Post Independence Day reflections

[Progo35]

Yesterday I thought a lot about what independence day means to all American citizens, especially those who are struggling under oppression. I just felt compelled to thank God that I live in America, where change in social attitudes is possible. I have faith that if the Revolutionary soldiors and the country's founders could win our independence, we Americans can influence other Americans to combat and reject prejudice. So, I am just thanking God for the fact that I live in a country where we have freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and increasing equality, despite the fact that it is a difficult struggle.

Yesterday I brought some of my Futile Care letters to the independence day parade in Warren, VT. (My parents own a second house in VT.) I handed it out to several people, three news crews, and even a VT senator! I was proud. I hope that the people I gave these letters to will read them and, if nothing else, be more aware.

There was a float in the parade on gay marriage that talked about going to the bursar's office and having two lines, which they phrased, "gays line up here!" "Everyone else line up here!" The people carrying the float wore t-shirts that said, "change from legal rights to equal rights." I thought that it was a great way of bringing the issue of gay marriage rights to people's attention. This year, I am going to try to work harder at promoting LGBT rights.

Congratulations, America.

[kara speltz]

Yesterday I thought a lot about what independence day means to all American citizens, especially those who are struggling under oppression. I just felt compelled to thank God that I live in America, where change in social attitudes is possible.
Congratulations, America.

I wish I could feel as optimistic as you do. The truth is, that for the most part, I feel shame about America. Shame that we have failed to live up to our promises. We are a nation of great wealth and yet like Sodom & Gamorrah, we fail to welcome the exile. We Americans are only a small percentage of the earth's population but consume far more of the earth's resources than our rightful proportion.

We have a history of bullying other nations, time and time again. We Americans seem to think God put us in charge of this planet. How dare we tell other nations such as Korea and Iran that they can't have nuclear weapons when we maintain the greatest stockpile of nuclear weapons on this planet.

There are many more important things we as a people need to pay attention to and stop glorifying our history. Have you seen Sicko yet? This supposedly "great" nation has just about one of the worst health systems around. Because as capitalists, money has become our God.

We as a people could be a great people, but our greed and our arrogance have kept that from happening. Perhaps what we need to learn first is a bit of humility.

Kara

[Progo35]

Myself, I also feel extremely ashamed of America in regard to the issues you have mentioned and in regard to the issue I mention above. Such things MOCK the sacrifices of those who created our country and developed our government. We DON't live up to our ideals, but in comparison to other nations, at least we have the freedom to fight for them without getting decapitated.

In terms of bullying other nations, I agree but also feel that America is unfairly represented by some. For instance, in spite of all the bad things we've done, we give tons of $$$$ and aid to disadvantaged nations. Moreover, everyone always expects us to intervene over everything, when other countries are also strong and should be picking up some of the slack. For instance, I strongly feel that America and other nations need to get involved in the Sudan conflict because it is a repeat of what happened in Rwanda. Not doing anything is criminal and supports the theory that we've interevened in the Middle East because this supports our interests. I also think we've adressed some humanitarian concerns, but if we were truly motivated by that we would be stepping in in the Sudan conflict, were genocide is occuring. Moreover, methods of intervention need to be ammended. I feel that it would be possible for us to intervene effectively to overturn leaders like Bin Laden and Saddam without dropping bombs that kill innocent people. But, it makes me angry that everyone is always yelling at America to do something when African countries like Egypt, who also have wealth and resources, and other nations, like Russia and Japan, sit on their butts in terms of intervention.

