Well, the answer to your question depends on who you'd ask.....a cowboy in Montana, an L.A. surfer, a fashion designer in South Beach, A Louisiana fisherman.......
You see, while we are all 'Americans', there is no such creature as an 'American'. There are no 'American' beliefs. The same countrt that just elected the first Black president, fifty years ago, imprisonedv all of it's Japanese citizens.
I am an American. I live an hour out of Time Square, NYC, in what I lovingly refer to as the 'People's Republic of Connecticut'. We have no Republican state officials. We have abortion, Gay marraige, and medical marijuana. It's as far removed as I can imagine from my former home of Louisiana, now trapped firmly in the 18th century.
So, who are we?
Having lived through the aftermath of WWII, through 9/11, I can say that Americans love their country. When sufficiently provoked, we can put aside....for a time....our petty differences and kick some ass, or save the world. We are some of the kindest, most charitable people on the face of the earth. By the same token, we have been lazy. We've let the politicians take countrol. We've elevated militarism to a secular religion. right up there along with capitolism. And we have let the politicians hoodwink us into petty battles over non issues, while they have walked away with our contry, our jobs, our national wealth.
But we are a hearty and determined people. Still a young nation, we have a long way to go. This nationa has a strong heart, and a stronger will. The greed, secularism, and fake religiosity will, in time, be seen as the false issues that they are. Once again, we will be strong and proud.
For what unites us is stronger than what divides us. You see, Americans believe in a square deal. Giving a hand to a stranger. Not sticking our nose in the business of others. The American people are stronger and smarter than the poiiticians who have bought their way into office. We have outlived them in the past, and will do so again.
So, don't believe that we are what you see in the newspapers. Nor are we a sum of the opinions of our politicians. Rather, we are the people who saved the world fifty years ago. The guys who put a man on the moon. The last line of defense when no one else can help. The smartest, toughest, most unruly sons of bitches on earth. But sons of bitches with strong backs, and big hearts, and a hand to help our neighbiors. Sometimes we're stupid and naive, but we mean well.
I'm not sure where this country is headed. We have some tough times ahead. But America is not down, and it certainly isn't out. I believe in US. We as a country have been blessed. But much is expected. I believe we will rise to whatever challenges we face.
All of us. This old hippy fox, and his children, the soldiers. I love them, and I respect the Hell out of the fact that, when the chips were down, they lived their beliefs, as I did when I fought against an earlier war.
So, maybe you can cut us some slack. We're still figuring this thing out. But, we love you guys, wherever you are. And if, by chance you need something- money, protection, disaster relief- we'll be there. I know it. We alway have; I trust we always will
Sincerely,
Gray Muzzle
Commie Pinko Liberal
and proud American
