We certainly hearing more discussion on the tribalism around the world. It is a comfortable word for those who believe the world was made just for them. Them makes the rules - and in many cases - women and young girls are left out of the pursuit of happiness. Just the other day I heard a discussion on NPR young girls at the age of ten are married off. Can you imagine a 10 year old becoming a bride and to never have an opportunity for an education. A custom that has been played over the centuries. We in the western world can't imagine our daughters being married off at 10. In the tribal mind in Saudi Arabia - and other muslim countries (not all) their loyalty is to the tribe and not the country. There isn't nationalism.

Does this play out in western society? Possibly the very rich - the top 150,000 families who own 50% of the wealth in the USA - are part of a tribe. I don't see many of these folks going to the grocery store and shaking their heads on the food prices. I don't see them going into foreclosure - and their willingness to not have the tax loop holes where they are paying 15% taxes and I am paying 30%.

As the rich tribes are getting richer we don't seem them have wrenching pain where they have to wait in emergency rooms for something that would have been available if they could afford health care.

You don't see them flinching when they pay for drugs that the average Senior citizen cannot pay.

They don't want to pay anymore taxes. They want tax breaks even though they have moved their headquarters on paper to another country so they don't have to pay taxes. They tell us with the tax savings - they take the money and create jobs. If this is true than why do they kick it back the shareholders (99%) - it is the mantra of trickle down theory.

Right now the tribes are sitting on a trillion dollars but don't want to hire or make more investments because they are unsure of the economy. They hold tight to these dollars while we have a big deficit. They are looking out for number one - and their tribes lives comfortably.

Don't kid yourself that you will be that one person out of 300 million that will join the tribe. Those days of moving from the middle class to the upper class is becoming a dream.

So instead of cutting salaries of teachers, librarians, police, fireman, etc - go after the guys that pay 15% of taxes. They need to pay their fair share.

Corporate boards - especially the defense companies - are a special tribe. It is our tax dollars that are giving to them--for the security of our country. We are living in a different time with different types of wars.

We don't need hardware that is not fimble. Well --keep our country free.

So there are tribes here in USA. The folks at the top like it when the middle class points fingers at one another - destroying the let's all work together to make this country strong. It is dividing people who on one side believe it is the union, the unwed mothers, the folks on welfare, who create the middle class problems.

What they need to look at is the financial bail out - and bonuses - while the little guy has lost his house.

We like our rich to stay rich. It is the American dream to become a rich person some day. Now at this time --the middle class and the poor are  suffering. Jobs are gone for good.

I don't know what is worse a tribe in Africa - that comes out and kills a different tribe member with an arrow or a corporation who doesn't negotiate an interest rate on a home that is going into foreclosure.

It is a tribe mentality - the very wealthy are in their own special class.

So the next time you are blaming another middle class or poor family for your spiral into less than middle class - look at those $150,000 families who own 50% of the wealth in this country.

I do believe we all deserve a fair shake on our taxes and having thriving communities. Sitting on the sidelines and not making our representatives in D. C. accountable - is our problem.

As we are yelling across the fences about abortion, gay, union and gun rights - there is a person who has just lost their job to China. Social issues are very important but we are not focusing on what is destroying our manufacturing base.

Better get ready to vote with your feet and get all the necessary documentation. These state laws that have put into law requiring that you are not dead and you say who you are - are hoping to discourage those who will have a more difficult time in getting around hope we will go into the digital age where american citizens can vote via the internet regardless of where they live.  Save everyone money and time.

Well enough said about tribes, taxes and voting.

In U. S. practice, a poll tax was used ad a de facto or implicit precondition of the exercise of the ability to vote. This tax emerged in some states of the United States in the late 19th century as part of the Jim Crow laws. After the ability to vote was extended to all races by the enactment of the Fifteenth Amendment, many Southern states enacted poll tax laws which often included a grandfather clause that allowed any adult male whose father or grandfather had voted in a specific year prior to the abolition of slavery to vote without paying the tax. These laws, along with unfairly implemented literacy tests and extra-legal intimidation, achieved the desired effect of disenfranchising African-American and Native American voters as well as poor whites who immigrated after the same year specified.

