Hi Mona
I am in complete agreement with you about any attempt solely to win a popularity contest. But that doesn't necessarly translate into meaning popularity isn't important. Whether we care to admit it or not, the overwhelming number of people around the world judge every little and big thing in terms of "Winning/Losing." This criteria of judgement creates an unlimited diversity of values and behaviors. But in the final analysis, everybody loves a winner.

Hi, Mona
I have always enjoyed your editorials..
I am in complete agreement with you..We need to quit worrying about what other people think and oncentrate on THINKING about what is best for our country..I have lived long enough to see a lot of negative thoughts and comments about our wonderful country take the place of voicing our sense of pride in our country and each of us working to make it even better. If it's such a bad place to live, why is it we're having to talk about building fences to keep people out?!!!