Your comments where you contrast the East and West Coasts are intriguing to me. I spent most all of my life in CA with the exception of a few months. Almost three years ago I moved to AZ. I have never been happy here. I miss the "All for one, and one for all." atttitude of my fellow Californians. In my mind they seem to be more globally aware and concerned. Willing to stand up for something, rather than sweep it under the rug because it doesn't concern them personally. They seem more balanced in their views of things and more tolerant of people who are different than they are. They embrace the differences, rather than bow to their fears of the unknown. Californians have for the most part enjoyed being individuals, yet respect each others right to their own individuality. Perhaps this is why people can spend more time talking endlessly about things like yoga stances. They enjoy the simple things in life but embrace knowlege and spiritual growth, and global awareness. Arizonans seem to need to be a part of the collective conscience, and they have a fear of individuality. Rather than educating themselves when something comes into question. They appear rather delusional when it comes to the state of the world, crime, education, politics. They don't see a see a connection between themselves and the rest of the world and they have no desire to. I can't explain it, but the contrast between East and West Coast can also be drawn between CA and AZ, or any other two individual states in the country I guess. I love the layed back CA lifestyle, the way they are involved but choose more relavent issues when deciding which battles they will fight. They seem to see they broader picture and pick their battles accordingly. I don't know anything about the East Coast, except that outside of the big cities it appears to be stunninly beautiful and I hope to visit some day. I have a feeling that California is going to be unique no matter what state we contrast it with, but unique in a pleasant sort of way. I never had the heaviness on my shoulders that I feel here in AZ. I miss California.

Sent by Cindy | 12:16 PM ET | 12-30-2007