In terms of nuclear weapons, I agree with you in principle: we need to make/have less nuclear weapons. However, I am NOT opposed to closely monitering BOTH Iran AND Korea's nuclear programs, as both have groups that have expressed extreme hostility towards the American people. In th 1980s, Iran's Ayotalloh Komeini was in charge of attacks that held eighty people hostage, killed hostages, killed a man in a wheeelchair on a European cruise line, and encouraged killing civilians, all to uphold what his group felt was the will of Allah. Moreover, Iran and Noth Korea have large populations that are anti-Semitic and would like to nuke Israel. THat doesn't make the killings we cause less bad, but I'm certainly not going to defend the nuclear rights of countries with people who hate America and would glady repeat September 11th if they could. I don't feel that this is based on "the politics of fear," it is common sense and self preservation. People should worry about our freedoms, but I don't agree that September 11th is "the price of freedom," as some argue. Perhaps you don't think that either, but I mention that because it goes to concerns about nuclear weapons. I don't feel that it is fair for anyone to argue that this is something we have to be ready to accept, especially when they weren't the ones who senselessly lost loved ones that day. Also, the only time that we've EVER used a nuclear weapon was during WWII. We have not used them since. I am willing to believe that radical jihad groups in NK and Iraq WOULD use them in terrorist attacks if they could. Neither government espouses principles that would strongly discourage this, either.

Now, America has killed many people in its retalitrory attacks and we certainly aren't imbued with pure principles. Nevertheless, I do see a difference between a country retaliating after an attack or against a corrupt ruler who is killing his own people, which is theoretically intended to relieve suffering (although, of course, this is not necessarily the primary motivation, as I've said), and deliberately CAUSING suffering to civilians in order to force a country to live under rules that would outlaw wearing beards, kill adulterous women, outlaw free speech, and give the state the right to kill anyone of a different religion. There are hate crimes, yes, but this is not part of our national philosophy. The governments of these nations, however, have indicated that they embrace such ideas.

I have studied these situations at school and in private and am basing my opinion off of that. It isn't jingoism that makes me feel this way: it is knowing as many facts as I can, which is probably about as much as many others, given that the only mainstream sources we have are the media, each branch with its own outside agenda.

Adressing our nation's flaws IS A WAY OF SHOWING SUPPORT FOR OUR NATION. Acknowledging gratuity for America's good aspects does not, in my opinion, amount to a lack of humility. We ARE a great nation: a great nation that needs to wake up from its slumber in the face of such problems. So, I am proud of the ideals that America was founded upon and celebrate that-and I am trying to work to encourage myself and others to live up to them, which is why I spent three hours handing out fliers about Futile Care Laws and chased the VT senator 2 miles to the end of the parade to give it to him.

It is important to emphasize the great ideals the Declaration of Independence and Constitution present when arguing against oppression. People need to remember the good we have done, so that we can look on it as inspiration in changing our ways. Balance is important: good and bad should be recognized, which is why I am very angry at those in our country for not standing up for the ideals I am proud of.

[alisaeyes]

. Have you seen Sicko yet? This supposedly "great" nation has just about one of the worst health systems around. Because as capitalists, money has become our God.
kara speltz your right..

I saw the movie it made me sick..we started as a great country..but somewhere along the way we got knock off track...I wonder what out forth fathers would think of us now...they fought very hard for us to become a new country, they believe in being fair and treat everyone equal..and now the rich man wins and the poor man loses...what are we leaving for our children and there children...

[Progo35]

I have to say I'm a little frustrated right now. I didn't say that America was a perfect, godly nation that was above criticism. I agree with Kara-we have made major mistakes. If you've had the opportunity to read some of my other posts, you know that I'm royally POed over the state of health care/insurance in our country. That's what Futile Care Laws are-basically euthanizing sick, disabled people ON MEDICAID in the name of so-called compassion while doctors argue that they aren't thinking about money. Yeah, right. So, I don't think that Kara or I are "right" or "wrong."

[scott snedeker]

I believe it is a mistake to base Knowlege of the world on commercial media. The erroneous assumption that their main purpose is to inform accurately.

Typically they will look for something that is potentially inflammatory, Blow it up to larger than life, and distort it for maximum drama. This is done for the purpose of :eek:......gluing your eyes to the television to the next message which is....hemorrhoid cream or the new Chrysler or the newest non addictive (honest cross my heart:rolleyes:) sleeping pill.

