An End User’s Cloud Security Question

I recently received an email with a question about the security of cloud computing environments.  The question comes from a knowledgeable user and boils down to ‘Isn’t my data safer on my systems?’  I thought this would be a great question to open up to the wider community.  Does anyone have any thoughts or feedback for ‘Gramps’ question below?

Joe, I'm not a college grad, but a 70 yr old grandfather, that began programming on a Color Computer using an audio tape recorder for storage.  I've written some corporate code for Owens Corning Fiberglas before I retired, so I've been around the keyboard for a while. <grin>  To make a point, notice how you've told me what your email address is, on your blog (see the about page.)  Hackers, and scammers are so efficient, you and I can't even put our actual email out there.  Now, You are in high gear with putting almost your heart and soul on servers that can be anywhere on the planet... even where there are little or no laws (enforced) governing data piracy.  Joe, I'm not trying to pick a fight, no need to, but look at the Wikileaks > etc.  I guess I could cope with using cloud software for doing my things... but can you tell me you are willing to even leave your emails or data files out there too? Somehow, I just feel a whole lot safer having my critical stuff on my flash drive... Talk to me buddy... 

Jim 'Gramps' , Hillsboro OH