DragonFlight

Well said, Stephen! My reaction to Professor Ghica’s opinion piece was much the same as yours.

Also, I could not help but wonder how strong Chica’s initial support for Obama was. It seems as if his considerations of Obama’s qualifications for President must have been limited. How else could they be completely overturned by snippets from sermons that obviously are not representative of everything offered by Wright’s ministry?

In my experience, ministers sometimes say things that do not coincide with my beliefs. They are, after all, human and subject to the same flaws and weaknesses as the rest of us. But my faith is between God and me, so if a church community offers me, for the most part, spiritual nourishment, then it doesn’t make sense to change churches because the minister and I do not see eye to eye on everything.

It seems as if people want perfection but spend all their time trying to find flaws.

Trish, it's time for a LOT of Americans to wake up. I mentioned that the real America haters are those elected to serve the nation, but who instead largely take from it without giving much back. The endless amounts of hot air emanating from these pompous windbags who speak with forked tongues on a daily occurrence should be called to task, but they aren't. One has to truly wonder how demagogues, whether politically or religiously motivated, pass the litmus test of so many people. How often must their hypocrisy and broken promises be heard before one understands what it is they are really full of?

I fear that many Americans are incapable of truly waking up. If they aren't bitter, they sure should be! They are being taken for a ride by some of the most accomplished snake oil salesmen ever to stand atop a soapbox. And I do witness religion as one of the controlling forces that has people depending on the BS from without, instead of the wisdom from within. Until religions' real aim becomes connecting people to the God within, they will not only remain ineffective, but destructive as well.

We seem to be a society that is goal oriented and obsessed with finding the quick fix. With Affirmative Action, desegregation, quotas, and other movements toward resolving race issues, people are thinking "well, look at those programs and actions we have taken and it still isn't fixed."

I think people need to realize that change comes through a commitment to the process and not through a "quick-fix." Even though the "outcomes" are not meeting the anticipated goals, the process is what we need to focus on. If we give up on the process then there will never be outcomes at all.

We live in such a "bottom-line" society with ultra corporate mentality that it is difficult for many to see people and their rights are not "bottom line" circumstances. People are not numbers or dollars, they live, breathe, feel, think (sometimes), mature, change, evolve (hopefully).

Al, as I commented to Trish. People have to wake up, and that takes some doing. It's a change of perception which I'm afraid many will not negotiate unless the doodoo really hits the fan; and by then it will be later than is desirable. When people are more interested in "being right" as a political party, instead of helping the nation progress in the 21st Century global economy, it is a formula for doom. The "quick-fix" has never existed. I think for many people it consists of getting home from your one or many jobs, and plopping down with a beer or glass of wine in hand, and getting mesmerized by the crap on the boob tube. And like you say, that comes to us compliments of the corporations bombarding us with all their commercial insanity. They even provide us now with advertised pills to take away even more of the need to be responsible for one's attitude. No need, just pop some "soma."
Orwell was truly prophetic.

Stephen, as you said, a lot of Americans need to wake up and it’s not easy to make that happen. There will always be some who refuse to wake up no matter what they see or hear. They have made up their minds (the tiny 2% they use) and then closed them forever. As Al said, “change comes through a commitment to the process” and this group doesn’t even acknowledge there is a process.

On the brighter side, many people are starting to grasp that all is not well in this country of ours. And they are starting to actually seek out information about what is happening – where they live and work, in the government, and to the planet. You can only push people so far before they start pushing back. Even though the “hot air” is still thick on talk radio and in the TV pundit arena, I am hearing more and more criticism of the loud mouths backed by negligible brain power that comes from these “ bully (defined as blustering, quarrelsome, overbearing persons who habitually badger and intimidate others) pulpits.”

This bottom-up change is spreading but many of those at the top are still asleep at the switch, still doing business as usual. It will be a fine day when they finally wake up only to discover their time has past.

