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I'm contragrain, and I AM NOT a cereal--fruit, nut, or flake!

My Motto is "vitas veritas"

Judge of a man by his questions rather than by his answers.--Voltaire

A spoon does not know the taste of soup, nor a learned fool the taste of wisdom.--Welsh Proverb

If you are inclined to post ballots bashing other users, whether I agree with you or not, I may read them, but I will not comment or vote. Please do not private message me about your negative perceptions about those folks. I don't want to hear it.
Sincere compliments have value. I'm embarrassed by meaningless flattery; and when it is exposed I cannot appreciate it coming from others.

I can't change my profile. Otherwise, "marital status" would read, "13 years, DIVORCE in progress" Some might say 13 is living up to it's negative stigma. Some days I might agree, others I think maybe this is what's best for everybody.

CONTRAGRAIN: BECAUSE SOMETIMES YOU HAVE GOT TO GO AGAINST THE GRAIN.

Excerpts from Patrick Henry:

"No man thinks more highly than I do of the
patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy
gentlemen who have just addressed the house. But
different men often see the same subject in different
lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought
disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I
do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I
shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without
reserve..."

"The question before the house is one of awful moment
to this country. For my own part, I consider it as
nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery;
and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject
ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in
this way that we can hope to arrive at the truth, and
fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God
and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at
such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should
consider myself as guilty of treason towards my
country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the
Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly
kings..."

"For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost,
I am willing to know the whole truth, to know the
worst, and to provide for it."

"I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and
that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of
judging of the future but by the past. And judging by
the past, I wish to know what there has been in the
conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years
to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been
pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that
insidious smile with which our petition has been
lately received?
Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet.
Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss..."

"Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by
lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive
phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us
hand and foot?..."

"What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have?
Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased
at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it,
Almighty God! I know not what course others may take;
but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!"
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"Something there is that doesn't love a wall..."Good fences make good neighbors."" Robert Frost

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