Hello,

I have been away from the internet for awhile - have taken a two week vacation, which until today, meant limited access to the internet, so I haven't posted anything. 

I ended up going to both Washington DC and New York on my vacation - this was my first trip to the East Coast. 

I did all the typical tourists things - didn't have time for much more. 

A few highlights:

Washington DC - so much to see in the museums.  I particularly liked the Freer Gallery, with it's collection of Asian art from various periods. 

On the other end of the spectrum, I really liked the Wright Brothers exhibit, which gives a great sense of the "myth" of early 20th century america.  Smart, dedicated, intrepid adventurers and explorers, changing the nation and the world, just in time for the 20th century. 

President's Row -

We managed to walk through all of President's Row (Circle? Square?).  The Jefferson and Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument (closed for construction though, so only saw from the fence). the Roosevelt Memorial.  Of course, as part of this walking, took in the WWII, Korean, and Vietnam memorial.

I was continually impressed by the level of discourse of our more famous presidents.  Buffered about by the talking heads society that exists on tv today, it was quite a pleasant shock to see "in the flesh" as it were, some of the brilliant speeches by our presidents. 

Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence, on religious freedom:

" Almighty God hath created the mind free…All attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burthens…are a departure from the plan of the Holy Author of our religion…No man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship or ministry or shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief, but all men shall be free to profess and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion. I know but one code of morality for men whether acting singly or collectively."

I can't think of a better way of speaking about protecting diversity of religious practice. 

There's quite a lot more here.  I may post later on this.