Our local news has a pat formula. Celebrity immorality, Goverment corruption/war, Greedy Capitalist corporations, Murder, Sports and Weather. Some days they have to go to cities in other states to report a murder that day but they find it! It makes me feel like there is no hope or goodness in the world....like a tequilla hangover :sick: :tdown:

It is a pathetic and sick mental poison fed to us every day. I cancelled my satellite TV a year ago and don't miss it at all! People ask me how then do I know of what is going on? I reply with "from many sources but not that one!"

Metaphorically, I see it as poisoned or unhealthy gratifying food offered cheap in unlimited quantity and people asking: "Well what do you eat to get full?"

I answer with "not that garbage!" and much of the time I am not full, But then again If I were full all the Time by eating cheap, unhealthy food I would become obese and unhealthy.:sick:


I like to focus on what is good in people. There are some truly kind and giving people in this nation who through a web of kindness and love of one another create a culture.

By adding to their efforts and attracting the same I become a weaver of this web of kindness and love. What is encouraging every day is the fact that I am not the only weaver. In fact, within this nation there is a network of weavers. When I attract others with like desires my part of the web grows. This becomes my world, my focus and something that grows with cultivation. A creation appears that is worthy of my resources, attracts, and activates the positive aspects of people's personalities. They indeed become different people to me because of the activation of these "vibrations."

[Progo35]

I agree with Scott, and think that we should DEFINITELY take what the newsmedia tells us with a huge grain of salt. From my own experience, I have noticed that newstations of both liberal and conservative persuasions tend to cover things that support their own agenda in certain ways and totaly ignore other issues that are relevant to our society.

[Gennee]

I wish I could feel as optimistic as you do. The truth is, that for the most part, I feel shame about America. Shame that we have failed to live up to our promises. We are a nation of great wealth and yet like Sodom & Gamorrah, we fail to welcome the exile. We Americans are only a small percentage of the earth's population but consume far more of the earth's resources than our rightful proportion.

We have a history of bullying other nations, time and time again. We Americans seem to think God put us in charge of this planet. How dare we tell other nations such as Korea and Iran that they can't have nuclear weapons when we maintain the greatest stockpile of nuclear weapons on this planet.

There are many more important things we as a people need to pay attention to and stop glorifying our history. Have you seen Sicko yet? This supposedly "great" nation has just about one of the worst health systems around. Because as capitalists, money has become our God.

We as a people could be a great people, but our greed and our arrogance have kept that from happening. Perhaps what we need to learn first is a bit of humility.

Kara

While I agree with you on some points, my question is what solution does liberals like Michael Moore have in resolving our problems? This is why I left the Democratic Party.

Gennee :confused:

[pnggrad79]

Kara, you hit the nail on the head.

I am ashamed of America today. I am ashamed that so many people around the world hate us, and with good reason. We have done so much wrong to many nations, because it benefited us, not the conquered nation. So many histories were permanently altered or obliterated because of the greed and arrogance of America.

American Indians for example were a formidable people before the Americans came over and began decimating the population. Countless rivers, streams, lakes and states are named after Indian tribes, but the tribes are now languishing on reservations, struggle mercilessly with alcohol and drug abuse, and have a reservation mentality which doesn't allow them to leave and go make their way in the world. They can't handle the world that surrounds them. So they may leave the reservation for awhile, but many come back and use their skills on the reservation.

Everyone knows what WASP Americans did to African Americans, Mexican Americans, women, gays and lesbians.

It is hard for me to celebrate our freedom when I can't even marry the person I love because of a damn constitutional amendment. So until we do get the equal rights we deserve, I refuse to sing the National Anthem or say The Pledge of Allegiance.

[Emproph]

Yesterday I thought a lot about what independence day means to all American citizens, especially those who are struggling under oppression. I just felt compelled to thank God that I live in America, where change in social attitudes is possible. I have faith that if the Revolutionary soldiors and the country's founders could win our independence, we Americans can influence other Americans to combat and reject prejudice. So, I am just thanking God for the fact that I live in a country where we have freedom of speech, freedom of conscience, and increasing equality, despite the fact that it is a difficult struggle.

