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America at its Finest
I wanted to take some time today to discuss something that has been brewing in my mind lately. Something that was amplified by the speech given by Teresa Heinz Kerry, and even better defined by the speech given by Barack Obama.
America. Just saying the name of our great country can summon images of the greatest hopes and dreams one can imagine. As someone born in America, with all of the freedoms and privileges it has granted me, my family, my friends, I tend to take for granted what this great country has to offer. I often forget that when I fall on hard times, I can make things better if I believe that I can. If I get out there and apply myself, I can make a difference. Too often I forget that there is opportunity for me to succeed, to become something great, to make a life for myself and my family that I can be proud of. More than once I have neglected to be in awe of the simple yet most fundamental freedoms I have. The right to free speech, the right to vote, and every other right that is given to me by virtue of being born here.
As a naturalized American, I have lost sight at times of the value of hard work. Living in Arizona, I sometimes complain about immigration, and how it can be costly in healthcare, education and in the work force. I have taken my country for granted, in that I have expected to live the American dream without having to struggle, to work for it. Shamefully, I have been complacent and lazy, making one excuse after another for not following my dreams, my goals. Without trying to be deliberately provactive, I know from first hand experience that I am not the only one who has fallen into this self-destructive behavior and 'typical' way of thinking, demanding the fruits of my country without providing the labor behind it.
Last night, I had the honor of listening to two great speakers. As I sat there listening to these speakers, full of heart and emotion, the thought struck me that these people are true representatives of what is good about my country. They gave me faith and hope in a time when faith and hope are characterized as weakness and being 'too liberal'. Then I realized further that these two speakers who love, understand, and fully appreciate the greatness of America are immigrants or their parent(s) were immigrants to this country. In fact, they have shown a greater appreciation for this country that they adopted as their own, and what it can offer to all people around the world than I ever have simply because they (or their parents) weren't given these rights that I take for granted from birth. Their life stories are a testament to what America has to offer. Living breathing proof that I too can be great if I choose to believe, to dream, and to work for my dreams.
For the first time, I have been shown the greatness of what immigration has to offer my country in a way that I can understand and relate to, in a way that is fitting for my time which is now, not in a historical perspective or textbook. I have once again had my eyes opened in a way that has inspired me. If someone comes to America and works their ass off in a job that I would look down upon as too menial for me, then who is the better American? As a naturalized American, I now see that it is not only a privilege, but my duty as such to succeed in this great nation. It is my duty to love and appreciate America for the country that it has been, for what it is, and most importantly, for what it can be, not to just give it lip service, but to live that dream and to welcome others from around the globe who would live that dream with me.
For those who wish to be inspired, I urge you to read a transcript of Barack Obama's speech. This is America at its finest. I hope to see this man become president in my lifetime. I hope that Teresa Heinz Kerry becomes our new First Lady. For the first time in a long time...I hope.
I'd like to hear your opinions and reactions. Were you inspired?
Posted by Disillusioned American on July 28, 2004 at 12:33 PM | Permalink
Comments
Thanks for the post Dis(not-so, I hope)illusioned:
I have been trying to express the same thing in my way on MoA. It is only the day after but comments I have read today reminded me of how just a few weeks ago so many at the Whiskey Bar spoke of where they would emigrate if things didn't turn around in November and suddenly there is a spark. Maybe not a beacon but a spark that shows that it is all worth fighting for. Others before us did and died trying. Who are we, anyway, to take it all for granted. My grandparents too, came here from Sweden and Denmark with their hopes and dreams. Left what they had worked for their dreams.
Posted by: beq | Jul 28, 2004 1:36:37 PM
Disallusioned- one question, because I'm confused. you say you were born in America, then you say you are a naturalized citizen. so, were you born here, or did you become a citizen after moving here?
...and I will add that I was married to, for fifteen years, and now share two children with, someone who is not a naturalized citizen, but rather maintains his citizenship from another country while living here...
...and I'll offer a little bit broader idea that the opportunties that America has offered at the level of graduate school for people from other countries has contributed to our and other nations' greatness.
My ex studied here and stayed on here and has trained many students from other nations who have gone back to their countries to do research, start companies, work for their govts, as well as doing the same for American students.
Obama's father was one of those students who came to this country, like my ex, and stayed.
