Quick note

Dave,

I am appalled that you think that I would say anything against the United States. I have been watching the news for the last 2 days and praying that they can find as many people as possible before it is too late. I have nothing but respect for all Americans, to me the United States is like a big brother. We have spent many of our holidays in your beautiful country over the years and have many friends there as well as kin. You all have my deepest smpathy over the tragic and devastating destruction that took place yesterday.
May God bless and keep you all.
trailingon

thank you, trailington. I wish all non-US people shared your views on the matter. :-(

Dave

Trailington isn't alone in her sentiments. The deep shock and horror while watching the events as they unfolded yesterday from here is something I don't have the eloquency to describe. Many people here in the UK, including myself, family, friends and collegues, have close ties with the US too and we all offer our deepest sympathy to the USA as a whole.

Blessings on you all, may God be with you at this time.

Baa

Thank you, Baa.

Dave

trailingon... I agree. This Nation was founded on Freedom, including Free Speech. I count myself a very loyal and dedicated American, yet I would not deny anyone their choice to voice opinions. That is NOT to say I would stand by anyone who defamed our country, our leaders, or our people, for I would not.

I find that you Canadians have been more than fair in supporting the U.S., not just in this crisis, but as an on-going ally. Thanks!!!

I'm all for freedom of speech (as I have demonstrated on this very site for over a year), but I will not allow someone to use my site to trash my country. Thank you very much, but if you have anything negative to say about the US, you're going to have to say it elsewhere.

Dave

From a veteran, and a current U.S. Army reservist...Thanks for the "quick note" Dave. I lived in germany for 3 years while in the Army and during that time, I was involved in an exercise in Turkey and several other countries. It certainly IS a different world over there and I don't think many American citizens realize how good we have it. You can't begin to imagine. I visited East Germany in 1990, while the Soviets were still there and it was a very depressing site. So many beautiful old buildings that were run down and everything was so drab and dull...it seemed there was no color at all in the East German's lives. We stayed over night at a East German's house as a guest and in the morning at breakfast, I noticed they didn't even have common items such as sugar for coffee.
I just want to cry for the people who have lost everything in New York, D.C. and PA. People in such despair that you can't even imagine what they're going through. As a soldier, I hate war. If you were ever in the military, I think you know why I say that. I remember walking through the woods at night with an M16 rifle while in training...if you even begin to think of the complete sense of loneliness that would surely be present in a real wartime situation, you almost want to cry. Yes, a grown man crying...it happens. I've never been in a real combat situation, but just the thought of it is terrifying. Being totally alone and away from all your friends and family...nothing around you that is familiar. No going to Wal-Mart...No getting a large ice cream cone dipped in chocolate at Dairy Queen...No pulling weeds in your garden...No springtime daffodils coming up outside your window...No playing with your dog in the yard. Maybe that's not so reasurring for you, coming from a member of your military...but I promise you, I'd rise to the occasion if it were necessary. I think those who fear and hate war, are the ones who will fight most ferociously for the their countries freedom. God bless you all...

Dave,
i must appologize to you, I took it as a personal affront and was hurt to think that you would think that I could or would say anything negative about your country. When that message came up on my screen in big bold letters it seemed as if you were speaking directly to me. Not thinking that it would show up on everyones screen. I have been appalled today watching young children cheer at the devestation that your nation has suffered. The children I can forgive as they know only what they are taught, but the adults that are teaching them need a good kick in the butt. America has spent millions trying to ensure that as many humans as possible have their freedom and should be applauded for that and not their woes.
All the best to you and yours.
trailingon