Initially, the United States Supreme Court, in the case of Breedlove v. Suttles, 302 U.S. 277 (1937), found the poll tax to be constitutional. The 24th Amendment, ratified in 1964, reflecting a political compromise, abolished the use of the poll tax (or any other tax) as a pre-conditioning in voting in Federal elections, but made no mention in state elections.

In the 1966 case of Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections the Supreme Court overruled its decision in Breedlove v. Suttles, and extended the prohibition of poll taxes to state elections, declaring that the imposition of a poll tax in state elections violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution.

The Harper ruling was one of several that rely on the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment rather than the more direct  provision of the 15th Amendment. In a two-month period in the spring of 1966, the last four states to still have poll tax laws had those laws declared unconstitutional by Federal courts, starting with Texas, Alabama, Virginia and then Mississippi's $2.00 poll tax was the last to fall, declared unconstitutional on 8 April 1966, by a Federal panel in Jackson, Mississippi.

Is there a tie between the poll tax and voter fraud?

Voter fraud will be avoided by having various pieces of documentation to demonstrate to the government that you are an American citizen. Who will be the  individuals who will need to attain documents to insure they aren't an illegal citizen. It certainly won't be me I am fortunate because I attained a passport which required numerous documents to insure I was who I said I was. Following the letter of the law.

Voting isn't easy. Four years ago with all my documentation in hand I went to the polls. I take this very seriously. Voting with my feet. So when a very nice man  told me I couldn't vote because I had moved out of the county - I was taken by surprise. They allowed my husband to vote. The records showed that he had not moved one inch. But for me --I had sent them a card notifying them that I had moved away.

Now - I never sent them a card advising them I had moved. What was it about me that was different?

My husband knew what I was thinking and he demanded the right people needed to clear it up because I was voting. He wouldn't budge until they fixed the problem.

So I voted! What does this story tell you? Even with all the right documents -people make mistakes. I wasn't t to trying to vote my ballot as an illegal citizen. I was just an ordinary American citizen.

To think I was being treated like a criminal. There I was - I was going to commit voter fraud. If it can happen to me it can happen to anyone.

So God help those - who are wanting to do their civic duty and will be turned away from the polls.

I haven't heard of too many cases of voter fraud in my state but I would have liked the media to have been in the room when my husband told the responsible people that I wasn't going anywhere until I voted. They would have seen an amazing man. I was very proud of him. He stuck up for my rights as he would have stuck up for yours!

In 1831 Noah Webster, editor of the first dictionary of American English, wrote to John Marshall, chief justice of the U. S. Supreme court. Marshall, who had known the men who drafted the Constitution and Bill of Rights, had for decades been the leading interpreter of constitutional law. Webster wondered if Marshall would endorse an effort to make English the nation's official  language. Marshall replied that such a move would be unconstitutional, since the First Amendment protected freedom of speech. That meant, among other things, that no language should have privilege. Because Marshall's opinion was included in private correspondence, it does not carry the same precedent as many court opinions. But it does remind us the the assumptions of the founding generation of America's leaders. They did not root national identify in language. In fact, in 1828, opponents of presidential candidate Andrew Jackson called him unfit to be president because among other things, he spoke only English. Most of the nation's founders had been bilingual, if not multilingual, reading and speaking several European Languages. .......

Norman Vicent Peale, a well known preacher and author of "The Power of Positive Thinking." Peale spent his formative years in Cincinnati. Although his parents spoke only English, Cincinnati's public schools were bilingual at the time and so Peale's morning classes were in German and his afternoon classes were in English. This language exposure, by his own account, was a valuable piece of his education......

Yet in 1800s in many places, including Indiana until 1921, citizenship was not a requirement for voting. So communities composed of European immigrants had more political influence and were able to have a hand in shaping the policies that allowed them to adjust to American society in favorable terms.