Wow, there's racism in America?
Yes there is. Isn't it funny that when the left wing-nut idiot Don Imus made his "racist" comments, the 'Christian' Obama wasn't satisfied when Imus went about on bent knees to the black Pharisees (Revs. Al Sharpton & Jesse Jackson), seeking forgiveness with much repentance. Obama wasn't satisfied with Imus' layoff, expressing his wish that Imus should be fired! Fired over three words! It was interesting to see Obama dance around the issue of his mentor, Rev. Wright Jr.’s racist comments saying that you can't judge a man by a three minute sound bite. Indeed! I didn't hear the Rev. Wright Jr. repenting for his racist comments - did you? So don't forgive a man for three words spoken in jest, who then expressed remorse - but give a pass to a man who made over three minutes of racist, anti-American rant without remorse? The Christian Obama needs read what Jesus said about forgiveness to one who repents.
Would it be racist for example, if John McCain were to list the Ku Klux Klan as one of his supporters on the McCain official campaign website? Obama did just that – only it wasn’t the KKK, it was a dangerous and violent Black supremacy group, the New Black Panther Party on the Official Obama campaign website. Now listen to the New Black Panthers who threatened the life of some of the Duke LaCrosse players: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DQAOZlNrO8
These are Obama's real friends and supporters.

Mr. Hoeppner you are missing one main point. Don Imus himself made the remarks he later ended up having to answer for. Obama has not made the remarks that his reverend made. What reverend Wright says he is accountable for, Obama is not. It's amazing how easily you right wing extremists adopt double standards when it is convenient. I don't hear your outrage at McCain accepting the endorsements of two religious nutcases who blast other religions and lifestyles as a matter of habit, namely Reverends John Hagee and Rod Parsley. Sure McCain later turned down Hagee's endorsement, but only after Hagee's nature became a focus for the media, and even then, Hagee stated that it was McCain that came to him for the endorsement, and not the other way around.

Obama has said he would have left the church if Wright had not retired, and he also stated that the few sound bytes you mention were not the common fare served to the church. For all the reasons I have stated in my last two blogs, I don't see any merit to the notion that Obama must have the same mindset as his pastor. Though I'd agree the comments of Wright were newsworthy and warranted some investigation because of Obama's affiliation with the church, this does not automatically mean Obama carries the same baggage.

I viewed the youtube link you posted and see no relevance. I personally know of no affiliation between Barack Obama and the New Black Panther Party. I scanned Obama's website and saw no reference to that organization. I'd appreciate it if you would point out to me exactly where to look. Your statement that "These are Obama's real friends and supporters" will remain just your opinion until you can substantiate that claim. And of course the fact is that millions of people, both white and black, and from all walks of life, are supporting Obama.

Is it so shocking to so many, yourself included, that a black man has a chance to become President in the land of the free, where everyone is "supposedly" created equal. It sounds a lot like no matter what Obama's affiliations are or are not, there are one hell of a lot of people in this nation that don't like him merely because of the color of his skin. It's a shame opinions about people aren't based on their DNA content, rather than skin color. Maybe they'd have to think twice considering Obama is half white as well! Just how does one decide which half of one's DNA represents who they are?

I hate to say it, but you sound a bit like a racist yourself, when you make comments like "Imus went about on bent knees to the black Pharisees (Revs. Al Sharpton & Jesse Jackson)." Are you?

Trish, I've been saying for quite some time now that the ONLY bright light I fathom in the selection of George Bush as President is that his Administration has made many in this nation aware of just how corrupt politics have become. One of those blessings in disguise.

I'm trying to heed your advice to not allow my cynicism to overwhelm by optimism. This upcoming election might just be very telling. In my opinion, another Republican President will represent a catastrophe for this nation that will not be easily reversed in our lifetimes.

