June 30, 201016 yr I see Boystown has some events planned for July 4. Any others? Anyone celebrating?
July 1, 201016 yr I won't be doing anything special, since it's not exactly a Thai holiday and I AM in Thailand.
July 1, 201016 yr I usually have friends come for a BBQ, but last night had a birthday party here for a Thai guy who is the bf of an American friend.
July 1, 201016 yr Author I won't be doing anything special, since it's not exactly a Thai holiday and I AM in Thailand. True that it is not exactly a Thai holiday, but since some venues in Thailand, where you are, have special events, I was hopeful to find out. Christmas and Thanksgiving are other examples of non Thai holidays where venues in Thailand celebrate as you know. Anyway it is great to be in Thailand no matter what the day, right??
July 1, 201016 yr Author What's it about? Independance? Must be a joke! I guess you are inserting a political opinion. As for me I feel quite fortunate to have been been born in the United States. I may not like all the government policies all the time which is natural, but living and working in the United States has provided me a very good life. Each year millions try to immigrate to the USA for a better way of life, so many must feel it is not a joke.
July 1, 201016 yr It's funny how holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas just don't feel the same here, even when you go to a buffet. However, the Daily News (a Thai language newspaper) did have a nice report today about the King of Thailand visiting Thailand 50 years ago and addressing the U.S. Congress. It followed with a letter in Thai from the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand describing the meaning of the 4th of July and how Americans celebrate the holiday--backyard picnics, fireworks and all.
July 1, 201016 yr However, the Daily News (a Thai language newspaper) did have a nice report today about the King of Thailand visiting Thailand 50 years ago and addressing the U.S. Congress. It's always nice to meet a fellow Dan Quayle fan . . .
July 1, 201016 yr As for me I feel quite fortunate to have been been born in the United States. I quite agree with PattayaMale. America is far from perfect, but it has never claimed to be. I am no flag waver, but I think many people take American's freedom to criticize the policies of our country as weakness. But, to me, America is a 250 year old evolving experiment and without voicing our displeasure with our flaws, we will never progress. As I reflect on the good fortune to have been born an American, I applaud my country's generosity to other countries in need. We are always the first there with food, aid, and money to bail out those in need. Not only is our government giving, but individual citizens through private donations and organizations such as the Peace Corps work to create better lives for others. I wish more people (including other Americans) would recognize the US has no obligation to do so and I am always chagrined at the lack of appreciation for these sacrifices. In addition, where else in the world can someone land on the shores with nothing and achieve success merely through the exercise of wit and sweat. We are a hodge podge country with different cultures, different values, and different priorities but somehow for the most part we make it work. Conflicts and inequities abound and seem to eventually become resovled. And, yes, I am among those who protest America's errors and shortcomings. But, I remain proud to be an American and will celebrate the 4th of July in my way.
July 1, 201016 yr where else in the world can someone land on the shores with nothing and achieve success merely through the exercise of wit and sweat Well, without wishing to take away too much from your enconium on your native land (with much of which I agree), I can think of quite a few countries, including Australia and some in the EU - immigration policies permitting. A friend and former colleague of mine emigrated to Australia a dozen years ago with virtually nothing. For years, he has had an enviable job, worked hard, his apartment is paid off and his bank balance is a lot healthier than mine (which isn't saying much!). And he did all that on sweat alone, as the poor guy really has little wit!
July 1, 201016 yr Well, without wishing to take away too much from your enconium on your native land (with much of which I agree), I can think of quite a few countries, including Australia and some in the EU - immigration policies permitting. A friend and former colleague of mine emigrated to Australia a dozen years ago with virtually nothing. For years, he has had an enviable job, worked hard, his apartment is paid off and his bank balance is a lot healthier than mine (which isn't saying much!). And he did all that on sweat alone, as the poor guy really has little wit! You are undoubtedly quite correct in that it is possible to be successful wherever one is. And speaking of wits, I confess I had to look up "encomium". Grin
July 1, 201016 yr I confess I had to look up "encomium". Grin Took me a long time to think of an appropriate word to match your prose
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