I'm with those that don't see why we as adults cannot have adult conversions be they potentially divisive (and we have proved that almost anything can be controversial - quick, favorite ice cream flavor: chocolate, vanilla, or other) or not. I think we need to keep in mind that one person's proclamation of her (or his) view is not an attack on another who has an opposing view. They are just very passionate about their views and I, for one, can respect that whether I agree with them or not. I have come to value these open discussions because I have learned a great deal through them. I consider myself a pretty open-minded person who tries to see an issue from many possible angles but my fellow TE'ers have opened my eyes to a few possibilities that I had not even considered. Thank-you. Yes, I've even changed my mine on a couple of things as a result of it. But even if I have kept my original views, I been made more aware and sensitive to the reasoning behind those that oppose mine.

For the citizens of the U.S.A., whether or not you voted for our president elect, let us not forget that our civic duty goes beyond the voting booth. There is more that we can do to be involved in our democratic process, so that everyone's voice can be heard. If you don't like a policy, speak out against it - write your local leaders, become involved in civic groups, start an petition/initiative, run for a political office, etc.

For the community at large, this election and financial crisis has proved that we are truly a global community. We cannot forget that as one person's actions can affect others, one nation's actions can also affect the world at large. Even though not every person on this planet could have voted in this election, it does not mean that your opinions are not valid. I take them into consideration because they serve as a check on how our nation is doing.

Long live TE! You all rock!

Soo Son