Ode to America

**bones_19l** · 04-08-2005, 06:35 PM

We rarely get a chance to see another country's editorial about
theUSA.

Read this excerpt from a Romanian Newspaper. The article was
written by Mr. Cornel Nistorescu and published under the title
"C"ntarea Americii, meaning "Ode To America") in the Romanian
newspaper Evenimentulzilei

"The Daily Event" or "News of the Day".
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''

~An Ode toAmerica~

Why are Americans so united? They would not resemble one another
even if you painted them all one color! They speak all the
languages of the world and form an astonishing mixture of
civilizations and religious beliefs. Still, the American tragedy
turned three hundred million people into a hand put on the heart.

Nobody rushed to accuse the White House, the army, and the secret
services that they are only a bunch of losers. Nobody rushed to
empty their bank accounts. Nobody rushed out onto the streets
nearby to gape about. The Americans volunteered to donate blood and
to give a helping hand.

After the first moments of panic, they raised their flag over the
smoking ruins, putting on T-shirts, caps and ties in the colors of
the national flag. They placed flags on buildings and cars as if in
every place and on every car a government official or the president
was passing.

On every occasion, they started singing their traditional song:
"God Bless America!" I watched the live broadcast and rerun after
rerun for hours listening to the story of the guy who went down one
hundred floors with a woman in a wheelchair without knowing who she
was, or of the Californian hockey player, who gave his life
fighting with the terrorists and prevented the plane from hitting a
target that could have killed other hundreds or thousands of
people.

How on earth were they able to respond united as one human being?
Imperceptibly, with every word and musical note, the memory of some
turned into a modern myth of tragic heroes. And with every phone
call, millions and millions of dollars were put in a collection
aimed at rewarding not a man or a family, but a spirit, which no
money can buy.

What on earth can unite the Americans in such a way? Their land?
Their galloping history? Their economic Power? Money? I tried for
hours to find an answer, humming songs and murmuring phrases with
the risk of sounding commonplace.

I thought things over, but I reached only one conclusion... Only
freedom can work such miracles.

Cornel Nistorescu

**nroberts** · 04-08-2005, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bones_19l

We rarely get a chance to see another country's editorial about
theUSA.

In my opinion it is complete BS. Where is the talk about the many people who were lambasted for "Anti-American Sentiment"? That whole scene really pissed me off. The same people saying, "United we stand," were also saying, "If you don't like it get the fuck out." Either this guy who wrote the editorial is completely ignorant to the actual goings on in the US at the time or he is as stupid as the rest of the jingoists, "patriots", and everyone else jumping up and down about how free we are and if you have something bad to say about how things are done you should move to another country like Iraq where you can't say things like that. Complete vegitables, all of them.

The US was ANYTHING but united and continues to remain in the same state. Sure, we were all shocked and saddened by 9/11 but that is about as united as anything got. "We stand united because anyone among us that disagrees is un-american." THAT is the true picture of the US. It angered and saddened me to no end to see this country and its people behave like that. It still does.

And no, it is not rare to get a chance to see another country's editorial about the US. We are actually a major topic in international news. More Americans should read international news sources. The problem is that the ones that should really be reading will just shrug it off as liberal nonsense perpetrated by anti-american agendas from socialist states bent on destroying our freedoms. The problem is that most international sources are not afraid to point out our hypocracy and the numerous atrocities we are commiting daily througout the world. The editorial you have quoted is FAR from the norm.

And what about freedom? You think America is a shining example of a free society? Tell that to the hundreds, including Amecian citizens, waiting in Guantanamo who have been kept for YEARS with out trial. When the president can point at someone and say, "Enemy combatant," and all the sudden they have no civil rights, either as POWs or citizens of this country, we do NOT live in a free society.

The US cannot survive much longer if it continues down the path it is currently on.

Sorry, you hit a soft spot. I will try to just stop at that. I feel very strongly about these issues. I think the author of that editorial was talking out of his ass.

frozenfury · 04-09-2005, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nroberts

And what about freedom? You think America is a shining example of a free society? Tell that to the hundreds, including Amecian citizens, waiting in Guantanamo who have been kept for YEARS with out trial. When the president can point at someone and say, "Enemy combatant," and all the sudden they have no civil rights, either as POWs or citizens of this country, we do NOT live in a free society.

The US cannot survive much longer if it continues down the path it is currently on.

Sorry, you hit a soft spot. I will try to just stop at that. I feel very strongly about these issues. I think the author of that editorial was talking out of his ass.

