Trying to divide people works well in politics. That tactic as much as any, probably got GWB elected. If politicians can just pit the religious right against everyone (including most Christians) "straights" against gays, the rich against the poor, the educated against the uneducated, blacks against whites (done carefully so it doesn't reek of racism) and North against South, power is there for the taking.

But, this isn't meant to be a political thread. Maybe it's a basic human quality to define yourself by how different (and better, of course) you are in comparison to other groups. I've been thinking about this the last couple of days, because it seems like we all need to try to bring people together, rather than alienate each other by judging the motivation of everyone who is different than we are. A case in point. At Nomad, The Gospel Messengers, Shore Grass and Rich Gallagher had a grand time together. Never mind that we are not of one mind, or that the audience was made up of Atheists and Jews as well as Christians. We just had a good time. Hopefully, prejudices were momentarily checked at the door. As a matter of fact, we had such a good time that when I talked to the guys in the Messengers about asking Shore Grass to be our guests when we do a program in a black church, they all thought that it was a terrific idea. From my experience in black churches, I think that just about any black church I'm involved with would welcome such diversity of music, and faiths. Or lack, thereof, if that should be the case. I know that Frankie and Joe in particular, grew up listening to the Grand Ole Opry, and aren't concerned with labels. And that's the point. Rather than trying to see differences between us, why not make more of an effort to find common ground? (and do our best to accept those things we can't agree on.)

I suppose that Mudcat is just a microcosm of the world around us, with a Mulligan's Stew of beliefs, backgrounds, nationalities, religions, and political attitudes. And, like life beyond the keyboard, there are those in here who seek to find common ground, who I consider friends: Bill D and Amos, Kevin, jimmyt and many others.
But, for all the inherent idealism in the folk community, it falls prey to that same divisiveness as in politics (which we all seem to simultaneously abhor and revel in.)

Once in awhile, it just feels right to say a word about appreciating our common ground. Sometimes, it's hard to find, but it's there. I think that Martin Gibson was a good challenge for everyone in here. I've come to consider him a friend, and am glad that he is a member.
If he could somehow find his way to do it, I'd even have a good time having him join the Messengers, Shoregrass and whatever. We could get Bill D, and Martin and jimmyt to join us and have one fine time.

Nothing is impossible.

Jerry