America: A Shining City on a Hill
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A Shining City on a Hill
Recently, on HubPages, I came across a series of quotes about veterans. I thought this would be a good place to discuss the freedoms mentioned..especially given the very divided nature of America today.
America was not always this way. Perhaps not since the Civil War have the people of the United States been so un-united, so angry, so "us" vs "them". It saddens me to see us so hateful, so frustrated and full of rage over what America stands for.
During a recent interview a British author said that the whole world is waiting...expectantly for America to be America again. Home of the free and the brave; holding open arms to the world; a place of healing and hope to all the world.
"A shining city on a hill". That's what Ronald Reagan called America. In the eighties, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America was reminding the people, the citizens of America..that the whole world looks to us as an example of what the very best means. Compared to all other countries, Reagan said....we should be so brightly lit with freedom that all the world will see it and want the goodness and blessing which God bestowed upon America.
He did not say this as a passing remark. He meant it as an idea...an idea that defined America...an idea that united us all with pride and purpose..to continue that good work which the Founding Fathers began..to let freedom ring.
His idea did not speak about the language of those shining city-dwellers. The idea of America was not about the shining city's religion. Or any of the other many, many differences between the citizens of that shining city on a hill.
-No. He was talking about one people united, one people grateful and motivated to give a blessing to another person in need. Does that make Ronald Reagan a Liberal? No....it just makes him an American. And that was what that British author was saying. The whole world is waiting for us...America..to be America again.
Freedom of the Press
The Constitution gives the People equality. Each of us is equal..we all have equal rights. Nobody is better, nobody is part of a lesser group with lesser rights. Our freedoms are the same. They all come to us by the Constitution. Every citizen has these same in-alienable (you can't take it away from me) kind of rights.
But in this series of quotes there's this "us vs them" about our American rights.
"It's the Veteran, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press."
May be it would be more accurate to say that it is the veteran and the reporter who help to maintain our freedom of the press today. And, continuing to be accurate: This freedom originally was given to us by the Law of the Land. It did not arrive recently after a military action. It came about peacefully by civilians faithfully serving their country. This freedom was further refined in the Supreme Court...(another group of faithful serving civilians). And even today, people of many persuasions continue to bring suits into the courts about this important right.
Freedom of Speech
"It's the Veteran, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech."
It was the British Army veterans in the 1770's who wouldn't allow freedom of speech. They were just good soldiers, following orders...orders from a faraway King named George who was mad as hell the American Colonists were refusing to pay taxes to him.
So King George ordered his troops to garrison in Boston and bust into people's homes if they, the soldiers, thought there were any troublemakers inside. And they tore up people's houses and arrested people without any explanation...just because they thought you were guilty.
Ya git it? Not every veteran is automatically the good guys.
The British veterans were dragging folks off to prison or even worse..all the way back to England..with no one to stop them. They could kidnap you and your family and ship you back to England, thousands of miles from home or help or friends.
In the military you cannot say whatever you wish or do whatever you want. If the military determined what was free speech then Generals and Admirals would be in charge of what we can say.
The military is here to protect us from invasion or to make war. We do not have the military to protect our free speech..that would be fascism.
We have the courts, the police and the legislature to keep our speech free.
Freedom of Assembly
"It's the Veteran, not the community organizer, who gives us the freedom to demonstrate."
This is a right afforded by the Constitution and made necessary because over two hundred years ago the King of England used military troops to oppress American civilians.
We see the military used today in foreign countries to put down political riots over rigged elections in South America, food riots during civil wars in Africa. Elsewhere, the military is used by a powerful few to hurt and to suppress the population.
The rest of the world it is NOT a shining city on a hill. In part, that's because the military runs their country. We have checks and balances here..for good reason.
In America it's OK for civilians to gather into crowds and demonstrate against the government.
But if you're in the military you can't demonstrate against the government. "Naturally", you say, and I agree with you. Because...the military must obey it's leaders without question. I agree.