Yesterday I brought some of my Futile Care letters to the independence day parade in Warren, VT. (My parents own a second house in VT.) I handed it out to several people, three news crews, and even a VT senator! I was proud. I hope that the people I gave these letters to will read them and, if nothing else, be more aware.

There was a float in the parade on gay marriage that talked about going to the bursar's office and having two lines, which they phrased, "gays line up here!" "Everyone else line up here!" The people carrying the float wore t-shirts that said, "change from legal rights to equal rights." I thought that it was a great way of bringing the issue of gay marriage rights to people's attention. This year, I am going to try to work harder at promoting LGBT rights.

Congratulations, America.

I agree with all the vehemence. I am embittered too. I thought the 4th would come and pass without incident.

Last year I went out on the boat with my family into the gulf and parked with many other boats of various sizes and groupings of people (Americans) off of Naples pier to watch the fireworks. I remember toward the end of the show, my mother proclaiming thanks to God for all of our "freedoms."

I wanted to scream (mother and I have had it out about Bush and the debt and Innocent children being blown to smitherines for nonexistent WMD's), But I was trapped on a boat with a partial list of family and friends.

This is just coming to me, but I guess that's what moving down here from Chicago was all about. I needed to see first hand that my mother and my family are truly insane and living in la la land. They are real people that I cannot accept.

The people who write and believe anti-everything right-wing republican rants are fully functional insane human beings, who have no long term memory, and are prone to history revisionism. They, my family, represent in 3D, everything that I consider to be wrong with America today.

Fox News enthusiasts too. Even the flat screen above the fireplace in the kitchen is constantly playing it.

Anyway, the 4th made me angrier than I was prepared for, until I read this post. It's something to be greatful for to know that at least we still have a chance. It's not so much that it's worse in other places/countries, it that it's worse because there is so much less hope (of change). They may not even have the freedom to express that, or may have that much more fear in doing so.

I guess I'm so angry about things that I'm grateful that we even still have a democracy. It may be on life-support, but at least it's alive. (it's the little things that count.. :D)

I think about this once in awhile anyway, but after I read Progo's post (shortly after it was posted), I got over my anger about my family's too often misplaced patriotism :mad:, and I actually felt thankful for the freedom that we still have the right to piss and whine and moan to our little hearts' content :tup:.

And if pissing and whining and moaning in this country is all I can do to help make this world a better place, then by God I'm going to celebrate my freedom to do so by doing so!

(♪ glory glory hallelujah ♪)

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x41/theospark/flag3.gif

[Progo35]

Thanks, Emproph. It's nice to know that my post was uplifting. That's how I wanted it to function. And, as the old spiritual goes, "We Shall Overcome"!

[alisaeyes]

I also proud of our country,Progo35..I didn't mean to get your shorts out of place..but I don't see everything though rose color glasses...we lost job, our drug program is a mess..{I have to deal with it every month}..most of our country belong to countries overseas...we are dept up to our eye balls...the war over seas is a mess..just look at new oleans..Yes I am proud of what our country was,,not what it is today...Its just my opinion and I respect yours also..you have alot of good points...

[sailaway58]

We the people. The United States is us; we’re not all that bad.
Here is one example:



Washington — The United States is the single largest donor of foreign economic aid, but, unlike many other developed nations, Americans prefer to donate their money through the private sector, according to a new report published by a Washington research organization.

Of the $122.8 billion of foreign aid provided by Americans in 2005 (the most current data available), $95.5 billion, or 79 percent, came from private foundations, corporations, voluntary organizations, universities, religious organizations and individuals, says the annual Index of Global Philanthropy.

