Hey Ry
Just a little (big) note to say I'm right there with you. Maybe I'm gonna even more outright offend anyone who takes a gander at the comments, but I've never really had a chance to express my views on stuff like this even though there's been alot of things that been bothering me all year. I've never been patriotic at all. 9/11 didn't do anything to change that. In fact, all it did was completely solidify my very unpatriotic way of thinking because what i thought would get the US off its high horse and turn it into a more willing "global citizen" that embraces and accepts the sympathy and help offered by other nations (and helps, not polices, in return) quickly became an even more obnoxious display that went far beyond the regular borders of patriotism into blind, in some cases fanatical, nationalism. I don't think this is good at all.

First of all, haven't we grown tired of exploiting a horrible tragedy? It's one thing to remember, you always need to remember history, but its another thing altogether to both capitalize and to stand still, no longer really mourning but clinging to the mourning facade without really healing.

The thing that really bothers me is the question of would we still think this was such a horrible tragedy if it happened in the proverbial "over there", meaning anywhere else in the world. Who knows, although the answer should be yes. I'd still be really fucking saddened if someone had done this to Japan, or to Germany, or even to one of the Middle Eastern nations. When it happened here, so many other nations went out of their way to offer support and solidarity. From Poland to Canada, to help and advice offered by Israel. Even the French, who so many people in this country still seem to think are assholes, held vigils, offered support, and were genuinely broken up. Jesus, people, they cried! And don't say it's just because "we saved their asses in WWII". Number 1, it really doesn't work that way. Number 2, their resistance did one hell of alot on its own. Instead of truly thanking these other nations in a peaceful manner, nothing really seems to come of these international displays of support, we launch into uberpatriot hurt pride mode, and bomb the fuck out of Afghanistan.

You know what, stuff like this is exactly why the rest of the world thinks were dicks (and yes, they do... its not because we're americans, its because of how so many of us act) and why I've definitely decided to seek a change in my nationality once I've completed my business at Bryn Mawr. Then again, the kind of person who would actually take part in what this forward is asking has probably naver left the country or at least has no concept of an international community. I shouldn't generalize, but whatever.

Seriously. I really do feel alot more French than American. I'm not joking when I say that. But I don't pledge allegiances. Not to flags. Anyone's flag. My allegiances are with the people I love and that transcends the concept of contries.

and you can bet your ass I won't be stopping ANYTHING at noon on 9/11/2002. I have classes, I'm sure my profs would really appreciate that :P

Sorry this was so long, the truth of the matter is this has been bothering me for ages and only in Europe have a really felt like I've been able to speak my mind. I'm getting down from the soap box now.

Proudly offending people since 1981...

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Well, you know, if you don't like the way the country is going, you can vote to change it. That's the whole freakin' point. Running away will solve nothing but your own problems, will it?

No, I'm not overly patriotic. I just don't feel that the US is some uberevil overlord over the rest of the world. Just an overlord.

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What did I do last year? I voted to keep my Mesopotamia Before 1600 BCE class going on. I walked around with obvious orange earplugs for two days. I went to Amanda's apartment to avoid dealing with hippies and warhawks.

This year? I plan on going to class, getting annoyed if anyone mentions it, yelling at hippies, and generally being a nice American Satanist.

Hee.

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amen to that! the last thing we need is more patriotic propaganda thrown our way..........

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exactly!
Quite concisely put, and exactly what I was trying to get at. :o)

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Clear thinking. So precious, and exceeding rare.

I'm glad you guys are my friends.

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"god bless america", indeed. (!?)

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