What a lame sad ass excuse man. Were the freest country in the world. Go live in a 3 world country for a week and I’ll bet you a million dollars you’ll be begging to come back.
It’s people like you that express your opinion and make it look like we don’t have freedom. We have freedom and I’m very proud to live in the US. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

**bones_19l** · 04-09-2005, 01:40 AM

That would make a great editorial rebutal in their paper. Expressing these things is one of our rights as Americans. Soft spot eh?. It's nice to have the right to express our thoughts. By the way, Posting this lets us see what someone somewhere else may read, and that editorial may be igorant, but just the same, think of what Citizens there, controlled, are only allowed to suckled on. Their Governments' tit of propeganda, hence, they are digesting that information as we all are ours.
Whether you agree or not, believe or not, that may be obvious, but it still is allowed to flow downstream, and it's like a hypnotist extraordinaire, pulled off the biggest grand illusion ever known, did it in broad daylight, and everyone just watched. Now, It's chaos.
and I agree, the division is miniscule and a hoax. Where's the economy?

**LaceGuitarPlayer** · 04-09-2005, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nroberts

The US was ANYTHING but united and continues to remain in the same state. Sure, we were all shocked and saddened by 9/11 but that is about as united as anything got. "We stand united because anyone among us that disagrees is un-american." THAT is the true picture of the US. It angered and saddened me to no end to see this country and its people behave like that. It still does.

You know, you really need to go get another picture of the US. How can you say the only thing united about us was shock and sadness. What about all the THOUSANDS of people who united, formed groups and went to clean up, feed the workers, tend the wounded, etc... etc? And those were the ones you saw.. what about the ones behind the scenes that did their part silently, the prayer groups, the ones who got care packages together to send, The donations that poured in? etc... etc... I guess they didn't unite either huh? Your commentary is really sad, but as an AMERICAN, you have the FREEDOM to your opinion. Try being a citizen of a third world country and say things like that...

Quote:

Originally Posted by nroberts

The US cannot survive much longer if it continues down the path it is currently on.

Funny, we've survived over two hundred years on "this path we are currently on".

Quote:

Originally Posted by nroberts

I think the author of that editorial was talking out of his ass.

Maybe, just MAYBE... the author of this editorial saw something you don't see because you are too blinded looking at the government and not the PEOPLE. This editorial was not about the government but about the PEOPLE! But even so... yeah, America has messed up before, we will mess up again... we are HUMAN that way, but you know what... we are still strong and no matter what you think or say, we are still united.

And the great thing about us... THE PEOPLE... we don't just unite to help our own. This site alone is proof of that, uniting to send tsunami donations. $1000.00 in three days from one web site alone. I guess they weren't united either, huh? Hell, even Bush and Clinton UNITED together to do a commercial.

Yeah, we might have our disagreements, fight among ourselves, fight other countries and yeah... sometimes we are wrong and petty, but that doesn't make us ununited. It makes us HUMAN. Hell, my husband and I have different opinions too...we fight like cats and dogs sometimes. Sometimes we do each other grave disservices, but when push comes to shove, we are still UNITED.

Saying what you said doesn't make you un-American. You are SOOO American because you had the FREEDOM to express your opinion. And you know what... nobody is going to knock on your door to make you leave... although there might be SOME who feel you should and might even express THEIR opinion. Here's your FREEDOM.. you DON'T have to go!!! Go figure....

frozenfury · 04-09-2005, 05:10 AM

Well said.

Naifuzan · 04-09-2005, 09:49 AM

I really shouldnt get involved here, because I dont really have any strong opinions on the matter... But when you guys say stuff like:

Quote:

Were the freest country in the world. Go live in a 3 world country for a week and I’ll bet you a million dollars you’ll be begging to come back.

You do realize there are countries who are neither usa nor 3rd world?

**nroberts** · 04-09-2005, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Naifuzan

I really shouldnt get involved here, because I dont really have any strong opinions on the matter... But when you guys say stuff like:

You do realize there are countries who are neither usa nor 3rd world?

Yeah, I know. It bothers me too. There are several countries in the world that have as many, and in some cases more, freedoms as we do. I can at least name off freedoms others have that we don't (like the freedom to download music off the internet without threat of procecution).

And in many cases these "3rd world" countries are kept under oppressive regiems that are supported by the US both economically and militarily.

This whole "American Pride" thing is really bad news in my opinion. Pride goes before the fall. Pride blinds you from what you are and what you do. Pride really is one of the seven deadly sins.

**nroberts** · 04-09-2005, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaceGuitarPlayer

Maybe, just MAYBE... the author of this editorial saw something you don't see because you are too blinded looking at the government and not the PEOPLE. This editorial was not about the government but about the PEOPLE!

It is the people I was talking about. The government right now is DEFINATELY a problem and is actively persuing changes to destroy our fundamental freedoms. However, the people are an ever greater problem. I can't count the times I have heard someone say that we have too many freedoms. I can't count the times someone was told they should move to some other country. I can't count the times I was told to get out. "Either you are with us or you are against us."