Unfortunately, this system is now in danger because of Bush and his tax cuts at all costs, his beligerence (as I've said before, I know quite a few who will not come here to do shared research anymore, for instance), and by a sort of xenophobia that makes some afraid to come to this country anymore.
..and the cultural exchange works both ways. One of the greatest experiences of my life, and something that made me a better person, was the opportunity to experience other cultures when I had a chance to travel and live with others in their countries when I was a student.
Posted by: fauxreal | Jul 28, 2004 1:44:15 PM
Appy Pollies Disillusioned, but, the more i find out about Kerry's policies, the more he looks like that buffoon, the incumbent. The dour Alexander Cockburn says this about candidate X in his "Part Four: Candidate Kerry". In order to better understand (from a Marxist perspective on imperialism) where this country seems, most-likely, to be heading I have recently ordered "Oil, Power and Empire" by Larry Everest. If Kerry never comes up with a satisfying withdrawl plan in the near future (say 12 months, if elected), i'll be convinced that he is just another clone of "Rocket City" (Pynchon, Gravity's Rainbow).
GR Citations: Raketen-Stadt 296; German: "Rocket-City"; created in the Mittelwerke by Ernst Ölsch (under Speer) "To Avoid Symmetry, Allow Complexity, Introduce Terror" 297.
Posted by: x174 | Jul 28, 2004 2:17:37 PM
@fauxreal
Whooops! Thanks for pointing out my 'faux pau' in the 'naturalized American' remark. I was obviously not thinking too clearly when I labled myself as such.
My intent was to say that I am a 'natural' American for want of a better word, an 'original' American citizen. The proper word still eludes me (of course), and I typed naturalized instead of natural. ::blush::
I should go back and edit that, but I'm too lazy, and hopefully people will understand by reading these comments. Heh, I'm no rocket scientist as you can well see, but I'm not one to try to hide my flaws. I'm human.
The 'celebration of ignorance' as Ron Regan put it is truly unfortunate, and has only been promoted as 'patriotism' by Bush and his hoarde. What I hear when I listen to those who immigrate here, or come to study here, is a true and pure love of America. A fierce love that seems to be lacking in those of us who were born here and take our gifts for granted.
In my own selfish way, I don't want someone who was not born here to love my country and respect my country more than I do, only due to my lack of appreciation and gratitude.
I found Obama's speech to be beyond anything I had imagined in my wildest dreams. I witnesed history, and it felt good for once.
Posted by: Disillusioned | Jul 28, 2004 2:18:19 PM
@x174
I support Kerry, but I completely understand where you are coming from. I imagine I support Kerry because, like it or not, he is the alternative to Bush, no matter how small the difference is. I don't see it so much as an ABB thing, there are positives that I see in Kerry that I would never see in Bush, but that is my personal preference.
On a national and global perspective, I am personally hoping that we can oust Bush, ride Kerry's ass to do the right thing non-stop, and see Obama president by 2012. I was that impressed by him and what he had to say.
Being realistic, I know that we won't make the drastic changes to our government that are needed right now. But to be able to at least take a tiny step in the right direction is a good start. At this point in time, I'll take what I can get.
Thank you for the references, I'll definately look into them!
Posted by: Disillusioned | Jul 28, 2004 2:23:30 PM
Disillusioned -- i 2nd that esp the "ride Kerry's ass to do the right thing" post-election modality.
BTW, GR is an ominously insightful book. i didn't appreciate its sick, soulful artistry until i read it a second time. from a military policy perspective, the idea of the "Raketen-Stadt" was given by Geo. Kennan and RAND Corporation. Regretting his work in later years, he found himself unable to influence the monster he created.
Posted by: x174 | Jul 28, 2004 2:45:20 PM
"It is my duty to love and appreciate America for the country that it has been, for what it is, and most importantly, for what it can be, not to just give it lip service, but to live that dream and to welcome others from around the globe who would live that dream with me."
Sorry, but that sounds like a German in 1944.
And in a compareable 1948 they may tell you it is your duty to pay the reparations and to acknowledge the death of millions in Viet Nam, in El Salvador, the death of the children in sanctioned Iraq etc. - and they will be right.
