I wrote this almost two years ago before I got laid off and went on unemployment. I still think it is relevant. I did some minor editing before posting.

By some pure accident of fate, I was born in the United States. I have live most of my life in lower Alabama, although I have lived in other states, and even other countries. I know that when overseas I was shocked to find people in there didn't view the world the same as Americans. They saw things from a different perspective. I think people from other countries would do well to remember that Americans view things from a perspective that is different from theirs, but not necessarily wrong or bad. I take exception to the idea that is prevalent overseas - that my fellow Americans are all fat, lazy, stupid and spoiled.

I have been poor. I have been hungry. I have given my children all the food we had, and gone without. I have had my power and water shut off because I couldn't pay the bills FOR MONTHS. I scratched and clawed, and took what opportunities as came my way. I went to college during the day and worked at night while raising four children. I have had a decent job for 14 years, and don't do without anything, but I worked my ass off for it. I am not rich by most standards, but am by some. I know there are many in this world who are worse off than me, but that doesn't mean I should feel guilt, only compassion. I am like a lot of other Americans.We are hard working people, and got what we have the honest way.

I am not "fat". My children are not "fat". My boyfriend isn't "fat". My children's' spouses are not "fat". My parents are not"fat". There are some overweight people in my extended family. Not everybody has a perfect figure. There are overweight people all over the world. Americans don't have a monopoly on it.

I am a reasonably intelligent woman. I don't watch much TV. My library consists of more than 750 books - mostly non-fiction. I read about world events and do research on subjects of interest every day. My family members can all carry on conversations about a very wide range of subjects without looking like idiots.

On the subject of intelligence, the world would also do well to think about where most of the industrial revolution began. The original technology and inventions that evolved into all of the things that shape our modern world were conceived in the United States. Modern communication, modes of transportation, computer technology - all these are due to Americans. There is a saying here- If you complain about farmers, don't do it with your mouth full. Well HEY WORLD - If you want to complain about Americans and put us down - just try to do it without the technology that originated in America.