The index was issued May 24 by the Center for Global Prosperity at the Hudson Institute, a Washington-based nonpartisan research organization.


http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2007&m=May&x=20070524165115zjsredna0.2997553

[Zerbie]

I believe it is a mistake to base Knowlege of the world on commercial media. The erroneous assumption that their main purpose is to inform accurately.

Typically they will look for something that is potentially inflammatory, Blow it up to larger than life, and distort it for maximum drama. This is done for the purpose of :eek:......gluing your eyes to the television to the next message which is....hemorrhoid cream or the new Chrysler or the newest non addictive (honest cross my heart:rolleyes:) sleeping pill.

Our local news has a pat formula. Celebrity immorality, Goverment corruption/war, Greedy Capitalist corporations, Murder, Sports and Weather. Some days they have to go to cities in other states to report a murder that day but they find it! It makes me feel like there is no hope or goodness in the world....like a tequilla hangover :sick: :tdown:

It is a pathetic and sick mental poison fed to us every day. I cancelled my satellite TV a year ago and don't miss it at all! People ask me how then do I know of what is going on? I reply with "from many sources but not that one!"

Metaphorically, I see it as poisoned or unhealthy gratifying food offered cheap in unlimited quantity and people asking: "Well what do you eat to get full?"

I answer with "not that garbage!" and much of the time I am not full, But then again If I were full all the Time by eating cheap, unhealthy food I would become obese and unhealthy.:sick:


I like to focus on what is good in people. There are some truly kind and giving people in this nation who through a web of kindness and love of one another create a culture.

By adding to their efforts and attracting the same I become a weaver of this web of kindness and love. What is encouraging every day is the fact that I am not the only weaver. In fact, within this nation there is a network of weavers. When I attract others with like desires my part of the web grows. This becomes my world, my focus and something that grows with cultivation. A creation appears that is worthy of my resources, attracts, and activates the positive aspects of people's personalities. They indeed become different people to me because of the activation of these "vibrations."

Scotty this is beautiful!! Keep creating a world of love! The rest of the world needs as many uplifting vibrations as it can get!!

:pray::pray:

[antonyh]

I wish I could feel as optimistic as you do. The truth is, that for the most part, I feel shame about America. Shame that we have failed to live up to our promises. We are a nation of great wealth and yet like Sodom & Gamorrah, we fail to welcome the exile. We Americans are only a small percentage of the earth's population but consume far more of the earth's resources than our rightful proportion.

We have a history of bullying other nations, time and time again. We Americans seem to think God put us in charge of this planet. How dare we tell other nations such as Korea and Iran that they can't have nuclear weapons when we maintain the greatest stockpile of nuclear weapons on this planet.

There are many more important things we as a people need to pay attention to and stop glorifying our history. Have you seen Sicko yet? This supposedly "great" nation has just about one of the worst health systems around. Because as capitalists, money has become our God.

We as a people could be a great people, but our greed and our arrogance have kept that from happening. Perhaps what we need to learn first is a bit of humility.

Kara

I loved Sicko. Wow...what a fantastic film. I went with friends this weekend. The statement that sticks with me from the movie is:

In France the government is afraid of its citizens, in America the citizens are afraid of the government.

I think Moore hit the nail on the head. I think most of the citizens in this country are complacent or fearful. We need a revival of citizenship where people say what needs to be said, get off their butts and march in anti-war marches, healthcare marches, etc.

Take the immigration marches. Hundreds of thousands of marchers in the big cities. They are talking about immigration on the hill!

[sailaway58]

This article is a little old but not much has changed since it was written.
Health Care Reform:
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

by by Michael Tanner (http://www.cato.org/pubs/pas/pa184.html)


There is no quick fix for health care.
The question is what is a life worth?
While we may be all equal in Gods eyes we are not equal in value to society.
Part of the pursuit of happiness is pursuing things like jobs that provide a quality of life we can live with. We are not entitled to health insurance, wealth, shelter, or happiness. We must pursue and provide these things for ourselves.
Natural selection is cruel sometimes but you can't stop it.

