Branch Davidians, Waco
General Discussions ( Anything Goes )
If "these people" are the ones looking to start something, I'm game. I would imagine that one would be able to lease a fair section of Greenland at a fairly reasonable rate....
Forum Activity for @tod-enders
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Branch Davidians, Waco
General Discussions ( Anything Goes )
Harold -I didn't find your comments in the least offensive. And you have just stated exactly my primary concern. This nation is being torn apart by extremes. That tension, in my opinion, is far more dangerous than anything either side fears. Let's cease attacking everyone who is different, whether we agree with them or not, and focus on what binds us. We have a nation to preserve, and a little courtesy goes a long, long way. Thank you very much for your response.Todd
Guns In The USA
General Discussions ( Anything Goes )
I actually did not realize that. Points for the NRA in this instance then.
Guns In The USA
General Discussions ( Anything Goes )
And that's one spot where I DEFINITELY part with the NRA - if you are selling a firearm, there ought to be a background check. Even if you're passing it down to a family member, there should be a check done, and an official transfer. I don't see why, if you have to be licensed to drive a car, you shouldn't have to be licensed to carry a weapon. If that was in place and enforced, I think we'd see far fewer issues. The NRA seems to paint that concept with varying shades of paranoia, but if one has nothing to hide, why hide it? It does NOT infringe on constitutional rights, and addresses what I can't help but believe to be the real issue - the person pulling the trigger. If a person is trained, has no criminal background, and is of sound mind, I see no reason why they should not be permitted to own pretty much whatever firearm they wish to own. On the other hand, I know any number of people I wouldn't trust with a butter knife. Unfortunately, I don't think anyone is actually prosecuting background check violations. Maybe if we actually enforced the laws we already have.... 
Guns In The USA
General Discussions ( Anything Goes )
And there, Gaynor, I believe you've hit the nail on the head. The USA is undergoing rapid cultural changes - some good, and some bad. You never see this, but I believe the two primary sides of the debate could be readily demarcated along urban/rural lines. They are very different in the sense that the rural culture has lived with guns as tools for a couple of hundred years, give or take. They see them as a symbol of self-sufficiency, provision, and as a means of fellowship and recreation. In urban areas, however, the exposure is limited to police, criminals, and the entertainment industry. Of course they are going to see them in radically different ways. If neither side can see the others', we are in serious trouble. Let's get to the root of the issue - good job Mr. Freeman!
What’s happening to all the Welsh societies in America??
Promoting Wales in the USA
Yes - just checked them out, and am following on Facebook and Twitter! Thanks!
What’s happening to all the Welsh societies in America??
Promoting Wales in the USA
Progressive and conservative, branches or roots, potential or heritage, quick to change or quick to resist change - I think all people are just naturally more one than the other, and it takes both to balance the world. You need to know where you came from, and you need to look where you're going. Neither are wrong or right - they complement one another. That balance takes time.
What’s happening to all the Welsh societies in America??
Promoting Wales in the USA
Alrighty then - good to know!
What’s happening to all the Welsh societies in America??
Promoting Wales in the USA
Wow - I'm not sure why I hadn't stumble across this discussion before, but I'm glad I have. I'm not sure how one defines "younger" in this context, but at 46, I feel "younger". In my church, I tend to be grouped (both by myself, and by others) as more of a young adult than my age will technically support - mostly from the fact that I share a lot of cultural identity with the current 20- and 30-somethings. I have searched extensively for local Welsh societies as well, and have also been discouraged. I think there is an interest, although I think there is currently a more progressive atmosphere (not necessarily a bad thing in itself) which tends to minimize interest in traditional cultures, heritage and history. As has already been mentioned, these things ebb and flow.
At this point, AmeriCymru IS my link to Welsh culture (or pre-Welsh, or pan-Welsh), and through it I am really trying to understand what the Cymru perceive to actually BE their culture and heritage. I have been encourage by my recent discovery of a fairly local group that I hope to become involved with, but for the most part, I expect my time on this site, along with my own research, to define for me what it means to be Welsh. Let me repeat that - I am looking to this site to DEFINE what it means to be Welsh. And that is coming from someone who has had an interest in mythology, genealogy and history since boyhood. I know it's already been said, but let me confirm that there is NO well-defined image of what it means to be Welsh in America. What I'm finding, I'm loving, but as of yet, I simply don't have my arms around it. Again, paraphrasing earlier comments - The Irish have Saint Patrick and Leprechauns, the Scotts Kilts and Bagpipes. Welsh have - ? I'll be perfectly honest - and please don't hate on me for it, because I have found so much more now than I knew previously. But in honesty, a few years ago I would have said that the only image or concept that would have been associated with Wales would maybe have been COAL. NOT exactly stuff to stir the imagination.
And I think even here (and I may be wrong, but I'll go with my intuition, and just throw this out there), there seems to be an underlying dark thread, possibly coming from political oppression or cultural marginalization or I don't know what else, which I don't see as much of in other Celtic contexts, although there has been oppression and marginalization there as well. Please understand - I'm not criticizing - just observing. I think as long as that element is there (provided of course that I'm not the only one sensing it), it will hinder interest and participation.
There. Now you have the ramblings of a "young" American who IS interested, and would truly like to see a flowering of Cymraeg-ery! Take it for what it's worth!
