We are ALL the same deep down.

If you know Nancy and I very well, you know we have traveled all over the world. I am not bragging, we have been very fortunate. And as we've traveled, we have experienced many different cultures and had in-depth conversations with people in those countries about their feelings, beliefs, religion and thoughts about Americans and the United States. All of them want to same things. They want a family to be safe. They want to live in a peaceful country. They want to worship the god they believe in. And they want to see their grandchildren have a better life than them. They want everyone to be an equal, no matter their color, race, sex or gender. Sound familiar? It is the same as I want and probably you too. That is NOT what the Russian President wants.

Vladimir Putin as launched a war against a peaceful country, not their army, but at the people of Ukraine, on their homes, their hospitals, their schools, in an attempt to break their proud, spirit and resilience. But it is not working. The Ukrainians are strong and ARE resilient. As much as they have been through over the decades by Russia and other countries and to stand up the the power of Russia, is amazing.

But this is one of many conflicts we have seen in recent years. The old 'Iron Curtain' countries, central and South American countries, the Middle East countries, and not to forget South East Asian countries have seen their fair share of conflict.

One scholar said, "Conflict starts over money, sex and greed." I believe egos, politics and religion should also be part of that statement. Oh yeah, politics. It is part of everything whether you realize it or not. Politics is negotiating, give and take, get the upper hand and scratching each others back, so to speak. Sometimes the negotiations are direct and sometimes it is behind the scenes. It just depends on your advantage. Children learn these tactics at a very young age. Arguing over toys or candy, it's politics.

I believe in fair and equal treatment of all. Like I said many times before, I am color blind. But many people are not, and don't care for anyone that is different from them. That is sad. maybe if we all just let by-gones be by-gones, there would not be as many conflicts. But I don't believe that will ever happen.

My hopes are that you the reader would treat everyone as your equal. Equality for all (as written in our Declaration of Independence) was written in hopes of creating a 'perfect union' in the United States after separating from Great Britain. We, like many other countries, have tried and failed in many ways, to make those hopes become true. Unlike Russia, we are much farther ahead in civil and social rights, but still have a long way to go. We each must put any biases behind us and see we ALL are much like ourselves.  One race, the human race. Take care and be safe.

Again, I thank you for reading my ramblings. I really do appreciate it.