[Progo35]

I'm having a hard time discerning whether the poem you include is in favor of natural selection and thus, allowing this process to take its course even when certain people suffer b/c such people don't benefit society, or against it. If it is in favor of it, frankly, it devalues human life on a grand scale. I do feel that we are entitled to shelter, health insurance etc. when we absolutely cannot get them ourselves. The one thing I do see as a flaw in proposed mass health care is the already problematic tendency to give those with severe disabilities realy bad diagnosise in terms of getting transplants, etc, on the premise that "other people will have a beter chance" that way. I.e, I don't want to see the government deciding who can have a heart transplant and who can't, so that people with down syndrome would have less of a chance of getting one. Although, if the government didn't do that, than broader health care might really help. As far as "working hard" for basic things, this poem, to me, sounds like the self-righteous musings of someone who HASN'T struggled to get basic things-and is justifying the difference in his status by tying "self suficiency" to morality. But, if it's meant to show someone else's perspective and not necessarily your own, I could see that, too. And, of course, you're entitled to your opinion, and I can't really know where you personally stand on things from just reading a few of your posts, so I hope I don't come across as too harsh.

[KennethJ]

Because I'm not an American, I write this email with a bit of fear and trembling :) I'm not sure if it's my place to comment... but I'm going to plunge in anyway. First, I would like to say, I love Americans. Anyone who truly knows me, knows that... How could a country that produced the Dixie Chicks be all bad? :)

But I would also say that I find that nationalism of the USA very disturbing. And I'm talking about Democrats here just as much as Republicans. It goes beyond patriotism. I think there is a high number of patriotic people all around the world in different countries, but there isn't this blinding allegiance to a human institution. It is almost like some Americans believe God Himself wrote the constitution. Even if people don't believe that literally, there is this strong undeniable ideology that America is a divinely chosen nation. And there is also this strong belief that American international relations are doing more good in the world than harm. This is not an opinion shared by the majority of the world, by far. I sometimes wonder what will happen when the United States' resources run dry... is Canada the natural choice for the expansion of the Empire?

Does God's realm operate on "survival of the fittest?"

[sailaway58]

I'm having a hard time discerning whether the poem you include is in favor of natural selection and thus, allowing this process to take its course even when certain people suffer b/c such people don't benefit society, or against it. If it is in favor of it, frankly, it devalues human life on a grand scale. I do feel that we are entitled to shelter, health insurance etc. when we absolutely cannot get them ourselves. The one thing I do see as a flaw in proposed mass health care is the already problematic tendency to give those with severe disabilities realy bad diagnosise in terms of getting transplants, etc, on the premise that "other people will have a beter chance" that way. I.e, I don't want to see the government deciding who can have a heart transplant and who can't, so that people with down syndrome would have less of a chance of getting one. Although, if the government didn't do that, than broader health care might really help. As far as "working hard" for basic things, this poem, to me, sounds like the self-righteous musings of someone who HASN'T struggled to get basic things-and is justifying the difference in his status by tying "self suficiency" to morality. But, if it's meant to show someone else's perspective and not necessarily your own, I could see that, too. And, of course, you're entitled to your opinion, and I can't really know where you personally stand on things from just reading a few of your posts, so I hope I don't come across as too harsh.

I guess I am a little put off by the whole idea of how horrible the United States is and I am sick to death of entitlement programs. The indigent do have health care as they should.
As far as struggling of course I toil for a better life just like everyone else. I got no freebies and I live a pretty simple life.

“…sounds like the self-righteous musings of someone who HASN'T struggled to get basic things-and is justifying the difference in his status by tying "self sufficiency" to morality…”

I guess I came across that way. Most people struggle because of lousy life choices. Maybe I should see the new M. Moore movie and muster up a little more compassion.

[Progo35]

Well....I don't know that Michael Moore will necessarily foster your compassion...he is a little OFF at times, but what I'm saying is that the things your poem cited are very baisc, and if I saw someone on the street on a regular basis who was ill and didn't try to do something based on the belief in the "survival of the fittest" I feel that that would be a major sin. It would be like just standing there while someone wasted away and died.