Stephen, you said I was missing one main point. That being
“Don Imus himself made the remarks…Obama has not made the remarks that his reverend made. What reverend Wright says he is accountable for, Obama is not.”
It is you, Stephen who missed the point.
My comments are specifically in regard to Obama’s double standard to the racist statements of both Don Imus and the Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr. With Don Imus, whose whole offensive comment consisted of a mere three words,
Obama said: "I understand MSNBC has suspended Mr. Imus, but I would also say that there's nobody on my staff who would still be working for me if they made a comment like that about anybody of any ethnic group. And I would hope that NBC ends up having that same attitude." So Obama judged Imus for three words and then said that Rev. Wright shouldn’t be judged for a three minute sound byte. Sorry Stephen but that’s called a double standard.
Then you have the gall to say, “It's amazing how easily you right wing extremists adopt double standards when it is convenient.” Stephen, Hitler was a right wing extremist who, like Rev. Wright and his friend, Louis Farrakhan – hate the Jews. As I’ve shown you Obama has the double standard. And how do you compare Revs Hagee and Parsley to Rev. Wright? They preach a Christocentric message as do most evangelicals in churches that are much more diverse, both socially and ethnically than Rev. Wrights, who preaches an Afrocentric gospel.
You are beginning to show a double standard, Stephen. McCain probably never attended either Hagee’s church or Parsley’s church. Obama, on the other hand attended Wrights church for over 20 years, served on his board, marched in the Nation of Islam’s Million Man March and whose church awarded racist extremist Louis Farrakhan the Church’s highest social achievement award.
These two statements you made reveal much: “Obama has said he would have left the church if Wright had not retired. (And I really believe him…right) but you previously said “Sure McCain later turned down Hagee's endorsement, but only after Hagee's nature became a focus for the media. Obama talks, McCain acts, both are trying to keep their political viability.
Stephen: “I personally know of no affiliation between Barack Obama and the New Black Panther Party. I scanned Obama's website and saw no reference to that organization. I'd appreciate it if you would point out to me exactly where to look. Your statement that "These are Obama's real friends and supporters" will remain just your opinion until you can substantiate that claim.”
Apparently it’s been taken down from his website. I commented on it many times in other blogs having visited it myself. I did find a website that has a ‘capture’ of Obama's Campaign website when it bore the endorsement of the NBPP. Here you go:
http://www.pr-inside.com/obama-campaign-has-the-new-black-r495510.htm

“And of course the fact is that millions of people, both white and black, and from all walks of life, are supporting Obama.”
So Stephen, would that statement apply if you saw the KKK endorsing McCain on his official webpage?
“I hate to say it, but you sound a bit like a racist yourself, when you make comments like 'Imus went about on bent knees to the black Pharisees (Revs. Al Sharpton & Jesse Jackson).' Are you?”
Give me a chance, Stephen and I’ll vote for Alan Keyes. I hear he's considering a run on the "I" ticket. Does that answer your question?

Guess what, Mr. Hoeppner,
Don Imus' comment was not funny, not in the slightest. That kind of "jest" isn't "jest" at all.

As for racism, relationships, and comments by others, I find it quite interesting that John McCain gets such a pass from the media because they simply like him. It's no wonder this country is in such a mess, when those on whom we depend for news can't even back up far enough to get out of their own hypocritical bubbles.

Mr. Hoeppner, those three words you mention by Imus were quite reprehensible, and directly racist in their content. Obviously most thought so, since Imus ended up getting canned. Obama saying, “..nobody on my staff who would still be working for me if they made a comment like that about anybody of any ethnic group,” was upheld by his subsequent actions upon hearing of Wright’s comments. Wright was forthwith taken off of Obama’s campaign team. So where’s the double standard? Obama said he had not heard those 3 minute sound bytes when he was in the church, and I believe this is quite possible, though I can't be totally certain. I’m not sure a man with his political ambitions would have stayed in that church if that was the gist of the normal rhetoric.

I have no doubt that Obama has some racial baggage, who wouldn’t? For anyone to believe most whites or blacks in this nation do not, is akin to having one’s head buried very deeply in the sand. Perhaps it’s time to address these issues in the land where “everyone was created equal,” but apparently not, according to our sordid history of slavery and discrimination.

By the way I noticed you didn’t even address my question to you about DNA and which part of a person’s makeup defines them. I wish you would!

Seeing a picture of a portion of Obama’s website on an obviously right wing propaganda website, with no other context or visible content, and a statement by David Duke, hardly gives me a context for believing Obama is a New Black Panther supporter. I’m afraid I’ll have to see more evidence than this. What was said within that picture? But, I do thank you for bringing it to my attention. Like I said, I have no doubt Obama has some baggage from his own personal history.

There is link to Obama’s big speech, but no endorsement of him on the New Black Panther website at http://www.newblackpanther.com/home.html And in fact, they say, “In his amibition to become America’s first Black president, Obama is in a race to prove how Black he isn’t.” This is from a link at http://www.newblackpanther.com/article-politicianandpreacher.html This hardly sounds like a relationship made in heaven.