But our citizens are not soldiers. They are citizens..with rights that the military does NOT allow.
The military has to do what it's told to do. The citizens do not.
And if I was in the military today..I might be upset about the wars our military has been sent to lately. Nobodies fighting for American "Freedom of Assembly".... in Afghanistan.
Who has the Right to Salute the Flag?
"It's the Military who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who allows the protester to burn the flag."
The military is not alone in their love of their country. Civilians have not become second-rate citizens because they have not served in the military. Civilians serve the nation in a great many roles; serve gladly and gratefully a proud nation. But others, who do not wish to praise the nation,; they live here too. And they have the right to speak their grievances as much as any veteran. There is no law making the veteran greater than the civilian in these United States. But that DID exist during the Roman Empire. I'd suggest that the limits of power in America are why we are still free. Other countries are run by their military. None of us would truly want to live under a military dictatorship. In fact, our Constitution wisely has established the separation of the powers of government to protect us, the citizens, from the absolute rule of a tyrant or a military dictator.
Let Freedom Ring
"AND ONE MORE THING........If you ever see anyone singing the national anthem in Spanish - TELL THEM TO SPEAK ENGLISH."
What is up with that? It sounds like King George commanding his lowly servants around.
It's their right of free speech to NOT sing in your choice of language, or worship in your choice of church, or disagree according to your rules about protest or civil assembly or expression of opinion in an editorial.
That's what makes America great. We, the People, welcome and accept the diversity and the plurality of our people to be free from tyranny and unreasonable restraint upon the God given rights our Constitution says will NOT be taken away without cause or due process of law. It even gives you the right to disagree with the Constitution and the many legal freedoms which all of us enjoy.
All Americans are the sons and daughters of immigrants.
They came to this New World to find a haven, a place of justice and freedom from the oppression and the prejudice of the rich and the powerful, the religious bigotry of countries that would not give them peace, and they fled the starvation of a homeland without food or work, places where disease and war threatened their very lives.
We all came here because America was the last, best hope when our motherland failed us. And we and our ancestors became Americans. Proud to be part of this beautiful land; grateful for our freedoms and glad to be alive.
The veterans are not the masters of America. They are it's citizens. They have no greater claim to pride over the nation's flag. Period. Military service does not make the rest of America substandard.
I appreciate what our volunteer military does today. But it's a choice. You have the right to choose your occupation. You weren't drafted; you weren't forced into service by the government. It's voluntary.
So. Thank you for your service. But we're citizens of a city on a hill. Don't block the light. We're a free people, willing to help others. We want them to see our light and even if they don't need to escape to this freedom...we hope in God they will make their own shining city..of freedom.
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I'm glad that you wrote this hub. You've hit on many key issues concerning anger in the US today.
I had written an angry hub one day concerning the tactics of the TSA in monitoring our airports, but removed it after Congress woman Gifford was shot. I've never heard people so angry as they have been the past few years here in the U.S. But, the shooting in Tucson brought me up short about language and attitude. I've decided that I want my message to be more positive.
I love this country as I can see you do too. I particularly liked your mention about the balance of powers which I think is the most brilliant concept in all of this. The recent swing to more regulation and more bureaucracy in D.C. is a reaction to the economy going out of control. This has gotten many people fearful about our future as a democracy. Granted, I realize that corruption in financial institutions prompted this.
Our original system is grand though. Give us a set of laws concerning business, then if a company or bank breaks them take then into court and let the judicial branch of the government determine the outcome. When you take away the courts and give people in a bureau in Washington the power to decide the law, you've destroyed that balance and are a step closer to something not democratic.
But, I always have hope for our great country. From reading history I've learned that every twenty to thirty years we swing left, more towards socialism. Then people get "riled up" and start protesting and things swing back towards center, where America usually sits.
It's interesting times and I appreciate your thoughts on all of this.
Hi Mickey Dee:
Lol. I thought onstate wanted to push all of my buttons, lol. I'm so glad to hear it was you!
