I just don't get it

[drfuzzy]

Thanks, Emjay.  I appreciate it.  Got my DNA tested . . . 96% British Isles, the rest is French and German and Basque . . . and I have had moments when I'm a little miffed at my very brave ancestors for crossing the pond!  You Brits seem so much more sane in many respects.  I'm glad that you still have your parents in your life, even tho' things must get a little strained at times.  Chin up!  I look forward to reading your posts here!

Hiya drfuzzy... I'm sorry I haven't replied sooner   I've been busy packing all day long because I'm moving out in two days, at least for a few months... finally going to spread my wings for the first time in my life 

That's interesting, I've never thought of having my DNA tested like that. I'm half English, half Irish as far as I know, but a test like that might reveal more. Yeah it's a tough one... American history has always been enchanting to me but all that pretty much went out the window when I read the God Delusion and learned what it was really like in some places, both in its oppression of atheists and - from a different book... but one which painted a remarkably similar picture - homosexuals.

I don't know about saner It would be interesting to understand why America developed like that in some places, and we didn't, but as it stands I haven't got a clue  

As for my parents, it's okay. We get on well enough most of the time. I used to be quite a handful, not exactly a gay activist... or not much of one ...but out and proud and writing to and talking with MPs about gay issues and stuff like that. Into gay rights... though I've never been on a Pride march. But I've kind of settled down since then, for the sake of a quiet life, so we don't get into it as much as we used to.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to reading your posts too, and again I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner. I wanted to but there was just so much to do and by the end of the day I was (and am) completely shattered.

Good luck on your new ventures! Go Emjay go!
"It would be interesting to understand why America developed like that in some places" -- quite simple. We're a "young" nation, where a large portion of the immigrants arrived fleeing from religious prosecution. They all wanted a place for their religion to thrive. And the immigrants were primarily Protestant Christian.   . . . That pretty much explains everything.
Of course, I'm quite proud of my immigrant surname ancestor.  HE came here for freedom FROM religion.  It's in my genes!