Personally I like how Obama thinks, what he has to say, and how he says it. I’ve been reading “The Audacity of Hope,” and I like what he has to say there as well. Is Obama perfect? Of course not. Even he admits to making mistakes. But when all is said and done, comparing him to Hillary Clinton and John McCain, I believe he represents something this nation sorely requires. He IS change. It’s about time this nation realized it is a multicolored society, and whites need to get over their angst about anyone of different color, and so do blacks. There are a lot of historical reasons why both blacks and whites are holding resentments against each other, and the time has come for it to end.

If Americans are going to continue to believe they live in the greatest nation in the world, they had better damn well start acting like they are the greatest people in the world. Quite frankly, I don’t see it thus far.

As far as your comment that “McCain probably never attended either Hagee’s church or Parsley’s church.” You might want to tell me why McCain sought Hagee’s endorsement, and why McCain has claimed that Reverend Rod Parsley is his “spiritual guide.” That last statement certainly didn’t arise in a vacuum, and appears to demonstrate some connection between the two.

Stephen,
I merely used the captured photo, which was the first one that popped up in my Google search. That being said you seemed skeptical whether the NBPP even appeared on the “Obama 08” web page. If you’re asking for more proof I’ll try to find it. But if you assert that the Obama web page isn’t closely managed 24/7 I think one could make the case you’re willingly naive.
Suffice it to say that their ad was prominently displayed on the official “Obama 08” website. There was a fire storm of criticism about it and frankly I’m surprised that someone as aware of the political climate as you are seemed to have missed it. Obviously the Obama campaign felt the heat when it became an issue and dumped the ad to distance Obama from such a controversial extremist group. I’m sure that the NBPP is unhappy about the rejection and I wouldn’t expect them to maintain their public support. That would also account for the NBPP statement, “In his amibition [sic] to become America’s first Black president, Obama is in a race to prove how Black he isn’t.” Can you imagine the firestorm of criticism if the Ku Klux Klan advertised their support for Senator McCain on his website for just 10 minutes? I agree that there are a lot of people who won’t vote for Obama because he’s black, but then again there are a whole lot of people who will vote for Obama for no other reason than that he is black.
You stated in your last post, “By the way I noticed you didn’t even address my question to you about DNA and which part of a person’s makeup defines them. I wish you would!” referring to the original question: “Just how does one decide which half of one's DNA represents who they are?
My answer: God handles the genetics. No two people are the same, we all have different fingerprints but the similarity in our general design indicates that there is after all one creator. Each man and woman is a unique engine of creation with a divine purpose. Hence, in that way we’re all related (Acts 17:24-30). God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34, 35) and in Christ we’re all equal (Galatians 3:28). I’m not Bible thumping, but provided references to confirm where I personally base my answer. Does that answer your question?
If I may take it a bit further, it’s only in a nation bound by that principle of equality found in the Judeo-Christian ethic that establishes “all men are created equal.” Under Darwinism, racism is given a pseudo-scientific reason for racism.
Finally you suggested, “You might want to tell me why McCain sought Hagee’s endorsement, and why McCain has claimed that Reverend Rod Parsley is his “spiritual guide.” That last statement certainly didn’t arise in a vacuum, and appears to demonstrate some connection between the two.”
OK, I’m no mind reader but I would surmise that McCain who has received considerable support of late by evangelicals, is seeking sew up support from the ‘heirs apparent’ of the “Moral Majority” in the aftermath of Jerry Falwells passing. The Moral Majority has been a significant factor in the Republican Party since they were largely credited with the election of Ronald Reagan. To put it in one line, McCain is trying to cover all bases. I think McCain perceives Hagee and Parsley as the heirs of that legacy.

Mr. Hoeppner (I don't know your first name), I wasn't really suggesting that the Obama website was not closely managed. No doubt I'm naive about some things, but I assure you, never willingly. I'm merely saying I was not aware that NBPP had appeared on his site, and yes, if I were him I'd also have gotten rid of it. Not knowing what the text was in that picture, I don't know what was being said, or why it was even there. The name of the game at this point is getting votes, whether you really embrace some of those voters or not. As you said yourself, McCain is pandering to the evangelical right and "trying to cover all bases," regardless it would appear, of what certain personalities might or might not represent. Such is politics. Personally I think it is the thing that makes politics suck, but that's me. And I have to say, though I don't know much about the NBPP it does not appear they come even close to approaching the KKK for despicability (not a real word, but I like it) and longevity.