Let me put it this way, though. I'm not offended by difference. You can disagree with me...I'm not offended. Maybe you've seen where I'm a jerk and I've been blind to it. Who knows? (My wife, lol.)
I think there is room for people who do not quite fit. In all honesty...I think that describes me, lol.
Looking at history there are others who didn't fit...but thet had a message that (today) seems worthwhile to hear. But, in their day; the locals gave Socrates hemlock, lol.
Does that make me, or onstate a "Socrates"? Nah.
We're just a pain in the neck.
Hi Rod:
You said, "I will say though that the critics and at times the protesters are needed. Some would argue that Jesus in his time was a protester and a critic.
Making the USA great should be considered an ongoing process."
Well said. I think Criticism and Protest are both part of the American way of dealing with these American ideals that we've been discussing.
The freedom to dissent, to dis-agree with the government, is a fundamental right. It's the foundation that supports the whole building. Removing this foundation is like trying to destroy your own house. Chipping away at it weakens the building...and it causes problems that show up elsewhere...cracked walls, windows that don't fit, bigger utility bills to heat and cool, etc.
When we chip away at the foundation..these freedoms we're discussing, then these other major troubles begin to mask the original problem. They keep us from fixing the underlying problem..the cause of the rest of our troubles.
Regarding Jesus as a social critic. You can certainly make the case for Him as a voice for human welfare, for civility, kindness and good works for our fellow man. I would not disagree that; some, perhaps many people, see Jesus Christ in this way.
I am just one person; but, in my view, seeing Jesus Christ as a leader for social justice might be missing the larger view of His work and purpose here.
But Christ does have a context here in our discussion. These documents were written by christians. Yes. There are naysayers today who declare the authors to be "deists and atheists"...Jefferson and Franklin are trotted out as examples.
But the signers of the Declaration, those 70 or so who risked their lives to be known to approve these heresies against King George of England...they were christians. 95% of all the signers were christians.
They went on to, as individuals; found the great American Ivy league universities (Harvard, Yale, etc.)as christian institutions; preach the gospel as church pastors; open the work of Congress with prayer; every President of the United States has led the nation in prayer, in particular, in his State of the Nation address to the People (following the example of George Washington)...and so on.
Jesus Christ has, most certainly, been very effective in moving America's Founding Fathers to work hard to promote His "social agenda" for justice and mercy. But, as we all can see; He still has far to go.
Hello Rod:
You're right. The issue is not, "are we perfect?". That's an unreasonable demand anyway.
So, as I look at the Declaration and the Constitution, my belief is that their intention is to define the ideal goals of our country. Many of us will fall short of this. But the documents are there to guide us toward a more perfect society...."a more perfect union".
Hu DA:
You make an excellent point. Our ideals are what lead us to be better than we are. They inform us of our shortfalls. They encourage us to change for the better.
I hit all your buttons hubcrafter! God bless the balance.
I wouldn't be concerned much with onstate. He's managed to insult me, a Vietnam Veteran on Veteran's Day. so far he has one hub:Hi everybody, is there room for me
One and only hub by onstate:
"Hi everyone.
I just joined, hope there is room for one more.
I will be looking around and doing some reading.
Looks like commenting is part of the setup , so I might do that too. Guess there will be a whole lot of stuff to learn.
I don't know how to really do this yet. Choosing categories, putting up videos and links.
But I will be learning, feel free to help me out.
lesson one."
I gave him a thumbs up.
Here's a hint: Don't insult a Veteran on Veteran's Day!
God bless you hubcrafter!
I will say though that the critics and at times the protesters are needed. Some would argue that Jesus in his time was a protester and a critic.
Making the USA great should be considered an ongoing process.
dahoglund has some good points and of course there have been and there are Americans who do actually live up to the ideals that have been set.
