Only in America

One of the great things about America is our diversity. And not just in our racial or cultural backrounds. Our diversity in opinions, beliefs, interests, and choices is what truly makes us diverse.

Over the space of one week, Ferndale saw the "Green Cruise" celebrated by 700 people from around the region by biking, walking, jogging, skateboarding, rollerblading, and even travelling down the streets by wind in a sail. They celebrated fresh air, exercize, and freedom from the gasoline engine.

A few days later, thousands of locals and visitors celebrated the giant "DreamCruise", watching and riding in vintage cars and trucks from the 50's, 60's, and 70's. They celebrated the big steel and chrome land cruisers rumbling power and belching fumes from leaded gasoline.

While the events could not be more different, they were certainly both very American. Some people, including myself, attended and enjoyed both events. My lungs may have preferred the former, but my memories and nastalgia were stirred by the latter.

How cool that Americans get so many choices about so many things. For all the problems we face, and all there terrible policies that have been put in place these last seven years, at least we still have unbridled freedom. While that freedom may be at risk with unconstitutional wiretapping going on in the name of homeland security, we still have more choices and freedoms than any people at any time in the history of the world.