|
So I got one of those emails. This one was about "you're a TRUE AMERICAN" if you believe (you know the drill). Here's my response to the sender, with the personal parts deleted:
You're a True American if you've never been offended by "One Nation Under God"
Well, I've never been offended by "one nation, under God." But I remember my tongue tripping all over it, as that's not how I first learned it. The phrase was added to the pledge of allegiance (which was written by a socialist, by the way) during the Cold War, ostensibly to demonstrate our 'superiority' to the heathen commie pinko Russians. It was kind of the 1950s version of 'freedom fries'.
...if you've never objected to the Ten Commandments displayed in public
As for the Ten Commandments being posted in public, I don't recall that such placement was ever mandated by the founding fathers, nor was reverence for the commandments. Those monuments only began to appear in public places when Cecil B. DeMille had them made and distributed to advertise his movie.
...if you still say "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays"
In December I'm likely to say "Happy Holidays", "Happy Kwanzaa", "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Hannukah". You've been to my party, and while you were here you were in the company of at least one Buddhist and some of my friends of the Jewish faith; appropriate, as Hannukah (celebrated by Jesus) is in the Bible, Christmas is not. I guess in this regard I fail to meet the test of "true American", but I'm not about to change.
...if you bow your head when someone prays
Along those same lines I fail again when it comes to my physical prayer posture -- I pray with my head up and my eyes open. That's how I talk - and listen - to everyone, including God.
...if you stand with your hand over your heart for the National Anthem
When it comes to the national anthem, sometimes I stand, sometimes I put my hand over my heart, sometimes I even sing along (if no one is listening!), sometimes I hear it when I'm not able to drop whatever I'm doing in order to accomodate the protocol. But I sometimes tear up a little. Or a lot.
...if you honor VietNam vets
As for VietNam vets,... my brother served three tours and still bears the mental and emotional scars; my fiance was shot out of his helicopter north of the DMZ ... A number of my high school classmates served in VietNam; some of them came home. We need to respect all of our veterans, which is why I'm pleased that VA benefits that were diminished under the Bush administration are beginning to be restored. I've embarrassed a number of guys in uniform by surprising them with a hug and a kiss on the cheek and a firm "thank you." I've done the same for police officers, fire fighters, and paramedics. And teachers. I respect all who serve.
...if you've never burned an American Flag
I've never burned a flag, ours or anyone else's. Nor do I even know anyone who has. That said, there's no law in this country against doing so, it's one of those free speech things. Ironically, this seems to become an issue every election season, even though those bringing it up would be hard pressed to find rampant examples of wild flag-burning in this country. But I have been lectured about respect for the flag by someone wearing a shirt made out of a flag.
...if you know what you believe and aren't afraid to speak up
As for knowing what I believe and being unafraid to speak it, my dad would have laughed his butt off at any suggestion otherwise, only he called it 'rocking the boat.' And my senators and congresswoman and their staffers would agree.
...if you respect your elders
I try to respect ALL people, regardless of race or religion or anything else. That, too, gets me in trouble sometimes; do you really want to know some of the names I've been called just this last year as I stood with those protesting against racism?
Lastly, you're a TRUE AMERICAN if you believe that the NATIONAL ANTHEM should be sung in ENGLISH ONLY
I've heard the national anthem sung in Spanish, French, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Hebrew and a few African languages; it was spectacular and gorgeous and celebrated that we are "e pluribus unum". And I've witnessed the anthem performed in ASL for those who will never hear it sung in any language. So, I just can't bring myself to either demand or insist that those who wish to express their love for this country do so only in English. Guess I'm not a True American. Fail me now.
-
|
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
