Lots of old folks, a world of experience in that room. Wonderful people, every one filled with stories and knowledge just waiting to be expressed. I wish I could spend a day with each of them, tape recording their memories.

Before eating there was a Pledge of Allegiance, including "with freedom and justice for all". Said with straight faces.

Then we all sang "God Bless America". Land of the free, etc. Accordian accompaniment.

And then a "blessing", begging the well-wishes of a Christian God from the pastor of a local Christian sect.

All done with straight faces and a solemnity reminiscent of the first grade.

And may that Christian God save the person who would have suggested there should be room for Allah, Krishna, and maybe the occasional person who wasn't superstitious in that particular manner.

North Korea doesn't seem that odd when viewed through the "comparative nonsense" lenses.

Arf