Posted by: | Jul 28, 2004 5:29:10 PM
Anonymous,
It is kind of striking that you would automatically assume that a flicker of renewed interest, even pride, in my country is a theme of facism. From what I understand, a German in 1944 had a great love of their own country, but that it was tainted with xenophobia, fueled by propaganda and fear. Oh yes, I see the parallels going on in my government today, to be sure. But I am far from xenophobic, and I am far from buying into the bullshit as I once did.
As a citizen who was born in this country, it should not be the job of an immigrant to show me how to appreciate and love what America has to offer. It should have been me appreciating and loving my country for immigrants to see and participate in. Long ago. I love my country, I love what it stands for, and I refuse to let some idiot pResident in the White House make a mockery of my fucking country. I refuse to have someone imply that I'm comparable to a Nazi in 40s era Germany for loving my country's potential.
I don't think that Germans "welcomed others from around the globe", unless it was to their gas chambers. Do you?
Just because I feel it is my duty to respect the freedoms and opportunities my country has to offer, to work to make a better life, does not mean I have to agree with the assholes currently running it. As a citizen, it is my duty to point out its flaws, its corrupt leaders and its mistakes, so that they may be corrected. It is my 'duty' to try to make my country a better place to live, for all. Not just sit by cynically on the side lines, making snarky and cynical remarks with no substance and doing little about it.
As it has been said (loosely), I may not like your opinion (and I most certainly don't, in fact, I find it to be one of the most offensive things anyone has said to me online), but I'm proud to live in a country where it's your right to think of what I have to say how you wish, and to comment on it, even if it is full of shit. And I'll defend to the death your right to say it.
Take it as you will.
Posted by: Disillusioned | Jul 28, 2004 6:10:32 PM
Anonymous might have been offensive, but he still made a good point--the American government has helped kill innocent people in El Salvador, Vietnam, Iraq (with sanctions, even before the invasion), and a bunch of places Anonymous didn't mention. One place where Anonymous goes wrong is in imagining that we'll ever be forced to pay reparations. Being a hyperpower means never having to say you're sorry.
There is much to be proud of in America, and I'd disagree with Anonymous about that if he said otherwise. But American imperialism didn't start with Bush--he's just been exceptionally clumsy and inept at it.
Posted by: Donald Johnson | Jul 28, 2004 6:29:18 PM
@Donald Johnson
I agree with what you say, most definately. I'm not proud of what the American government over the last...oh...twenty years (plus) has caused, the wars, the corruption, the slaughter of innocent people. Not one small bit. In fact, I'm ashamed.
I think that the point I'm trying to get across is that America's government has become disconnected from the people. I also believe that it is partially (mostly) the fault of people like myself, who have taken the bait of cynically crafted politics coupled with an apathy stemming from a feeling of helplessness. If I don't remain educated, if I don't vote, if I don't participate for one excuse or another, then the result is my fault. This I understand. I never said I loved what my government has done. I said I loved what my country has the potential to be.
That being said, it is the ability of people (like myself) to realize where we've gone wrong. Where I've gone wrong, and to stand up and correct it. To take my part and do something about it. If I don't like what my government is up to, I have the freedom to say and even do something about it. This is what I forgot about my country, it is what I love and appreciate about America, it is what I lost sight of. You don't get that chance in a dictatorship.
It isn't 'America' that is bad, it is the people we've allowed to steal it under the guise of leadership. More importantly, it is forgetting to respect and love my country by being so apathetic to what I (by my inaction) have allowed it to do. I'm working on correcting that. I donate, I call, I pass out flyers and bumper stickers, I go to discussions. I, for the first time, participate. Even if it is in a small way. Quite frankly, I'm tired of being ashamed to be an American.
To hear someone speak that gives me hope again in my country, to help me remember what it is that I'm fighting for, was like a breath of fresh air. I'm an emotional person, I speak (or type) from the heart. I sometimes (ok, a lot of times) make poor wording choices and I'm not highly educated. But I'm willing to learn, and to admit to my mistakes. And while I'm willing to concede to the truth of what was said in regards to this country's history, my government is corrupt and has done horrible things, I'm not willing to be compared to a nazi because I was inept at getting my point across to someone about why I still love America.
If for only one day, I need something positive. Every other country in the world is bashing America, and rightfully so, but I am tired of being a part of that, especially when I am doing what I can on my end. There is no future without a dream. I was inspired to love my country again for one night, despite its disfiguring flaws. I said before, and I remain true to it...I hope.
