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<P>I just would like to second Chris' thoughtful reply. I will be walking the Camino as a <EM>Pilgrim</EM>, not as a political animal. I am definitely more concerned about boots, blisters and the like, for these are fundamental factors, which will determine whether or not I'll be able to finish my spiritual journey. I hold a Master's degree in political science from the University of Hawaii, USA, where I lived for 20 years. I am a 57-year old Brazilian living in Lisbon right now. I am both against the war and the foreign policy of the Bush(s) administration(s). This, nonetheless, is totally irrelevant insofar as my being a Pilgrim. My stance does not render me automatically anti-American, anti-Americans, or anti-anything else, at all. My having this opinion does not make me a danger to Americans. </P>
<P>I think this over-reaction -a priori- from some people could create a self-fulfilling prophecy. Try to avoid fear and defensiveness while in the Camino. It would be nice to be able to forget our nationalities, patriotisms, ideologies, ethnocentrisms, xenophobias, prejudices, and especially partisan politics while walking. Let's use this parenthesis in space/time to make some spiritual advancement so that we can be part of the *goodness* on this planet. I, for one, am not going to bite any americans in the Camino even if I meet George W. Bush in person there. It is a question of attitude, I think. Thank you all. Ultreya. God bless us all!<BR><BR></P></DIV>
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<DIV><STRONG><EM>Antonio Carlos da Silva Rosa </EM></STRONG></DIV><STRONG><EM>Lisboa-Portugal</EM></STRONG>
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<DIV><A href="mailto:antonio_silva1ahotmail.com"><STRONG>antonio_silva1ahotmail.com</STRONG></A></DIV>
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<DIV></DIV>>From: Larry Groves <LGROVESaCFL.RR.COM>
<DIV></DIV>>Reply-To: Road to Santiago Pilgrimage <GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU>
<DIV></DIV>>To: GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU
<DIV></DIV>>Subject: Re: Suggestions About Dealing With Anti-American Sentiment on the Camino
<DIV></DIV>>Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2003 06:53:21 -0500
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>For many months now I have been following the dialogue and entries at this
<DIV></DIV>>website. I am thankful for and appreciate all of the advice and commentary
<DIV></DIV>>regarding the Camino. My name is Chris Groves, a resident of Central
<DIV></DIV>>Florida, part time magistrate, wife, and mother of two. A friend and I
<DIV></DIV>>have been planning our journey since last fall. In no way do we see
<DIV></DIV>>ourselves as making a "political statement," much less a "HUGE" political
<DIV></DIV>>statement.
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>Maybe I am naive to think this way. My sense is that each person's time on
<DIV></DIV>>the trail is their unique journey. That you might meet those who are
<DIV></DIV>>walking the trail as a political statement and that could be interesting, I
<DIV></DIV>>would respect that. But, I am not going to set out on my journey in search
<DIV></DIV>>of political truth.
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<DIV></DIV>>I regret that some readers might be frustrated with the dialog of backpacks,
<DIV></DIV>>boots and blisters ... These are all things that help in the preparation for
<DIV></DIV>>this type of journey, and I am grateful for the advice and ideas. As well,
<DIV></DIV>>I am grateful for your Camino stories. Your political views, for the most
<DIV></DIV>>part, I edit out with the thought that there are better suited places for
<DIV></DIV>>that type of commentary and discussion. It is not what I am looking for
<DIV></DIV>>here.
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<DIV></DIV>>All of you with Camino stories to tell and advice for the walk, bring it on.
<DIV></DIV>>I read it all. And, thank you for understanding why I edit out political
<DIV></DIV>>diatribe.
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<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>----- Original Message -----
<DIV></DIV>>From: "Theresa Devonshire" <T_DEVONSHIREaYAHOO.COM>
<DIV></DIV>>To: <GOCAMINOaPETE.URI.EDU>
<DIV></DIV>>Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2003 12:56 PM
<DIV></DIV>>Subject: Re: Suggestions About Dealing With Anti-American Sentiment on the
<DIV></DIV>>Camino
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<DIV></DIV>> > Respectfully, like it or not everything in life is
<DIV></DIV>> > political, ESPECIALLY the Camino! Anyone walking the
<DIV></DIV>> > Camino during wartime is making a HUGE political
<DIV></DIV>> > statement. For this group to ignore that would be a
<DIV></DIV>> > waste of an opportunity to have a meaningful dialog.
<DIV></DIV>> >
<DIV></DIV>> > While I have tremendously enjoyed this forum at times
<DIV></DIV>> > I get fustrated with the narrow dialog of backpacks,
<DIV></DIV>> > blisters and boots.
<DIV></DIV>> >
<DIV></DIV>> > Theresa
<DIV></DIV>> > San Jose, CA
<DIV></DIV>> >
<DIV></DIV>> > --- Lydia Banales <LYDIAaBANALES.NET>wrote:
<DIV></DIV>> > > I thought we had put an end to politicizing the
<DIV></DIV>> > > Camino. Please stop.
<DIV></DIV>> > > Thank you. Lydia
<DIV></DIV>> > >
<DIV></DIV>> >
<DIV></DIV>> >
<DIV></DIV>> > __________________________________________________
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