These notes are from an article by Steven M. Nolt who teaches immigration and ethnic history at Goshen College, Indiana. Full editorial in the Indianapolis Star - published on April 10, 2011.

How many times have you asked someone not to forget you?

Why would anyone forget you?

Do people just say this to be kind. They really want to forget you.

How many times do we feel we will be excluded?

Do we have long conversations with the people we like so they won't forget you?

Do you have to act like the clown and bring out your wildest so they won't forget you? I had a guy do a somersault in a restaurant one time and he told me not to forget him. 28 years later I still remember him.

I remember many people from years past. Some have stayed the same. 40 years have passed and they still think you haven't progressed in life. Once a " " always a "  ."

They will not forget you but you wish they would.

Even in families - years will pass and they see you the same as when you were 12 years old. It is like time has stood still. They won't forget how you took their toys away. Or they accidently pushed you and broke your arm.

How sometimes we cling to the past. We want to remember all the hurts that were put upon us.

I remember many people. I really like the people that made me a better person. Then there were the people that just didn't click but it really was my fault. I had expectations. They had no clue what I expected.

We do have to be honest. There are people who don't want us in their lives.

It does hurt. There are over a billion people on this planet. There is someone out there who will not need to be reminded to not forget you.

Many times we sense a purpose for the things we pursue.

When I was young and able to walk to the ice cream shop - I was in hot pursuit of the banana split. I could just taste the fudge, whip cream and nuts. I know the ice cream was sandwiched between two bananas. I told myself that I deserved it since I was going to pay it with money which I had earned. It would be all mine.

On the way back home as I was slurping the melting ice cream I started to remember that I had sisters and brothers at home that would not be able to partake. Could I have spent my money more wisely by buying chewing gum for everyone in my family.

My parents had taught me the importance of sharing.

So as an adult do I know the importance of sharing my bounty?

When we have worked in a corporate world where you are many times meeting strangers you don't know how they see and sense the world. Does it irritate you when they take the glory for work done by others. Do they see beyond the next promotion. Do they promote consensus or division?

What many don't see is how all can benefit from supporting others. One of the caveats is that just because you help another please don't expect anything in return.

If you are driven by your own needs, then possibly you will lose the opportunity to reach your full potential.

When we are taught lessons about sharing things and knowledge it brings together a positive environment.

Sometimes we learn this lesson the hard.

If people truly believe that people can change how they see the world around them, we need to forgive them for their mistakes.

Some will never learn the importance of sharing. But those who choose to acknowledge their mistakes can be great contributors to society.

When we are selfish many times we don't see the long term ramifications. You burn bridges that you took for granted.

The lesson I learned that it is important to share was something I had to break down into little pieces in my everyday life.

So what if someone took the credit for a project that would have not been successful without the team. Sooner or later the big bloated head human will learn a difficult lesson.

People will click off the radar.

So now that I am wiser - I can just cringe when I see adults still doing the same crazy things and hoping for a different outcome.

Sharing is important because your generosity can be passed on. Sometimes someone is just waiting for your generosity.

One of the greatest lessons of my life was when I met a man who didn't know his real name or when he was born. He was one child of 15. His parents called him Jose and sometimes they just grunted. He smiled at me when he told me this story.

He spoke to me in Spanish in clear sentences and we could carry an conversation about his beloved family and he was so happy his children were getting an American education. His daughter was in honor classes and his other children were very quick learners. I always felt so refreshed after we had our discussions. He made me realize that I knew my real name, when and where I was born. Yes, my mother sometimes confused her daughters names but that always gave the girls a reason to chuckle. To this day she still gets the names confused.

I can remember the first time my father told me at his place at employment they liked to call him Poncho. It really irritated me. My father has a beautiful first name. He was set apart from John, Mike, Dennis and Daniel.

Jose had learned to live with the circumstances that were put upon him but it didn't squelch his dignity.