Posted by: Disillusioned | Jul 28, 2004 7:28:53 PM
Speaking of America at its Finest. . .
Posted by: x174 | Jul 28, 2004 8:04:51 PM
I suppose I am not in title to comment here cause not only that I am not an American (naturalized or born) I have never even been in America so I probably do not even know what I am talking about. Still my view can be useful for you in order to understand how people like me (most of the people in this world) who never actually experienced America may feel about it having in mind great influence that America used to have on us. As you all know I come from kind of Easter Europe (YU) being fifty-fifty influenced by West and Russia you can imagine who’s influence we preferred. As a teenager I traveled rich Western European countries very often and of course I couldn’t wait to be able to join this fabulous world of freedom and opportunities. In my mind America was kind of paradise and had much higher place then even Europe in my dreams. Land of unlimited opportunities for hard working people. Land of unprecedented justice. I remember people telling me that in America one can sue even president witch was unbelievable for us at the time. Land of immigrants that managed to really make American nation without having to limit people’s rights to practice and hold traditions of their predecessor and countries they came from. America took it all in her lap and I always felt that this ability makes Americans great people. Wow what an achievement.
As I was young and not that well informed I looked to America as one of the great nations that ended WWII and paid it’s price in blood to help us get rid of Hitler. It was Vietnam war that made me consider well intentions of American governments. But not being aware of the magnitude of Vietnam catastrophe and USA atrocities I tried to explain it with Cold War. Later seeing all these American movies openly criticizing USA war on Vietnam I was fascinated with American ability to admit their sins and democracy that would allow it without prosecuting those people as traitors. I admired anti-Vietnam war movement in USA all tho I was aware how those people were treated by USA government and police. I considered them brave .
Only much much later, being an ordinary person ,when I entered real world of politic and manage to fill my knowledge with facts that were not exposed in greater public I came to the conclusion that there is also one bloody side of this shiny medal. I will not go in to this here. As I said for me Bushco and it’s brutal openness in how USA do the business was just a cherry on the cake. From blackmailing , manipulations and secret involvement in other’s countries affaires to open brutal naked force.
I understand Disillusioned American and others clinging to good side of this medal. I’ve been in their shoes …Germans and others were in their shoes too I suppose…There is always brighter side of one nation and the only hope is to cling to that side. But in order to make things right we first need to recognize and stop EVIL , to mourn those who fell as victims , to help those who survived it , to sacrifice, to go through catharsis …only then we can heal our nation.
To be able to do this is also on the bright side of this medal. But this is an early time and Americans are at the faze that they need to recognize and stop evil to be able to proceed further. That’s my opinion. No offense.
Posted by: vbo | Jul 28, 2004 10:07:47 PM
@vbo -- i liked your image of the shiny-sided and the bloody-sided medal as a metaphor for brave vs. corrupt acts.
BTW, feel free to say what you want, that's what so many died for: freedom of expression --which the Bush Felons are attempting (foolishly, in my opinion) to extinguish. (i personally don't like using the word "evil," the Church and the Right-Wing Nuts have manipulated it to mean "anyone who disagrees with them." let 'em have it, i say.)
Got any good Slavic words that could take its place? something, maybe, along the lines of "wicked," "low," "contemptible," "foul," or
"repugnant"?
Posted by: x174 | Jul 28, 2004 10:48:52 PM
Quote:
(i personally don't like using the word "evil," the Church and the Right-Wing Nuts have manipulated it to mean "anyone who disagrees with them." let 'em have it, i say.)
Got any good Slavic words that could take its place? something, maybe, along the lines of "wicked," "low," "contemptible," "foul," or
"repugnant"?