The protesters and critics have a view that if we are not perfect than we are bad. But no body is perfect and that is reality. Our constitution sets out the ideals we have for our nation, but,as G.K. Chesterton pointed out, nobody expects taht any nation can live up to its ideals. The point is that we have the ideal as a goal.
Hello aka-dj:
The whole world is watching... expectantly...waiting for America to be America again.
Within christian circles there are many calls from the pulpit for revival in America. In reading about revivals, particularly in the U.S., they seem to have begun with one person.
One person becomes burdened and prays that emotional, confessional prayer...to let it begin with me.
So, from history, I read that it's our individual responsibility to examine our own walk...asking God to forgive me...to change me...to send....me.
That person becomes the intercessor for the neighbors, the family members, the prisoners, the homeless, the drunks, the thieves, the cold-hearted and so on.
If one man will become broken-hearted first over his own sin; then God gives that man (or woman) a heart to bring the sins of others before God's throne...crying out for His mercy upon a lost generation.
When will it happen? Who will begin?
That was a great read. Please America, BE America again. We don't really want what you are becoming. If you continue to evict God from every institution, there will be no more hope for you. That will include veterans as well as civilians, equally.
Thank you lifegate and Dave Mathews:
It's an idea worth considering. Where did our rights come from? How did this experiment in democracy begin?
What is the role of the military in our society? Is it different from other countries? During war, citizens lose some of their rights because of the need for safety and security. Are we at war now? How do we know? What rights come to be lost during war? When is a war over..who decides?
We must always remember and never forget the sacrifices made by fallen soldiers over the years to keep our lands safe and our rights protected.
Brother Dave.
HubCrafter,
Thanks for a very good read with much to consider.
HSchneider:
"I have enduring admiration and pride for those in the military who risk their lives. But they are no more American than any of we ordinary citizens who were never in the military. We do our bit in our own way and we also are proud of it. Bravo."
I'm 100% with you. We all have our part. America is the better for all our efforts.
Wonderful Hub. America is a great nation because everyone contributes in their own way. They also contribute by protesting and disagreeing in some way. Some feel that they should agree with their country right or wrong. The military must follow orders but its citizens do not. The highest form of patriotism is to disagree especially when there may be some form of retribution. I am a progressive but I find this past election on Tuesday was another example of the people protesting. Even if these same people felt the need to take their government back. As if it ever left. If it had left, there would not have been any more elections. I completely agree with you. I have enduring admiration and pride for those in the military who risk their lives. But they are no more American than any of we ordinary citizens who were never in the military. We do our bit in our own way and we also are proud of it. Bravo.
Hello Nellieanna:
"What our challenge NOW is, is to emphasize, nurture and build on the good instincts and not so easily reward bad instincts. Anyway, no countries or people are guilt-free and none are perfect. If our country can lead well, we should. But we may have to clean up our act and get over ourselves a bit in order to do it."
I agree with you, Nellieanna. It IS a challenge to not reward the "bad instincts" of mankind. It is all the easier to avoid conflict and say nothing. But, as we all have read and heard, and perhaps believe; all it takes for evil to flourish...is for good men to do nothing.
But, to be as clear as I can, my point here has not been about evil men. But instead I opened a door in the hopes of offering a chair and a table..a place for a dialogue...not about evil men...but about bad ideas that a brief glance might look like goodness but smell of something else entirely.
We all have the time to consider what a better nation means. Perhaps some good will come from these few moments considering what these signs and symbols of our freedoms really mean to us.
Hi Rod:
The Declaration of Independence starts out with:
WE, The People...In Order to Form a More Perfect Union...
This says, to me, that the authors recognized that the People of these United States were not yet united...
and...that they might continually strive to be better than they already were.
Our nation holds certain truths to be self-evident, given by God...yet we have not yet perfected their great design into every stitch of our American life.
