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ORIGINAL: LadyHugs

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen;
 
I am not responding to any one particular and or post made.
 
I do want to mention, that to some life is a fanstasy, as it seems to good to be true.  Yet, to some who have lived it--they see it as their personal reality. 
 
We have witnessed in the media, where the 'rich kids' with money and will inherit money, live in their own little social circles.  They had no idea how other people lived and how hard they were trying to make it through life, just to maintain a bit of comfort.  With the average person connected to the rich, famous and nobility class kids, they had to work as a team.  Each learned lessons big time--it was more valuable then the money won.  Both sides learned 'respect.'
 
Further,  I want to add, that the individuals who live across the pond, in the UK, Australia, New Zeland, Germany, Italy, Austria, etc.; have their own culture which exposes them to seeing things in so many ways differently, similiar and spot on.  It would be a shame not to take advantage of some 'cross-culture' training and how they see through their mind's eyes. 
 
In addition, I would like to proffer the thought about those who are abroad and are active lifestyle.  They may have references in quantity and quality.  I think in my mind's eyes I see; that it is regretable that across the seas their references, their qualifications and the like are held in low regard.  I am sure it can be in reverse; the reason I say this--what is big name in leather circles in the USA, may not be in France, Australia, and or Spain, etc.  So, it really goes down to the boiler plate of dealing with individuals with and or without references.  At times, there is no way to validate references abroad.  There are times where it is impossible to validate references, as they're abroad and passed on, etc.
 
In summary, we (in a general sense) are duty bound to exhaust all the resources we have at our (in general sense) disposal but, to keep an open mind to others who cannot provide references for a good many honest reasons.  There are a lot of players and gamers in the scene as well as in the vanilla, the work place and so forth.  Furthermore, in my mind's eyes I see; that using quotes of another person; perhaps in the leather community, local leadership and articles; they are good references to read but; it boils down to their expression of their personal beliefs.  Some individuals are known to be anti- this or that, which taints the knowledge and or information.  Whereas, the lifestyle is a 'general' thing.  What makes it 'our' (in general and in a possessive manner) lifestyle; is what we (in general) do in our own homes, castles, ranch, apartment, townhouse, RV, penthouse, double wide house trailer and other dwellings and or spaces.