Mary McConnell (mremc@crunet.com) from d3m100.crunet.com at 10/25/01 06:06PM
comment
    Southern families are as diverse as those of any place I have lived. Having lived in 10 states beside Tennessee and in one foreign country, I note that families are close or not depending more on their infrastructure than on their location in the world. Some are close, some are not. I have lived in large cities and found close-knit families who live in the same neighborhood with all their relatives. Having said that, I am a southerner deep in my heart and find that more people here are tolerant and friendly than those in most cities and states. No matter where I live, I am distressed by blatant intolerance, destructive behavior and other meanness. I appreciate any people who try to make the lives of others better. I am thankful for the great outpouring of help from people all across the United States in response to the devastation wrought during the attacks on our country. We are family in this country regardless of where we choose to live. I like the south. That's why I choose to live here. My family's roots are here but I have close family ties all across the U.S. - coast to coast. I agree with Dr. Zachry that the Internet is a great way to keep in touch.