We may see that great hope in our flag, the symbol of this great nation. We may hope to see it in our courts and on our streets. But until these great and wonderful truths are written in our hearts we will not be one nation, under God, indivisible, with Truth, Liberty, and justice for all.
nd so our part is to strive for that truth, that justness..that terrible Liberty which calls us, each one to lay down our selfish thoughts and make a wider, straighter road for those who are different, for those less fortunate and for those who claim a sanctuary in this haven of rest from strife and bigotry.
I have no claim to having arrived, of being so much like my Maker that I can judge between you and some other living soul...but I cannot shut my ears to the love of God in the face of earnest yet misguided oppression.
My most earnest desire and fervent prayer is for these People, our people, to agree together; and find that goodness which permits and secures a more perfect union among men and among nations.
The Truth, among men, is that I am not free when I will not offer that same freedom, which seems so lovely for me to own, that I would not gladly grant it to my brother.
I laud you for the balanced, clear, fair-minded view you've taken, HC. You've brought forth so many great thoughts and principles in a realistic manner.
Of course, as you say - this IS a country of people (as all are) and people are flawed both now and historically. It's true that we in this country must hang our heads for early treatment of native Americans and for allowing the trafficking of human beings as slaves. But it needs to be remembered that we did not invent either practice. It has been going on whenever stronger or "more advanced" people take over lands and resources they value and exploit the ill-gotten gains and discredit the original owners or occupants. Observe ancient Egypt, and most other early "civilized" groups. They thrived on the exploitation of the less "advanced" people they subdued . Slavery has been in effect in various parts of the world since history began to record the happenings of people.
When America was still a colony, Britain was trafficking in slaves. The earliest leaders here simply brought with them the practices they knew of in the other country. If they hadn't been very 'privileged" back there, they saw it as a way to upgrade their lives and build their lands, which were plentiful here, I'd guess. While not admirable, it is human. And everyone did NOT rely on slaves or take from the natives. The majority were honest and hard-working who sacrificed to meet the challenges. We can be proud of that heritage.
Those who were captured and sold into it were often exploited by the stronger of their own people. Perhaps our own country's hard-won decision to outlaw it called more attention to our use of slavery. But what needs to be remembered is that people have as much good in us as less good. And we've worked on our errors rather earnestly - and often quite openly, admitting they exist in the first place. That goes with the freedom principle of this country, though it may not be perfect or at all levels.
What our challenge NOW is, is to emphasize, nurture and build on the good instincts and not so easily reward bad instincts.
Anyway, no countries or people are guilt-free and none are perfect.
If our country can lead well, we should. But we may have to clean up our act and get over ourselves a bit in order to do it.
Unfortunately some years ago now an Iraqi journalist was jailed by Americans because he wrote something not very flattering about the American occupation of his country which was later confirmed by Americans to be true. Hence freedom of the press did not quite ring true. I believe things are better now. Even so it did not make the USA look good.
Not practicing what is preached has been a problem with Americans in overseas countries at times. It is good to remember that when an American travels overseas, whether he or she be a soldier, diplomat or just tourist they are in a very real sense representing their homeland. Hence what they say and do counts and may count for a long time. Freedom such as freedom of speech when it comes to telling and writing the truth? Best practice it and allow it to be practiced where you can.
Hi onstate:
I posted a comment on her hub. Then I wrote this hub.
I thought it would take a longer statement than just a comment to explain where I was coming from.
And it wasn't a "himself" who got a chance to defend herself.
onegoodwoman has read and commented on this hub..right here. It's right above yours.
This whole thing isn't about who's a hater or who's a patriot. Namecalling just moves us Americans farther away from each other.
It's about trust. Can you trust your brother, your fellow American? Can you find room for an immigrant, a crippled veteran, a aged widow?
America can be a very cool place..when we care to be caring. That's the whole thing. It's not that complicated.It's just about giving each person the same respect and dignity as everybody else. Nobodies way up high, yellin, angry..whatever.