Moreover, "survival of the fittest" and "entitlement" were big issues in the latest Futile Care debate...doctors were going to stop treating a baby on medicaid against his mother's wishes and his so-called 'guardian' at litem said that the child didn't have the right to medical care. So, you can see why the ideals articulated in that poem seem snotty when they are not clarified.

And, I do agree that the US gets a one-sided portrayal in 90 percent of the media today, which I am sick and tired of as well. Other nations need to step up to the plate in doing their part to combat oppression, etc. in other nations

[sailaway58]

Well....I don't know that Michael Moore will necessarily foster your compassion...he is a little OFF at times, but what I'm saying is that the things your poem cited are very baisc, and if I saw someone on the street on a regular basis who was ill and didn't try to do something based on the belief in the "survival of the fittest" I feel that that would be a major sin. It would be like just standing there while someone wasted away and died.

Moreover, "survival of the fittest" and "entitlement" were big issues in the latest Futile Care debate...doctors were going to stop treating a baby on medicaid against his mother's wishes and his so-called 'guardian' at litem said that the child didn't have the right to medical care. So, you can see why the ideals articulated in that poem seem snotty when they are not clarified.

And, I do agree that the US gets a one-sided portrayal in 90 percent of the media today, which I am sick and tired of as well. Other nations need to step up to the plate in doing their part to combat oppression, etc. in other nations

Ok, a little snotty. :o
You said, "…and if I saw someone on the street on a regular basis who was ill and didn't try to do something based on the belief in the "survival of the fittest" I feel that that would be a major sin."
I agree overall, however some people just can't be helped.
Who is your neighbor? Christ might ask of me. I would say not the high school drop out that wants to blame everyone else for their inability to provide healthcare and food for themselves.
You have to do more than want something to get it.

On a lighter note:

How generous are Americans? Inconceivably so. An official collecting private donations for victims of the Asian tsunami has described American largess as a "tidal wave of generosity."

How generous are Americans compared to everyone else? Canada's Fraser Institute measured the "generosity gap" that separates Americans and Canadians, in both "the extent and the depth of charitable giving." It found that "the average donation in the U.S. is three-and-a-half times more than in Canada." As a percentage of their aggregate income, Americans give more to charity than citizens of any other country. (http://www.antiwar.com/mercer/?articleid=4344)

[KennethJ]

Sailaway: "Canada's Fraser Institute" is an ultra right-wing joke. It's the Fox News of Canadian think tanks.

[Progo35]

Sailaway:

I guess my issue there is that you and I have no way of telling the difference between a homeless, sick person who is a high school drop out who's bad attitue has crippled him-and the sick, homeless person with a mental handicap whose family doesn't give a crap about him or her. Also, I suffer from clinical depression and even though I am an honors student who has worked extremely hard to get where I am at, I know enough firsthand about what that does to a person to imagine myself too depressed to get a job. Now, the point is to try to seek help when one is in that state, but sometimes compassion can give such people the shred of hope they need to get off the street corner and walk into the hospital/shelter/job interview, where they can be helped to help themselves. Sometimes that doesn't work, but at the end of the day, does it really matter? At least I tried.

I would re-think the "who is my neighbor"? question, because I think that Christ makes it clear that every person is our "neighbor," its just that we shouldn't respond to them all in the same way. For instance, a once dated a guy who had major drinking and self esteem problems. But this guy was the nicest, sweetest person who had just been hurt. But, in the end, he started hurting me and I knew that I had to break off our relationship for both our sakes. So, sometimes you do have to practice "tough love" with people.

Finally, I guess I try to rely on the Holy Spirit when deciding how to respond to a homeless or needy person. For instance, I try to go with my sense of what that person's character is like. If I get a "bad" feeling about someone, I don't make contact with them, not because I don't want to, but because I think that the Holy Spirit gives us a "sixth sense" to discern between safety, danger, and method of response to particular people.

