| Author | Message | ||
     Stacey R Abend (Srafj40) Member Username: Srafj40 Post Number: 58 Registered: 03-2003 |
Fired up. Just got done with a reply to the editor of our local paper, (Tucson), regarding this. Proud Americans I don't understand why so many of us are "proud to be an American." With the exception of those immigrants who become citizens, we did not have to do anything special to become American. No tests, no fees, nothing. Being born here is enough, and that is something that we have no control over. In fact, it's safe to say that those who actually had to do something to earn their citizenship are often the least accepted by other, "real" Americans. As a group we are overweight, selfish, greedy, self-centered and uninformed. We know virtually nothing about how our government works, and rarely participate in it. We do not understand the Constitution, and many of us do not even vote, which is possibly the greatest right that any "proud American" has. So, when you read this, instead of getting angry with me, examine yourself, and ask what you have actually done to be an American, or to make America proud of you. By the way, simply being a veteran does not count. Bruce Joseph Computer programmer | ||
| Perrone Ford (Perroneford) Member Username: Perroneford Post Number: 90 Registered: 02-2003 |
I hate to say this, but the guy is right. We have SO MUCH to be proud of in this country and we, as a nation, do so little for it. There are many who really do uphold the ideals of our country, but the numbers are dwindling. Sometimes it takes events like 9/11 and the wars to remind us all why we need to be proud of our home. As a youth, I sometimes didn't say the national anthem. That was the politics of my parents. As I got older, I began to understand their politics and my own, and I developed a love for where I was at and the opportunities I was given. And my feelings changed. I now say the anthem with pride, and lately with tears as I remember the loved ones and dear friends I've lost who were fighting for this country. Sometimes we need prods from guys like this to remind us what we are doing, and not doing for our country. -P | ||
| Stacey R Abend (Srafj40) Member Username: Srafj40 Post Number: 59 Registered: 03-2003 |
My reply to the editor: To Bruce Joseph, I take a great exception to our letter to the editor dated April 15 “Proud Americans”. I am just one example of thousands if not millions of Americans in this country. I am 36 and stand in complete awe when I look at what my Grand Fathers generation did not just for this country, but also for Europe and Japan. Go to this link and read what the British think of "Proud Americans"; 482-645577%2C00.html,http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,482-645577,00.html I served in the Army from 1993 to 1996 at 3/75th Ranger Regiment. I now teach 7th grade Social Studies giving to my country once again. I am not in this for the money. You want to talk World History and the Geo-Political struggles that are around us? I think that I can do that. A sample of my daily reading to keep up with what happens in this small world. LA Times, The Guardian UK, Reuters, Washington Post, and this paper here. I am sure that there are many more “Proud Americans”, out there that exceed my example. You make generalizations about the intellectual capabilities and physical status of “Proud Americans”. I could do the same of you, but out of respect I will not. I will give you some advice. Stop staring at code all day, get out and know the generations, (there are two now), that changed the world, and made it a safer place. A world where you are free to recklessly express your thoughts. Stacey R. Abend 7431 E. Placita del Espiritu Tucson Az. 85715 (520) 481-7425 7th Grade Social Studies Teacher | ||
| Stacey R Abend (Srafj40) Member Username: Srafj40 Post Number: 60 Registered: 03-2003 |
Perrone, It could just be me but I feel a shift, and I am not talking about Nissan. I think that there is an awakening going on. I am starting to see it in my students. An appreciation. Recently, we as a class examined the conflict in the Middle East using "Fronline's" series. Then we went to Japan. I always give a more in-depth overview of the history involved. I went to great length for the students to understand the U.S. reconstruction of Japan. The economic link, and then tied it to the Middle East and the proposed/probable U.S. aid to Iraq. We started Europe and I am giving them the Marshal Plan. These are 7th graders. I have some high expectations. You know what? They are getting it. The questions that I here from them are giving me hope. It was not like this before. Stacey | ||
| Perrone Ford (Perroneford) Member Username: Perroneford Post Number: 91 Registered: 02-2003 |
Oh I completely agree... When dedicated teachers such as yourself are out there making a difference, it helps tremendously. Difficult world events, such as 9/11, make kids more curious as well it should. But as a coach who spends hundreds of hours a year around teens, I see far more ignorant teens than I did 20 years ago. They have access to infinitely more informtation than I did in my youth, but the disintergration of the family unit really shows itself here. We had a single TV in our house for quite some time, and we always ate together and discussed the days events as a family. Kids today don't watch CNN or similar programs. Parents don't talk about social or political issues at dinner, and if they do, the kids are usually somewhere else. I tend to discuss world event's with my 16 year old but she is so uninterested it's almost pointless. The 18 year old is lucky if she can understand the directions on her hair dryer or coffee maker. I hope this isn't too typical. God bless people like you out there making a difference and trying to educate these kids. I take solace in the fact that you think it's getting better. But I still can't jump on that guy for saying what he did because it too closely mirrors what I see. I remember someone else talking about a parade last year where the only parade-goer who stood as the colors were presented as a disabled older gentleman. Far too many kids just don't get it. -P | ||
| Lester Ray Gerber (Raygerber) Member Username: Raygerber Post Number: 46 Registered: 09-2002 |
Stacey, Good response, its probably hoping against hope to see it get published. My initial reaction was anger, but after a second look I just look at it as more evidence of people in this country espousing the self-loathing dogma we have embraced for far to long. I have to agree with you assertion that 9/11 has changed the country-maybe not everyone, but I think a lot of Americans are tired of apologizing for being American. My perception of his arguement is admittedly bias, I am an active duty marine right now and I take exception to his comment that being a veteran is not enough. Fortunatly or not I am here, while many of my friends are off defending freedom, but the bottom line is many have come before me that have served in all the uniforms of our country-some in war, many more in peace-and all of them have sacraficed their time to defend the country. I don't think a computer programmer has any right to pass judgement over a veteran's pride in being an American. I have to say it is heartening to hear Stacey's comments about his classes and their interest in history that matters. The unfortunate fact is a lot of Americans will not get "it" or a great many of them will not want to get "it" because it makes them uncomfortable to judge someone/something-as they don't want to be judged. What is heartening is in many locales people do get it, and the tide is shifting how America deals with the world in a post 9/11 reality. regards Ray | ||
| Stacey R Abend (Srafj40) Member Username: Srafj40 Post Number: 61 Registered: 03-2003 |
Perrone, Thank You. Yes the social fabric that is America is not the finest thread count. You know what? I guess I am just getting tired of the doom and gloom. My wife, when things are not so good say's that I am too positive. This guy just burned me. The crack about if you are a veteran does not count. I am no fan of Hillary, but sometimes it does take a village. America is a lovely over reactionary society. I wish that we could get on all the parents that are neglectful in their duties. Give them tickets. Being a Coach you have to see the good ones? You are right about children that are coddled in America. The nice thing about life is that it is not fair “All in good time” it will eventually humble those that are not. I just know too many people that work for the benefit of America. It is not simply the teacher, coach, and the military. It includes nurses, fire fighters, police, ems, clergy, people who go to the soup kitchens, Paul G., etc….venting. Stacey |