America makes us all equal. And that's what I love about this place.
the mailbox thing, maybe I did miss the joke,
but you did not address the patriotism to the person, you just posted it for otheres. Not fair play. Just cos someone supports military don't make them to be a hater or predjuiced. you didn't give them a chance to defend himself. THAT is a coward's act.
onstate:
Ouch!
"you pick on people for their mailboxes. What's up with that."
Lol. Umm...sorry. The Hub about redneck mailboxes was meant to be funny..ha, ha...not funny...you are a redneck.
Frankly, I wrote it because I thought everybody has a little "redneck" in them. The hub is not a serious satire about some terrible social problem in America.
People have funny mailboxes. Ha, ha...funny.
Sorry you missed the joke.
"Now, you call out someone for expressing patriotism on their personal page. that was not a hubb for inviting public review. that is a cowardly cheap shot."
I don't know about that. Personally, I think our "personal page" is pretty public..it's how we want other people to see us. That's why we write it.
"cowardly"?...that might be true if I DIDN'T have this as a public conversation...you know, if I talked behind their back, and just gossipped about it.
"It did not take long for my opinone of you to change."
--Well, now here I've got to agree with you.
That HubCrafter guy can be pretty changeable. He's too complicated, hard to understand at times, opinionated, moody, emotional or stoney by turns.
That's the reason I got married. I was so shocked to find someone who could put up with me I instantly proposed.
Hello, hello:
How could I ever be mad at you?
Your gentleness is something I admire. It's a wonderful quality. The more I'm around you the greater the chance I'll learn to imitate your ways. Stay tuned.
Hi FloBe:
"I agree that if Americans could get in touch with their humble beginnings and realize that they are just human struggling with other humans in this world, others would respect them once again. Whenever someone thinks they are better than someone else, it will backfire and destroy relations. Humility and honesty can rebuild a strong country...willful pride and the love of money will not."
Well said. I hope we're all big enough to see ourselves from someone else's point of view.
I've inserted my own foot into my mouth enough times now, lol...my wife just gives me that look..and I know I've done it again!
It's OK to be human, to make a mistake, say something a bit off...but, hopefully, we find the place to see ourselves wanting to be bigger and more kind. I agree with you, FloBe...that comes out of humility.
It seems I'm the most humble right after I've gone to God and my neighbor to say I'm sorry for what I did or said. I'm far from perfect..ask my wife, lol. But I really hope Americans can get past all our hurtful days.. and find common ground and have a civil talk about what America stands for.
(Ooops!..fell off my soapbox. sorry)
You were one of the first hubbers I began reading here a fews days back, you seem smart yet you pick on people for their mailboxes. What's up with that. Because people are concenrned about terroists you call them small minded.
Now, you call out someone for expressing patriotism on their personal page. that was not a hubb for inviting public review. that is a cowardly cheap shot.
It did not take long for my opinone of you to change.
Thank you, hubcrafter, for not turning at me but I just couldn't keep quiet on that. I am so very glad we are still friends and you accept it in a wonderful way which I call education. That was a great reply.
In some way (and I don't mean to offend) Americans in general have become complacent in their pride and ability to get their own way. Once their vulnerability became exposed many were shocked to have to face the truth about themselves. I agree that if Americans could get in touch with their humble beginnings and realize that they are just human struggling with other humans in this world, others would respect them once again. Whenever someone thinks they are better than someone else, it will backfire and destroy relations. Humility and honesty can rebuild a strong country...willful pride and the love of money will not.
onegoodwoman:
You wrote..."None of these freedoms were given in a "recent military action"......they were won in war. The war that gave birth to our nation."
The Declaration of Independence is a delaration of war.. against the British colonial system. It was not written AFTER the war. It was the first shot as a group of States decided to unite for the common defense to fight the British forces on American soil.
The politics of American war insists that a civilian government is in control of the military and that same civilian government sends that military out to do it's bidding. The government orders. The military obeys.
The military did not start the War of Independence.
"How many citizes get up in the morning and salute the flag before going about their normal day?"
Not me. And I don't sing the Star Spangled Banner in the shower.