[scott snedeker]

Because I'm not an American, I write this email with a bit of fear and trembling :) I'm not sure if it's my place to comment... but I'm going to plunge in anyway. First, I would like to say, I love Americans. Anyone who truly knows me, knows that... How could a country that produced the Dixie Chicks be all bad? :)

But I would also say that I find that nationalism of the USA very disturbing. And I'm talking about Democrats here just as much as Republicans. It goes beyond patriotism. I think there is a high number of patriotic people all around the world in different countries, but there isn't this blinding allegiance to a human institution. It is almost like some Americans believe God Himself wrote the constitution. Even if people don't believe that literally, there is this strong undeniable ideology that America is a divinely chosen nation. And there is also this strong belief that American international relations are doing more good in the world than harm. This is not an opinion shared by the majority of the world, by far. I sometimes wonder what will happen when the United States' resources run dry... is Canada the natural choice for the expansion of the Empire?

Does God's realm operate on "survival of the fittest?"

Glad to have you!

Otter, one of my cherished and adored lovers is a beautiful canadian. I love canadians and probably would emigrate to Canada if it weren' so damn cold!

Your picture is adorable btw! I couldn't agree with you more if I were canadian myself. I think Canada is an example of how decent all nations could be if they tried!

[u-dog]

Ken,

No offense taken and we are related closely to Canadians. we are eagerly anticipating the annual "Canadian invasion" in a week or two (when our Ottowan relatives come south).

The pathological patriotism of which you speak is a natural consequence of Empire. It is a bad thing. "My Country right or wrong" God's chosen people. all of that is crap of course and has led us into some of the darkest times of our history.

However, we are JUSTIFIABLY proud of our constitution... and yes I DO THINK GOD WROTE IT (or at least hovered actively over its creation) and that it and the values it contains have been and continue to be a positive influence on the world.

We HAVE to have an almost religious devotion to our constitution because of the strong influence of religious communities in the US. That quasi-religious devotion to the constitution stands as a bullwark against the evil Theocrats who stand ready to devour us if we are not vigilant.

[sailaway58]

Sailaway: "Canada's Fraser Institute" is an ultra right-wing joke. It's the Fox News of Canadian think tanks.
Well I did say on a lighter note.:D

[kara speltz]

Glad to have you!

Otter, one of my cherished and adored lovers is a beautiful canadian. I love canadians and probably would emigrate to Canada if it weren' so damn cold!



Dear Ken: You Canadians have much to teach us. I grew up in Detroit and one of my strongest memories was that black and white couples moved to Canada because they were accepted there. Right after Bush was elected a second time, I wondered if I shouldn't seriously consider becoming a Canadian. But I'm so spoiled here in the Bay Area, that I just couldn't. And besides, I suspect we'll need all the rebellious types to stay and make sure the U.S. has a few faithful dissenters left here to protest the empire. We live in the belly of the beast, so to speak. Our constituion is something worth fighting for, and acquiesence has never been something I did well.

kara

[Progo35]

One movie that I was thinking about while writing my original post was "Sophie Scholl: the Final Days," which is about the last six days in the life of one of the members of "The White Rose" a student resistance group that wrote leaflets against Nazism during WWII. Ultimately, this young woman and five others were executed for their beliefs-all because they printed some leaflets and posted anti Nazi signs! So, at least, as several people have mentioned, we can say what we want without being killed-at least by the government. If you haven't seen the movie, I highly recommend it-it's German language with english subtitles, but it's worth the fact that it's in another language. It was made in 2005 and nominated for the Best Foriegn Film Award at the 2005 grammys. The fact that Sophie was only 21 years old at the time of her death is also truly inspiring.

[Progo35]

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2007-08-18-ahmadinejad_N.htm?csp=34
This is a very good reason for the US and all other nations to prevent Iran from having nukes, no matter how many we have