***
Ehh…x174…I understand what you mean…evil has so many “faces” and could be named with probably hundred words (English and Slavic)…I can’t find right one tho but I kind of feel that all evil comes from too much self-indulgence and also self-hate…SELF-ishness in any case…
Posted by: vbo | Jul 29, 2004 12:11:05 AM
@vbo --
in my opinion, a phrase such as "the Bush Administration is evil" means "the Bush Administration is stupid," i.e., evil==stupidity.(to the best of my knowledge, this interpretation is due to Socrates.) but the way i have been "taught" to understand the meaning of the word "evil" is to first assume a theology, something to provide a causative source of evil -- something along the lines of "the Devil," "Satan," or Charles Manson. i can see that this is not what you mean. but i have some questions concerning your comments: is self-indulgence a source of evil? is self-hate the natural outcome of too much self-indulgence? if the answer to the above is yes, then what does it mean to say "too much self-indulgence"? because, if i understand you correctly, it would imply that Britney Spears is evil, which i'm sure is not what you mean.
if you ever have the opportunity to expound on these topics, i.e., self-indulgence and self-hate as sources of evil, i would sincerely appreciate it.
BTW, one time i investigated the concept of tyranny as a source of evil by looking into the lives of history's most tyrannical leaders, e.g., Joseph "Stalin" Dshugavilli. apparently, it was Stalin's self-loathing, or as you say self-hate, which was nourished by his complete failure to be looked upon favorably by his idol Lenin. unfortunately, for Stalin (and all those he had sadistically destroyed through his utter incapacity to be loved as Lenin was loved), Lenin warned the Committee against him, but, alas, Stalin had amassed too many political connections over the years for them to keep him away from seeking the highest office. . .
after reading "The Gulag Archipelago," i came away thinking that Stalin was without-a-doubt the personification of evil. but does my calling Stalin "evil" help me to better understand what causes human beings to be so horribly destructive? or does calling Stalin evil cause me to become blinded by my own self-righteousness and sense of self-worth that i may unwittingly be leading myself down that same crooked path?
Posted by: x174 | Jul 29, 2004 3:33:38 AM
Wow x174 this would be a completely new topic more of philosophical nature and I don't think people here would be too much interested to read our dialog on this.I 'am not sure about it.
All tho I am kind of religious person ( self believer who occasionally go to the church more because I want to save something of the tradition of my ancestors then to really listen to the priest, to be honest) me mentioning evil here had in any shape nothing to do with religion. It also had nothing to do with philosophy as such…it was just my personal understanding of human nature and how it “operate”. I have not time right now to explain my thoughts but if you think I should I’ll try to do it later.
Posted by: vbo | Jul 29, 2004 4:57:20 AM
It is late (or early as the case may be) but I want to thank you for your perspective, vbo. You express yourself very well, I think, and your opinions as a poster from outside of our country are valuable. I wish you could visit sometime.
Posted by: beq | Jul 29, 2004 7:28:17 AM
Quote:
evil==stupidity
***
Sorry X174 (and Socrates, haha) but I wouldn’t say so. Stupidity can be benign and there is nothing benign about Bushco. In my eyes they are PURE immorality and very aware what they are doing, so they are malignant. No way they are plane stupid …they are deadly.
Quote:
something along the lines of "the Devil," "Satan," or Charles Manson
***
Devil, Satan and religious terms like this in my mind are synonyms for relished dark side of human nature. We know we all have it, we know we need to suppress it and development of civilization for me actually is our effort to do it. Charles Manson is just a man and he’s a brutal example why we need to suppress it. He is not in any way worse then these people in power who personally didn’t kill a fly but their decisions killed hundred of thousands of people. At least in my mind.
Quote:
is self-indulgence a source of evil?
***
In my kind of woods it’s only natural that we love our selves that we want to ‘indulge” in who we are and what we achieved. And I admit it can be healthy and stimulating for one’s personality and is also good for society in some ways. What I do not advocate is “too much” of it, meaning being “blinded” and in a way self – sufficient (sorry I am straggling here to find words and I definitely would find better words in my native language). Egocentric, narcissism … those would be better words to explain what I mean. People who did find a measure in “loving” themselves are not in great danger to disregard others. That’s how I see it.
Quote:
is self-hate the natural outcome of too much self-indulgence?
***
Maybe. We may ask psychologists. In my unprofessional view self – hate usually comes from the fact that due to different reasons (out and in the person) one was not able to accomplish (in any way) what ever he believed he would and could. And I am not talking here about pathology.
Quote:
if the answer to the above is yes, then what does it mean to say "too much self-indulgence"? because, if i understand you correctly, it would imply that Britney Spears is evil, which i'm sure is not what you mean.
