My new bike, which I love so much, is red/white/blue. Only comes in red/white/blue. Almost didn't buy the bike because it's red/white/blue.

I love the country (sing it, Woody! This Land is Your Land...), but sure have blood-pressure raising issues with the Administration of the country's government. I'm afraid of what the U.S. flag has come to represent. Being patriotic seems to mean towing the administrations line....

Back when the Iraq war was new, there were flags everywhere in the schools I travel to as part of my work. I was apprehensive about what little kids were learning about the war, about being good citizens, about freedom (having a voice of dissent). I found a little flag pin that said "Peace is patriotic," and wore it on my coat. Felt I was at least saying *something else*.

Anyway, I bought the bike, of course, wasn't going to let the administration prevent me from living!!!! 2 days later, on my first group ride, there were 2 guys wearing Cannondale Peace Jerseys (beautiful, orange...). Asked them where they found them, then came home and ordered my own from the Performance Bikes website. The women's version is mostly light blue, and will go *so* well with my bike. Oh Fortuna!

So my bike will get to speak her mind, lovingly and with hope!!! And I will, too.

I enjoy so much reading all these posts, and feeling the care that everyone seems to generate. Thanks for being who you are!