Jose had children who loved their father. They each had beautiful names and their birthdays were celebrated with fanfare. Their mother didn't care about an absence of a birth certificate or a lack of a first name.

She saw her husband as a man of integrity.

Sometimes when we are introduced to people - it could be the 20th person that has the same  last name of John. I always wondered how it felt to be named the same as millions of other women. I can honestly say in high school I was the only Delia n the entire school.

So does a name really matter? Does it matter if you know the day you were born?

This man taught me that knowing your name or birthday do matter - it places you in time.

Of course, as he demonstrated there are many in the world who were in his same predicament.

When Adam met Eve for the first time did he know her name. Did she know his? Did it matter as long as they loved one another.

If you believe that after you die you will leave something of yourself behind, Jose will have left many good things behind.

I will remember him. His essence will never die.

Have you been following the law suit against the federal government in regards to counting all the folks in Texas.

I guess Tea Party folks want to change how the Census counts folks. Everyone is suppose to be counted. They do like categories as you well know if you have seen the census form. For years there wasn't a Latino/Hispanic category, so I just penciled in white. I look white so I guess someone would say I am white.

So Texas with the Tea Party folks who are mostly Republican could care less about why the census is done in the first place. But that isn't what is worrying them.

Lordy - there is a large Mexican community is south Texas. Lordy - they don't vote for Republicans. So if they don't vote for the GOP - we will just roll right over them.

It doesn't feel very good when you are becoming the minority. Now when you are in the majority and have it your way for over 100 years -it was just the way it was.

Now the numbers have shifted - and it just ain't fair.

Fairness. Oh, come on - nothing in life is fair.

I won't tell you who I vote for - because when I have voted for a Republican I upset the Democrats and when I vote for the Democrats I upset the Republicans. I haven't been able to pull one lever. Do these two parties think I am going to vote for two or three of the "Hot Potato" issues.

I am an educated voter. I am so glad I am not living in Texas. I would have to send all the tea party folks back to school.

The part in the history book about "we the people." Just because we don't like the changes doesn't mean we disregard the constitution.

But anything is possible with this supreme court.

I hope there will be some leveled headed Texans that will really look at the consequences of marginalizing people. It always turns out bad for everybody in the end.

So keep an eye on the great state of Texas.

I am getting many remarks on the title Destiny of America.

I believe I have hit a nerve.

To those who don't live in this amazing country --I hope you visit someday. Don't just go to New York City.

There is much to see in every city and small town.

Living in various communities in the United States - there is something new to learn everyday.

Like so many countries there are immigration issues. When the economies growing - there is a positive mood toward new immigrants. When the economy contracts - the welcome mat is pulled away.

As the United State economy is changing - there is great reaction to the loss of blue collar position that allowed many Americans to earn a good living. Those jobs allowed the country to build a strong middle class.

So as the world becomes more flat - there is somewhat denial that things have changed forever.

Now all Americans have to look outside their windows - and wonder, if their lives will ever be the same again.

We cannot go back to the 1950's - and we cannot deny the level of living and the quality of life isn't being impacted.

One thing that boggles my mind is that not one single person who was involved in the financial crash ever went to prison. They still have their Park Avenue apartment, the home at the Hamptons and their bank accounts in Switzerland. How can that be? Their investments broke the backs of pension funds.

So - yes there are many things that don't seem fair in this country.

I like my freedoms - but there have to be rules for everyone.

America is a land of opportunity. It will stay that way - as long as we have financial rules - that the pac man doesn't eat everything in its path.

America has greed. Greed is good as long as all share in the job creation, investment in inner city schools, good health care, etc..Everyone is blessed not just the few.

The United States of America is the greatest place on this earth. At least that is what I think.

I have traveled and worked in other countries. I don't know what some of those countries would do in having a very diverse community. Not all countries open their doors to others.

Loving this country came with many lessons. Some Iessons are harder to learn than others.

Life isn't fair. So what are you going to do about it?

That is what America is all about - what are you going to do with your life.

