Dedication?

Have you ever believed so strongly in something that you were willing to give your life for the cause?  I can honestly say no.  Watching the events unfold in Egypt, that today are turning violent, has made me think about the differences in cultures.

I am fascinated with people and their culture.  That is probably why I chose the profession I did.  Other than having a great desire to be a caregiver, I love learning from people.  There is no other circumstance in which you can learn more from people, than when they are ill.  It is really a no holds barred attitude that I get to experience in my daily interaction with patients.  I have come to find that when you are ill, especially terminally ill, you are more likely to share the intimate details of your life.  I like to believe that I am culturally competent, while at the same time knowing that I can never fully understand all the nuances of culture that I was not raised in. 

I grew up in "Small Town USA".  Believe me when I say it is small town.  As of the 2000 U.S. Census, there were around 10,000 residents in Moundsville, West Virginia.  The culture of that community is vastly different from the culture of my current community.  I feel privileged to have experienced two greatly different American cultures. 

I have experienced two different American cultures.  I still have not experienced a culture in which the people are so passionate about a cause, they are willing to give their own lives.  We have a very different existence and reality, in America, even when the overall theme is poverty and lack of opportunity, than residents of other countries and cultures. 

The people of Egypt want a change and are willing to see that change to the end.  How great would America be if our residents were more passionate about our government?  If instead of sitting around complaining, people actually got out to vote, volunteered for their political parties, and made sure their voice was heard in Congress and reflected in the change of America?

I do not condone and I am not advocating violence.  I just think it is inspiring to see people who are passionate about something and then do something about it.