How easy we have it

[Bob McCarty]

I am always thankful to live in the United States. Last summer I was fortunate enough to be able to take a vacation to St. Petersburg, Russia. Five million people all live in apartments. The average size of a two room family apartment is 19 Sq. meters (200 sq. ft.). Both my garage and shop are bigger than that. In addition, 20% of the apartments are communal, meaning that 15-20 families share a communal kitchen and bathroom. They thought that this was a great improvement from the rural living that was commonplace before the Bolshevik Revolution. Average monthly income is about $200 per month. Retirees get about $60-70 per month. While things are cheaper over there, it's not that cheap! Whenever I hear someone complaining about how tough they have it over, I have to bite my tongue, and give thanks that I was born an American. For all the problelms we think we have, all you have to do is look around to realize how fortunate we are to live her. With today being Thanksgiving, I just want to wish all of you happy holidays, good health, and a prosperous 2005.

Bob

[beaconlight]

I agree. We are the luckeyest people on the earth. As tiny Tim said Bless us one and all.

Bill

[JackF]

I also traveled very much this past year. Yes Russia was an “eye opener” but not as much as some of the so called third world countries. Even in Europe they envy us.

I’ll never forget in Vire, France during the 60th Anniversary of “D” day a little girl hugging my father, saying “thank you” and “God bless the USA”

In China I asked a school teacher about his thoughts of the United States. His first reply was “you got it very good”

Jack Fowler

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

Never traveled to a foreign country, but was raised up with pretty tight finanaces, outhouse, carrying water, etc. I agree, we've got it good. I love opeing a tap and getting water, turning the thermostat up or down, etc. We do have it good.