The conflict in Eastern Europe has affected more than those who live there. We all have dear friends on both sides. Both have different perspectives. Both are understandable; however not all are justified and many harsh statements that are made. From comments I hear, the West may possibly have access to a wider variety of news sources. We like to think more sources helps with objectivity; we also believe this knowledge is open to all because of the Internet. Perhaps it is not.

Comments made about the US do not bother me and I am never offended. (I have thick skin from being friends with Tom.) We believe everyone has a right to their opinion, even if it is incorrect. (I can personally verify that most Americans do not eat live kittens in satanic rituals...at least most Americans.) When friends on opposing sides make harsh statements about each other, I try to reconcile. Regardless of what any country is doing, I believe it is not the blame of their citizens; it is the government that makes policy. Friends, families, neighbors should not hate each other because of lies told by politicians, and plenty of lies are being told.

Sadly, events in the world directly affect all of us on this site who are just looking for love. Most of us here on this dating site seek fulfillment in finding our soul mates, giving love and receiving; this is a noble endeavor. This is how men and women were designed (Leave this alone, Tom!) We should make the most of it.

Some of us have been here a while honestly pursuing this goal. We all come bringing our gifts and our past, hoping someone will like us and accept us, regardless. Some carry emptiness, hurt and pain, seeking the one who will love them unconditionally; someone to work together to make a better life. This task is difficult, even if the world were at peace.

In the West, we have our own opinions regarding events in Eastern Europe. Should not shock anyone that our perspectives are different than many of yours; however, I do not neglect the goal of finding my soul mate because of what is going on in the world. I understand it is easy to be offended these days, but defending governments will affect your success here in finding the love of your life. You may accidently miss them, even while they are looking for you, if you are angered by things over which none of us have control.

This is an international site. Of course, world events should be open topic for discussion; however, Marina, our wise manager, is sensible to regulate the topic. I hope she does not mind me using my own country as an example. Hopefully some of you can draw conclusions that will give you better insight. I try to be careful with my words.

Americans believe in small government. We feel a large government encroaches on their citizens and restricts personal freedoms. In the US, our government uses a “divide and conquer” strategy to acquire more power, and they are not the only ones. Americans resist this; however, we also see this being used in other parts of the world, and with success. Leaders who can cause normal people to hate each other can use this to an advantage.

Americans freely admit our problems and that our government lies to us every day; huge lies; spectacular lies; we expect it. We not believe our politicians when they “Hello!” Most major US news networks have become extensions of our government’s lying. Despite this, Americans still search for the truth, discover it and rally to hold our government accountable. We try to be open about our problems because obscured they can never be fixed.

Many of our problems affect the rest of the world; some of us feel this responsibility. This is why freedom and speech and information is vital to our society. The truth is important to solving problems. In a previous post, I mentioned a major US election in November. Those currently in power will probably be removed, even they speak of this openly. We will see how well this system works. Hopefully, the world gets better for everyone.

The American people, as a body, see a need for truth as part of having peace. We face personal criticism every day because of our leaders, as if we are somehow personally responsible. We do what we can; however, if we can ignore the world’s daily misunderstandings of who we are, and still try to keep a pleasant attitude, while continuing to seek love here on this site, so can everyone else. Please think about it.

Some of my dear site friends stopped talking to me due to what we observe in the West. Certainly we have different perspectives; we have different information and from different sources. Even when I defend them, that is offensive and humiliating. They tell me I could not possibly understand any real truth because I do not live where they live. That is not a valid concept.

Helga, to answer your question, “They” are those who believe proximity to an event is directly proportional to accurate perception (I don’t have to be there to see what’s going on). Often a more realistic assessment is achieved through broader observation (meaning, if I were there, I would be affected by the same deception confusing everyone else). I have no personal need to convince anyone of any “facts” related to conflicts in the world. Everyone here has their reasons for their beliefs. Here at home, I make no apology for what we see from the West; however, not really necessary for anyone here to agree with my assessment. A pity for anyone to lose out on their ideal future with the person of their dreams because of this. This is a fantastic site. Bringing the outside conflict onto this site will harm your chances of finding that wonderful person who will love you forever. Regardless of what world leaders do, we can determine to be at peace here. Americans try to keep unnecessary government out of our lives; maybe it would work here, too. Just my thoughts. Hope I did not offend anyone; if so, please forgive.

Helga! Sweetheart!  )) Did I answer your question!? (Next to last paragraph!)