Well, Gee Larry, it's true that I'm not being interviewed by the Associated Press, and I don't know much at all about Irish Travellers. You seem extremely committed to fighting the prejudice that must exist, even in cases where prejudice isn't the issue. I spend much of my life now moving in an inter-racial world, and enjoying it thoroughly. My gospel quartet is black, 'cept for me, my wife and I go about equally to black churches where I am usually the only white, and white churches where my wife is one of the few, if not only blacks. My wife and I have travelled throughout the Midwest, along the East Coast, much of the South and in Europe and Africa. I've walked through little fishing villages in Africa with the little kids all wanting to hold my hand, and we've gone into small towns in the south and my wife has been greeted enthusiastically and with respect. Mostly, we just enjoy people, enjoy life, and see the goodness in others. Sounds to me like you're always looking behind the curtain, ready to blow the whistle, Larry.

Last Saturday, we had a cookout at our home and everyone had a great time. No one was worried about whether someone else was prejudiced, or what others were REALLY thinking. We just had a great time.. Just people enjoying each other, whether they knew each other, or were of the same religion. Even though my quartet is obviously Christian, when we get together with family and friends, there are usually Muslims there, and when we eat, we say grace in the name of Jesus, and the Muslims add their grace in the name of Allah. Those who don't believe in God, respect those who do, and the reverse is true. If there was an Irish Traveller there (as if anyone would know unless they announced it) they would be warmly welcomed, too. I think that 95% of people are that way, including everyone on Mudcat unless proven otherwise. The 5% that are prejudiced are the ones who are miserable. And their numbers are reducing every year. If my wife and I can travel freely in this country and be greeted warmly. considering how much racial prejudice this country has had in its history,(and how easy it is to tell that we're an inter-racial couple in comparison to telling that someone is an Irish Traveller)I think it speaks well for the warmth and generosity of Americans. When my English Mudcat friends come over here to visit, they always remark on how warm and friendly people are here. You seem to see prejudiced people hiding behind every bush.

Just a warm word of welcome to our Mudcatter friends across the sea. If you are travelling over here, we're happy to have you and will do everything we can to give you a good time. Admittedly, we're a little edgy about folks visiting from the Middle East right now, but hopefully that will pass... it hasn't always been that way. I have a family member who grew up in the Middle East, and he's just Ramesh.

Folks is folks. And horses is horses. Just don't confuse their music.

Jerry