***
Britnie Spears (and alike) may not be evil in that “community” sense (all tho they could influence young people wrong) but certainly that kind of narcissism in my opinion is not healthy for her own personal growth. Do you think she is a happy person? I wouldn’t know but from what I read about her I don’t feel she is.
Being “progressive” in my opinion does not mean one necessarily need to agree with what ever new trend is “planted” in public way of life, so to speak. Just because it’s very often intentionally and for wrong reasons planted to exploit negatives in our nature. And this kind of “progressiveness” is connected with great amount of money…for some.
Quote:
but does my calling Stalin "evil" help me to better understand what causes human beings to be so horribly destructive?
***
Destruction and an urge to destruct is definitely one of “evil’s” faces. We can call it what ever you want , we can try to find reasons (material and others) , to understand but we can’t stop to fight it.
Quote:
or does calling Stalin evil cause me to become blinded by my own self-righteousness and sense of self-worth that i may unwittingly be leading myself down that same crooked path?
***
“blinded by my own self-righteousness and sense of self-worth” is what I am talking about here. One may feel even compassion for what became of human being (in this case Stalin) and in a way Jesus ask us (believers) to do so (not to strike sinners with stone) …On the other hand in extreme cases like this it would be really hard to do so. In a way it’s against our nature. And yes there is a danger of “identification with the enemy” if we “pamper” our selves in hating him. In a way it may happened with manipulated hate for Saddam or Bin Laden that American public was forced (through media) to indulge it self in.
My English is not good enough but I do hope you’ll understand my message.
And sorry for long post.
Posted by: vbo | Jul 29, 2004 9:23:06 AM
Quote:
evil==stupidity
***
Sorry X174 (and Socrates, haha) but I wouldn’t say so. Stupidity can be benign and there is nothing benign about Bushco. In my eyes they are PURE immorality and very aware what they are doing, so they are malignant. No way they are plane stupid …they are deadly.
Quote:
something along the lines of "the Devil," "Satan," or Charles Manson
***
Devil, Satan and religious terms like this in my mind are synonyms for relished dark side of human nature. We know we all have it, we know we need to suppress it and development of civilization for me actually is our effort to do it. Charles Manson is just a man and he’s a brutal example why we need to suppress it. He is not in any way worse then these people in power who personally didn’t kill a fly but their decisions killed hundred of thousands of people. At least in my mind.
Quote:
is self-indulgence a source of evil?
***
In my kind of woods it’s only natural that we love our selves that we want to ‘indulge” in who we are and what we achieved. And I admit it can be healthy and stimulating for one’s personality and is also good for society in some ways. What I do not advocate is “too much” of it, meaning being “blinded” and in a way self – sufficient (sorry I am straggling here to find words and I definitely would find better words in my native language). Egocentric, narcissism … those would be better words to explain what I mean. People who did find a measure in “loving” themselves are not in great danger to disregard others. That’s how I see it.
Quote:
is self-hate the natural outcome of too much self-indulgence?
***
Maybe. We may ask psychologists. In my unprofessional view self – hate usually comes from the fact that due to different reasons (out and in the person) one was not able to accomplish (in any way) what ever he believed he would and could. And I am not talking here about pathology.
Quote:
if the answer to the above is yes, then what does it mean to say "too much self-indulgence"? because, if i understand you correctly, it would imply that Britney Spears is evil, which i'm sure is not what you mean.
***
Britnie Spears (and alike) may not be evil in that “community” sense (all tho they could influence young people wrong) but certainly that kind of narcissism in my opinion is not healthy for her own personal growth. Do you think she is a happy person? I wouldn’t know but from what I read about her I don’t feel she is.
Being “progressive” in my opinion does not mean one necessarily need to agree with what ever new trend is “planted” in public way of life, so to speak. Just because it’s very often intentionally and for wrong reasons planted to exploit negatives in our nature. And this kind of “progressiveness” is connected with great amount of money…for some.
Quote:
but does my calling Stalin "evil" help me to better understand what causes human beings to be so horribly destructive?
***
Destruction and an urge to destruct is definitely one of “evil’s” faces. We can call it what ever you want , we can try to find reasons (material and others) , to understand but we can’t stop to fight it.
Quote:
or does calling Stalin evil cause me to become blinded by my own self-righteousness and sense of self-worth that i may unwittingly be leading myself down that same crooked path?
