good feel for the country.  Is the U.S. perfect?  Far from it.  I’m free to say that without fear of repercussions and I can come and go as I please.  I remember on our most recent road trip, we happened to be in Austin, TX. There was an organized protest in front of the Austin capitol building. It was on behalf of the right to keep and bear arms.  Our car was parked a few yards from the protest.  Witnessing all of those people with rifles and assorted guns hanging on their arms, I couldn’t get in the car fast enough.  I am not a fan of guns, or gun lobbyists.  Then, I remembered the train station in Paris where armed military personnel routinely patrol the station.  I was reminded, it’s not just the U.S.

Protest in Austin. Not a fan of this...
Protest in Austin. Talk about different perspectives!
The 4th of July

I’m taking the 4th of July to remember what this country stands for. It stands for people from all walks of life and from all over the world who are inherently good.  We just don’t always see eye-to-eye. I guess it’s all about perspective that keeps it interesting.  Perspective: the state of one’s ideas, the facts known to one, etc., in having a meaningful interrelationship: You have to live here a few years to see local conditions in perspective.

One perspective
One perspective
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One perspective

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