When someone tells me they haven't voted because they aren't political - I wonder why they aren't taking the required citizenship test to legally  become a naturalized american citizenship. They would learn it is their civic duty to vote.

Our destiny will be determined by the people. If you don't vote - you deserve what you get.

I just wish the Republicans would stop their tactics of making more laws to deter what they believe is rampant voter fraud.

The only person in this state that has been noted as having committed voter fraud is a Republican and he is an elected official. The Governor as recommended that he step down from his office - but he hasn't yet

We are not a third world country where we have to protect the people who are trying to vote for their candidates. It is a good thing when people that couldn't vote - can now vote.

We don't have to walk for miles to get to vote for a candidate but that is what happens in third world countries.

Maybe we take our freedoms for granted. Not this person. I am glad to be an American.

Don't think I agree with everything.

This is a great place - and I like all the modern conveniences.

I like the American way of standing in a line to buy a hamburger at McDonalds. I think they learned this from the Brits??

My sister-in-law just advised me that a book she has written has been purchased by a publishing house.

I am so happy for her. She is a musician. She is a perfectionist.

She asked me about my book. What place in time do I believe it will finally get published.

Ask  the New York agents. Ask the guy at CNN what does he think?

Mexicans are definitely a large and robust topic in the global news. It makes sense that my book will be picked up by a publishing house.

What about the audience. Who will care to read such a book?

I know in Texas and Arizona they would like to change American history. They would like for everyone to think that these land masses were always U. S. property. When the pioneers set their foot on the land mass - there weren't any humans living there. There wasn't a Spanish language.

History didn't begin until the pioneers set on the land.

I don't know about them but my family tree shows that the Baez-Benavides clan were there around the mid 1700's or sooner. What is written about them in the history books?

Even though I am very happy for my sister-in-law who is a true American. A true American of European descent - I have to ask myself - if my book is more relevant? Wait a minute - I am just as European as she is. At least 70% of me.
Nothing should cloud the fact that she has accomplished something that many of us hope for.

I know she will be as happy for me when I get published. Let's all be happy for each other blessings.

Visited my parents today. It always lifts my spirits to see that they still argue. Of course, they get along most of the time. I want them to live forever.

At the dining room table at the assisted living dining I found my parents sitting with a wonderful elderly woman. We sat there - the four of us.

She shared her story of her son being robbed at gunpoint. These "Mexicans" are robbing everybody.

Of course the three of us had no comment. It was good conversation at the table but I could tell my father was getting restless, so I made the excuse that I needed to leave.

Upstairs in their private apartment my father advised me that he was going to advise the nice lady - that she shouldn't jump to conclusion that the robbers were Mexican. It could have been another ethnic group. I think it would confuse the very nice elderly woman. Of course, all the robbers are Mexican. She may not know that there are Puerto Ricans, Colombians, etc that live in the city.

So should my father confuse her? My father is a quiet man. I am not sure how he is going to say the words without seeming contrary. But I know he will say something.

This idea that Mexicans are the robbers, the criminals, and spreading diseases is difficult to dismiss if people have this belief. It doesn't matter what you would say to these folks. You could show them a report dismissing these ideas - but they would ask you where you attain your information. It certainly was a Mexican report. You can't trust a Mexican report or really even an American report. The only people that seemed to really know was that guy on CCN who was basically canned for giving out untrue information.

It isn't easy being a Mexican today in the midwest. Even if you are a U.S. citizen it isn't easy. At least today they can't label you a communist or socialist.

So what do people say? Rapist, murders - and cutting grass people.

I don't know how many times I hear from strangers and friends alike - that the Mexican is a ball and chain  to society.

I am glad I have learned to strike back with the written word. I use to write myself crazy notes about why people should like Mexicans. I finally stopped that nonsense.

Now I write about my experiences and my experiment in becoming a true red, white, and blue American.

There is not one true path to become an American. It is never ending to prove of your loyalty to this country.

How much can a Mexican do? I really don't know anymore.