Like I said in my post, I was saddened and angered to see my country AND ITS PEOPLE behave that way.

Quote:

And the great thing about us... THE PEOPLE... we don't just unite to help our own.

That is not an "American" value. People across the globe 'unite' during disaster just as much as we do. For instance, the tsunami you mentioned, the people of those countries have united to rebuild their societies and the world has given aid (everyone, not just Americans). Some of those countries were even in the middle of vicious civil wars, which briefly stopped after the devistation caused by this disaster. Claiming this is an "American" trait is just misplaced pride.

Quote:

Yeah, we might have our disagreements, fight among ourselves, fight other countries and yeah... sometimes we are wrong and petty, but that doesn't make us ununited. It makes us HUMAN. Hell, my husband and I have different opinions too...we fight like cats and dogs sometimes. Sometimes we do each other grave disservices, but when push comes to shove, we are still UNITED.

We are not united when people are told they should leave the country because they disagree with the way things are going. That is a pretty major scism.

Quote:

Saying what you said doesn't make you un-American. You are SOOO American because you had the FREEDOM to express your opinion.

Your saying that means you are not among the brain dead idiots who would claim otherwise. I know I am not un-American. I value the ideals this country was founded on and I value my civil liberties, both those I still have and the ones that have already been taken away. But when people say, "God bless our troops," or "God bless America," I say, "Yeah, and God bless our enemies too." I express my freedoms in ways that piss a lot of people off, sometimes for that reason alone (people need to use freedoms that are unpopular to make sure everyone remains free to use them). For instance, I refuse to salute our flag for moral, ethical, and religious reasons and this really pisses a lot of people off.

The editorial focused on flag waiving and "God save America" nonsense but totally missed all the bullshit that went on, and continues to this day.

Quote:

And you know what... nobody is going to knock on your door to make you leave...

Are you sure? I am not so naive to think that we are not constantly monitored and watched on the internet and those of us that express descenting views are not even more closely monitored. Shit, man, it is even legal for them to do so now!! Could I become an "enemy combatant" tomarro and just disappear? It has happened to others, why not me?

**LaceGuitarPlayer** · 04-09-2005, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nroberts

That is not an "American" value. People across the globe 'unite' during disaster just as much as we do...Claiming this is an "American" trait is just misplaced pride.

I never claimed it was a value exclusive to "America". Being as though the post was about America I figured I would stick to the subject at hand. But since you did address the rest of the world, sure... they united to help themselves and yeah, other countries helped too. But please, if you can, tell me which countries united to help America in their disasters? How many countries sent groups of people over here to help with the clean up? How many countries sent care packages to us? hmmm? How many countries had their rulers visit us to see what was needed in ANY of our disasters like ours did? I don't see anything misplaced about the pride I feel that our country at least tries! And not just with the tsunami, but with disasters all over the world.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nroberts

We are not united when people are told they should leave the country because they disagree with the way things are going. That is a pretty major scism.

People have a right to their opinoins. But you know what... let a little girl fall down a hole in the ground and those same people telling you to leave will unite with you to help you get her out. I've seen it happen and you can't refute it. That's the difference and what you are refusing to see. Just because SOME want you gone doesn't mean they won't unite with you for a greater good. We ALL have a right to our opinion whether it is right or wrong. That is what makes us individuals and for you to clump EVERYONE in with those of that opinion... is just wrong hun...

Quote:

Originally Posted by nroberts

The editorial focused on flag waiving and "God save America" nonsense but totally missed all the bullshit that went on, and continues to this day.

I say it's about time someone recognizes our efforts and STOPS focusing on what is wrong with our country. I know there is alot wrong with our country. I read THAT every day. I never said there wasn't stuff wrong. But, bless his heart, I thank him for recognizing what is RIGHT with us. If you want to focus only on the negative, that is your perogative. But I for one am happy someone focused on what is positive about us and for you to diss that ... again.. is just wrong. You aren't dissing the writer... you are dissing the efforts that WERE made.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nroberts

Are you sure? I am not so naive to think that we are not constantly monitored and watched on the internet and those of us that express descenting views are not even more closely monitored. Shit, man, it is even legal for them to do so now!! Could I become an "enemy combatant" tomarro and just disappear? It has happened to others, why not me?

I have no doubt we are monitored. That is what National Security is about. And I'm sure if you threatened terrorist activity, it's just possible you might get a knock on the door. But for saying things like you said in this post... I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for the knock...

**nroberts** · 04-09-2005, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaceGuitarPlayer

you are dissing the efforts that WERE made.

I never did any such thing. I think it is pretty lame to claim I did.

indeed