That's quite a topic Cheri. I've not really given a lot of thought to it as it's not something that I come across very often. Very seldom have I seen religion and business mixed together. Similar to yourself I don't even entertain a request to help someone by joining their opportunity. I have to agree, that's pretty manipulative. Generally speaking there are three things I don't talk/discuss that much: 1. How to raise children 2. Politics 3. Religion When it comes to other countries, cutltures etc. we have to learn to adapt and take into consideration what they may be used to if we want their business. I think any responsible business owner is up to the task though.

Hi, Winston, thanks for your reply. How to raise children, now that's another one, lol. A few years ago when mine were driving me crazy, we had a friend who, though childless himself, had some very pointed advice to give us. Most of it was already tried and ineffective. Yesterday, we had occasion to visit with him. He has since married a lady with three kids, and is now facing similar problems to those we used to have. We kept giving him advice from our experience, all of which he has tried, to no effect. We thought the flip-flop was quite comical. He was less amused. WC Fields had some great advice about raising teenagers...you should look it up and post it in your inspirational quotes forum, lol. Thank goodness mine are grown and I didn't commit either murder or suicide. Well, I can tell it's late...I'm less able to control my sometimes inappropriate sense of humor. Better bid you good-night. Cheri

Hi Cheri, I mean no disrespect here, but could you explain what you mean by, as Canadian Americans? As I said, I mean no disrespect but we are not Americans in any, way, shape, or form. We as Canadians have our own heritage and culture and in many ways it is vastly different than that of Americans. As a Canadian I am never pleased when people lump us in with the States and I point out that, no we are not American we are Canadian. We are currently looked at, according to Homeland Security, pretty much the same way Mexico is looked at. We are a foriegn country and we are on the other side of a border. We live about 45 minutes away from the US Border and I remember how we as Canadians were treated on Sept. 11. The border become more like the Berlin Wall and we were shut out within minutes. There are many distinct differences between Canada and the United States and using the term Canadian Americans is almost like imposing ownership. Once again, as I said, I mean no offence but "I AM CANADIAN", so if you could clarify the term, Canadian Americans, I for one would like it. Unless you know something we don't and there is a plan to overtake us and make us Americans.

Hi, Peter Wow, that just goes to show you what I was talking about! I got an equally heated response from a citizen of Mexico several months ago when I used the term 'Americans' to mean citizens of the US. His take was that this continent called North America had more than one country in it than the US, and that he, a citizen of Mexico residing in Mexico, was as much an American as I was. Since then, I have been careful to differentiate between the term American and citizen of the US. I meant absolutely nothing like what you took from it, was merely acknowledging that Canada also, though to me a foreign country, is also part of the North American continent. I am also very sensitive to the fact that this wonderful Adland resource is brought to us by a Canadian, although many members of the community seem to be oblivious of it when they post using terminology that assumes everyone here is a US citizen--American if you will. At this point, having stuck my foot in my mouth, I shall stop tilting at that windmill and bow to common usage. Guess I'll take my lumps one way or another. I would prefer to deal with people as people without regard to their country of origin or anything else that tends to separate us. But as you can see, cultural differences create misunderstandings. That's what we were talking about, and I was hoping to get Winston and Linda's opinions about discussions of religion in a predominantly business-oriented network precisely because I recognize that there are cultural differences. I humbly apologize for giving you offense. Cheri PS, As for Homeland Security, we are finding it as inconvenient as anyone else, and many are alarmed by the appropriation of powers that seriously intrude on our vaunted freedoms. I can only say that at the time, having experienced an act of war, I think it was appropriate to close all borders until we could sort out where and how the attackers entered our country. It's unfortunate, and I am personally sorry, that doing so also offended our friends.

Hi Cheri, As I said I meant no disrespect to you and I did assume that you meant North American but for many that might read the post who might not themselves be North American they may not understand the difference and assume that we are Canadian Americans and not a disticnt society apart from the USA. The blocking of the border as was done on 9/11 was not really something that showed the world a nation based upon co-operation. As you said though, it was to protect the USA. Canada lost millions of dollars as well as lives, as a lot of Silver was stored in the vaults under the World Trade Center and our own people were employeed there. For me living almost all of my life just 45 minutes from the States I have had more of a influence on life style etc. as a result. There is a difference, that once you drive across the border you see very obviously. While we are two nations that live in a close proximity we do not always share the same beliefs or lifestyles. Now I will apologize for the intrusion as you were looking for a response from Linda or Winstion on the discussion of religion in a predominantly business-oriented network. No offence was taken, on my part, I was just looking for clarity.