There is a line between pride and arrogance. It has to do with power. I am proud of my country, my heritage and my family. But my pride does not lead me to command others follow my orders. My pride does not lead me to belittle people who are different from me in their habits and daily living as Americans.
All of us Americans live in a democracy. No one has elected you to decide how the rest of us will live.
Jeremy:
Lol. After reading your comment, the line that popped into my head was from the movie, The Wizard of Oz.
"Don't look at that man behind the curtain...". Lol.
As for "wondrous" or "brave"...I hope to see an age where all of us, no matter what our stripes or color, can listen to our better angels and find an acceptable peace. Here, at home, we seem to have no peace...there is just this constant striving and biting and the same strident screaming...you are Not like me.
We live in an enormously large and expansive Land. Why does it seem there's not enough room for me or you to be ourselves? Why can't we trust the "different ones" to give us room or yield an inch as they pass?
Pride, I think.
Hello, hello:
How are you, my friend? You are the faithful reader of all the latest Hubs here at HubPages. I salute your encouraging ways.
But I am not hurt. You point out the difference between what freedom the Constitution gives and what we, as Americans and as a nation, have given.
We are a nation of Laws but we also are a nation of people, flawed human beings who own these precious rights..but, sadly, we still deny them to some who live among us.
Thank you for pointing out the work that remains.
None of these freedoms were given in a "recent military action"......they were won in war. The war that gave birth to our nation. Those men who gave their lives for an "idea" were the first veterans. Many, if not most of them were part of a volunteer milita.
Of course, everyone has the right to salute the flag. The quotation does not imply otherwise. How many do? How many citizes get up in the morning and salute the flag before going about their normal day? Many do not even salute it during their hometown Fourth of July celebrations. It is common to see it draped in some fashion across the heads, chests and backsides of those dressed casually.
A country of immigrants, you say.........immigrants who came to build, to unite, to BE Americans. That person (people) is (are) still welcome. Those who come, consume, and pledge alliegence to another country are not Americans. They do not become citizens.
Our constitution gives freedoms and rights to its Citizens, at its feet, is the blood of VETERANS.
The primary language here IS English. If an immigrant wishes to be American, they should attempt to learn it. It is arrogant to relocate to another country and expect them to accomodate your poor language skills.
You said it yourself, our ancestors came here and BECAME AMERICANS. Perhaps, your ancestors, like mine, were part of the VETERANS who perished under the flag while the nation was being forged.
You are the wizard of a wonderous brave work of art!
A brilliantly written hub but to some extent I have to disagree with you. The freedom does not exist to that extent as it is always maintained. There are a number of people who are supressed and not because they are criminals. The Native American or First Nation for instant have still not got their full rights even so they are there for about 10,000 and then the black people who were forced shipped to America. I am sorry to hurt you and I know American people are very proud of their country.
Love and peace to you, my friend.
Awesome! Thank you.
Love and peace
Tony
HubCrafter Hub Author 16 months ago
Hi AnnieRoseVA:
I like what you wrote...
"the shooting in Tucson brought me up short about language and attitude. I've decided that I want my message to be more positive."
The view from History is long. But a crisis has a way of clarifying...bringing things into sharp focus..so that all of us can see and know...and change.
This Hub was written months before the tragedy in Tucson. But now those events have shone a more brilliant light on us...the un-civil citizens...and our need to come together in unity and with compassion.
It is no longer a question of why...or even who...needs to be more civil.
I love the quote from Pogo the cartoon character, "We have seen the Enemy....and He is us."
It's a beautiful day when America can see herself through more humble eyes...and forgive one another. Whether we can accept our brothers and sisters given all the warts and failures of those "other guys"...that remains to be seen.
Whether this is the hand of God...to bring us into right relationship with our neighbor..or not...it remains the work and purpose of our good and loving Heavenly Father to help us all to be reconciled...brought together by faults found; in order to form a more perfect union.