***
“blinded by my own self-righteousness and sense of self-worth” is what I am talking about here. One may feel even compassion for what became of human being (in this case Stalin) and in a way Jesus ask us (believers) to do so (not to strike sinners with stone) …On the other hand in extreme cases like this it would be really hard to do so. In a way it’s against our nature. And yes there is a danger of “identification with the enemy” if we “pamper” our selves in hating him. In a way it may happened with manipulated hate for Saddam or Bin Laden that American public was forced (through media) to indulge it self in.
My English is not good enough but I do hope you’ll understand my message.
And sorry for long post.
Posted by: vbo | Jul 29, 2004 9:24:47 AM
Oh , hell and I even duplicated it because of Error sign...Sorry, sorry...
Posted by: vbo | Jul 29, 2004 9:27:55 AM
I felt a bit of all these in Obama's speech: idealized, preachy, hopeful, historical moment, "speaking truth to power". I know what the purpose, and pomp(osity), and the audience, all are. Still a great speech.
Not to throw cold water (I was impressed, nay, riveted by Obama), but I think it was Shields on PBS who read a LONG list of D & R Keynote Speakers who went on to... nothing of national political office note.
I didn't catch Ted K. Perhaps no loss on my part.
I still think we may well have been looking at the first black POTUS of the future. Inspiring.
On Topic:
I personally found Teresa HK's short intro. in 4 other languages to be a refreshing gesture (she even included the Brazilians -- who, OT won the Copa America last Sun.), if a little personal bragging (however, as a professional translator, she's entitled). If she saw it, even my un-repentent Nixon-supporting Repub. mother-in-law (of Italian heritage) may have been moved -- I must ask her.
But it was a speech about her, and that was appropriate. She also told a bit about her husband from her perspective -- also appropriate in the setting. Good for her.
Posted by: tom 47 | Jul 29, 2004 9:40:29 AM
Not to crush any illusions here, but do keep in mind that the USA is a settler nation on occupied territory which involved the genocide of millions of indigenous inhabitants. And I have problems w/ the commandeering of the term "America" to describe only one portion of the hemisphere, which consists of two continents, both of which are Americas. As Pacal Casals said, "The love of one's country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?"
Posted by: b real | Jul 29, 2004 10:15:06 AM
b real:
Saw one of "our" military men in Iraq on the news last night talking about "foreign fighters".
Posted by: beq | Jul 29, 2004 10:43:12 AM
All comments and opinions on what I had to say are most welcome (even the ones I hate). I enjoy seeing things in a different persepctive, (especially from those who have never lived in the US).
I know of myself the trait to see a good thing and want to latch onto it. I know that I'm not the most adept at getting the whole story for myself, so when others have something to say that may not be in line with where I'm going, I really do appreciate it.
I definately like the 'coin' analogy, but here is a consideration to think about. You are correct in that most of us latch on to that shiny side, never accepting that there is a molded and tarnished image on the other half. But for those of us who have recognized that tarnished side, have seen it and felt tremendous grief, it makes it all the more important to try to keep the shiny side in sight while working on cleaning the shit off the back.
Basically, I've seen the shit our government has done, I'm aware of its total corruption, but if I'm not allowed to consider that there is still a good side to it, then what is left to fight for? I imagine I needed to see the positive of something, even if just a glimpse, to remind me of what I'm working for.
Posted by: Disillusioned | Jul 29, 2004 11:38:12 AM
b real zeroed in on the crux, which may have been in the back of "anonymous's" mind, if badly articulated.
Nationalism. One remnant of the primitive mindset that urges "let's form heirarchical tribes and have conflicts."
If there is a god, I'm fairly confident he/she can't see those imaginary lines we put on maps. I don't know how any monotheist justifies applying differing standards of conduct or ethical obligations toward other beings based on something as arbitrary as "nationality".
But the coin of our political discussion is not that broad - no candidate could speak in terms of truly "human" rights and get elected. No matter how "international" their internal perspective might be, they have to speak of protecting the interests of "Americans".
IMO, until this changes, civilization will become ever the more fragile over time, as our technology continues to outpace our wisdom, and conflict over increasingly scarce resources escalates.
Posted by: OkieByAccident | Jul 29, 2004 12:05:07 PM
