At the beginning of Part II I asked myself how I could feel both patriotic and still be ashamed of our society?  I think while writing Part II I have revealed the answer.

I am very proud of our original ideals, but very disheartened by how we have abandoned them in favor of the perverted translation of the ideals.  I am a true American that is not blindly proud of a people who live on a particular landmass.  My pride is bound to the ideals of the great nation, not to this socie...

Thinking about my concerns about childcare got me thinking more about our society’s lack of a concrete and cohesive value system.  I got to wondering how it came to be.  I mean, I have always said that I am proud to be an American and that America is the best there is.  At the same time, how come I am also disgusted with our society.  How can I be so proud of America while still being disheartened by our very society?

What aspects am I proud of an...

My husband, Ray, and I are expecting our first child in 3 months, and just like any expectant mother, my mind has been full of all the natural concerns.  Am I ready?  Will I be a good mom?  Will I be able to save my kid if she chokes on a penny?  Will I know how to respond when things don’t go as I imagine?  Yes, those are all the natural concerns that all parents face, but what’s eating at me most goes beyond these age old questions.

My mind all...