i do want to say though...that I do give to a lot of charities when I have the money (not just the environmental ones! hehe) and especially around this time I do..I try to push aside all my thoughts on religion except the respect I"m trying to establish..after all as Osuche said I have food and heat..ya know?
I've seen the hardships people can go through (having been to bad parts of Costa Rica, Nicaragua etc.) and dealt with people a lot worse off than myself....it really makes you think. This is why when there is some trivial issue going on I stop and say "you know...there are people living in cardboard boxes, and you're upset b/c....." it is harsh, but true! I truly believe Americans are sheltered by this, and since I am also American I feel I have the right to give my honest opinion. Amen to Osuche for her point of view, I couldn't have said it better!

__________________
Xs and Os,
Kristin