Either you misunderstood my DNA comment, or I worded it badly. My only point was that the criteria for calling a person black seems quite arbitrary. I think it was sometimes before the Civil War that it was determined that anyone with as little as one sixty-forth black heritage was considered black. This is obviously racism at its worst. I was simply wondering why the standard still seems to exist in America that if someone is part black they are considered black. Why is not a person who is half white considered white? Certainly, skin color is telling, but that is superficially arbitrary when it comes to the present time, when the real issues of racism might finally be addressed in this nation. I myself have believed that the fact that Obama is half white, he would be an ideal candidate at this time in our history. This racial divide in this nation is a festering sore, that makes us as a country look rather bad. It's time to move on. The world is becoming smaller each day, and for the people of our nation to still be hung up on this kind of petty prejudice doesn't exactly qualify us to be a real leader in a world that is not all white. Enough said.

Other than Wright's comments, and the NBPP appearing on Obama's website at some time, what are your real objections to Obama as a person, a candidate and possible president. Why might you believe he would not fit the bill? It appears to me that all of the candidates at this point have loads and loads of baggage, flaws and are basically, ....human. What do you really object to about Obama?

Stephen,
Now, I finally understand what you meant by the DNA question. I totally agree with you there. Why make such a distinction?
Where I worked (in a state agency) before I retired, many of my partners were “black.” But each day we’d come to work and I can honestly say that the thought of them as black and me as white really never entered the equation. They were Allen, Ernie, James, Vicky, Leonard and so on. We worked together and enjoyed each others company both on and off the job and many times were there for each other during some pretty difficult times. That’s the way it should be.
But there are in every race those who wear their skin as a badge and will constantly push it ‘in your face’ creating an insurmountable barrier.
You ask me what I have against Obama? He has surrounded himself with a cadre of such people, who are before everything else, first and foremost, black. People who’ve built careers dedicated to keeping racism, or the appearance of racism alive, in some cases for their own personal gain. From a pastor who blames ‘rich white folks, Jews and an American government in some kind of grand conspiracy against blacks, to a well-to-do wife (who’s enjoyed the benefits of living the American dream) a Princeton graduate who has had her graduating thesis restricted until after the election – and says that for the first time in her entire adult life is proud to be an American – I’ve got to tell you Stephen, these things have raised some mighty big red flags for me! Add to that Obama’s own disregard for the American flag, and – well I don’t really need to go further. By the way, did you ever hear about Michelle’s thesis?? I would really like to read it for myself. I checked it out on snopes Urban Legends: http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/thesis.asp
Now isn’t it interesting that Obama made such a deal about the Clintons releasing their private information but his wife’s thesis is virtually sealed until November 5, 2008 – the day after the election?

Mr. Hoeppner we finally agree on a few things. Yes, there is reverse discrimination in this nation, Obama's affiliation with Wright's church, but even more with the man himself is a bit suspicious, if not telling, and Obama's wife kind of turns me off as well. I've listened to her speak a few times, and there is something about her I don't quite trust.

I have to admit these things, or I'd be less than honest. I will add, however, this is a part of a process for me, as well as many other Americans. You can obviously tell from my blogs and other comments in the Post from time to time, that I'm quite politically liberal. I was brought up to be. I'm not as liberal as some of my closest friends, and more liberal than others. I won't define what that term means to me, I suspect you are smart enough to get the gist. I will state that I'm not a left wing extremist nutcase. Though I might drift to various extremes, in different directions I do tend to always have some ties to the middle ground. I do have some conservative tendencies as well. Perhaps the point is that I follow my beliefs, am not led to them, and I don't hang out in a particular space because it's expected of me.

That being said, I've begun to understand that the present political campaign, highlighting a black candidate as well as a woman, is something new to all of us white men. My personal philosophy gives me no qualms about electing either as president, but I do recognize some of the challenges this situation represents. Though I understand why Obama might belong to such a church (and I don't honestly believe he didn't know where Wright stood on things), it forces me to accept that this isn't unexpected. Of course many blacks will hold some deep resentments of white America, and if they are intelligent and educated, this won't mitigate it entirely. Personally I hold some deep resentments against white America myself. I happen to believe that slavery is one of the most despicable acts perpetrated by Homo sapiens, PERIOD! When I see it anywhere in the world under any circumstances it makes me cringe, and makes me very angry! And I don't like anyone to be mistreated because of the color of their skin, their lifestyle, religious affiliation or for any other reason. If a person is not being harmful to others, but just living their life as they see it, they should be allowed to do so, and not attacked by anyone else looking to find someone to be better than!

