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Some of the posters made a better point. I do know religion is different in Poland. After I wrote that I tried to put my finger on why I feel that way.

The one poster wants me to stay off her threads. She doesn't like anyone who thinks and feels differently than she does. In my head I assent to just about all catholic teaching, but in my heart I have a different approach to things because of the way I was brought up.

When I look at all those crowd scenes on tv with the Muslims, Hitler footage, communists and then see vast crowds adoring the pope, I guess I mush them all together and it makes me feel afraid.

I'm afraid of crowds of any sort and stay away from them all.

I wish I were a better writer so I could write an essay about crowds and religion.

I thank the cordial posters who pointed out how different things were in Poland. I worked with some Polish catholics (before I became one) and I enjoyed and liked them so much. Certainly I share in the joy of their liberation. It was terrible under Russian occupation. The Russians sent all the shoes to Russia. Those Polish women came here to work and send money, toys and clothes back to their families in Poland.

The only parallel I can think of in America is when WWII ended. That was thrilling for us. Other than thanking God, we left religion pretty much out of it. I guess that's what I've been conditioned to. Leaving religion out of public life but holding it dear in your private life.

The person who wants me off this thread is the kind of person who scares me. You have to believe their way and think and feel their way or else. Their way or the highway, right?

I had the comment removed because I knew I was grouchy and it came accross as rude. I have my days. I remember you from the other thread and your comments about cradle catholics and it struck me as an attack. I'm very defensive these days toward people attacking my faith. If I hurt your feelings I apologize. People around here couldn t care less if our feelings are hurt. Perhaps I shouldn't be so thin-skinned.

And for the record, I have never said anyone had to believe as I do. You are free to believe anything you want.

If I had been in an Eastern European country and had newly found freedom to celebrate the religion I love, after seeing torture and persecution, I would be out in the street to. I would not make you join me in celebration. You act as if there is something wrong with those people. I do not understand you.