So, do many, if not most or all blacks hold some bitterness themselves? Sure! Is it justified? In various degrees yes! Is it something this nation has to confront, address, and work out? Yes! Is the time now? Perhaps it is!

Michelle Obama does bother me a bit. She is not as good as Barack, at not wearing some of her feelings so obviously on her shoulder. Though I may not like some of the things she says, and how she says them, I'm beginning to understand, a little, why this might be so. Also, I have to understand that Barack probably also shares some of these feelings. I'm beginning to realize that this might just be okay. They'd both be living in a vacuum if they did not hold some resentments towards this nation as far as the racial situation is concerned. I certainly don't want another dumb president!

I have to also admit, and many won't like it, that I'm not as proud of America as I used to be. It doesn't mean I hate America, or don't think it is one of the best places to be, but it's far from perfect, and the "we are the greatest nation in the world," and the "God bless America" stuff turns me off. Those things have to be earned on a continual basis. You don't just win the prize for a few years running, and continue to hold it when subsequent actions no longer justify it.

This nation is full of prejudice, injustice, and discrimination of various kinds, as well as all brands of hypocrisy, from the arena of business and political "ethics" right on to religious bigotry and intolerance. The lust for war from those considering themselves followers of Jesus, and the failure to see the contradiction of being pro-life to save a fetus, while fervently allowing the bombing of so many already born under that dubious umbrella of "national security," is ludicrous and hypocritical. I could go on and on, but you get the point.

I'm not saying any nation on this planet is perfect, and that we aren't better than many, and not as good as a few. I'm simply saying a lot of people have to get out of denial about a few things. Greatness has to be continually earned, it's not just a label to stick on a lapel, like a flag pin. I myself object to the flag pin at present, because I believe the United States has not been acting in ways to be proud of in the last several years. I can boldly state that, because I don't care what others might think about my opinions. I'm not running for office!

So, yes I see the present political campaign as full of as many unknowns, as it is in some ways uncomfortable. But I'm beginning to accept that it couldn't be otherwise. As I said in an earlier comment, all the present candidates are flawed, and carry a lot of baggage. Though the baggage varies from candidate to candidate, I'd pretty much say its a level playing ground.

The fact that Obama carries racial baggage is natural. That McCain might carry some bitterness from being a prisoner of war during six years of his youth no doubt has him angry deep inside, and at times we see it rise to the surface. It actually concerns me that this man who appears so hawkish might at times let his emotions rule over his reason when dealing with "enemies" of all sorts. Hillary carries a whole different sort of baggage that might push her towards the desperate need to prove herself, and she might be less than rational if anyone gets between her and a perceived goal.

Ideally, I'd rather see a true statesman in the race. We haven't really seen one in so long, I don't know if any still exist, or if they do, if they just keep clear of political leadership.

It is what it is, and whatever that is, I sure hope America comes up with the right solution at the right time. This is a huge nexus point for this nation, and we had better get it right!

It seems that we do share some common ground. I'd be a lot more comfortable with Obama if he didn't seem like such a chameleon. And I share your uneasiness with Michelle Obama. Why would her thesis be sealed until after the election? That in itself speaks volumes! It seems that each day some new concern pops up from within Obama's past and with each one he provides a new series of excuses.
But like you said, it is what it is.

I owe you an apology, Stephen. The Obamas have OK'd Michelle's thesis to be released. Snopes said it "was" true but scrolling down they actually printed some of her thesis and said to go to politico.com. I should have read the entire article and for that I felt the need to get back here and let you know. http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0208/8642.html

Thank you very much for the update Mr. Hoeppner, I appreciate it. I'm looking forward to reading the thesis. I want to know more about her, and what was going through her mind even back then.

I'm going to be posting a new blog tomorrow that discusses a few more issues, including racism in our nation, why we shouldn't be so shocked, and why we truly need to clean up our act in America a bit. To be great means to act great. My last comment to you was the inspiration.

I have really enjoyed our interchange of ideas, and feel I've gotten to know you better. Thanks for taking the time to make our little dialogue possible, and for this last update.