I got this in my inbox at work the other day... Listen, I love America. I really do. But the idea that this country is the BEST IN THE WORLD, the Golden Land Of Opportunity That Can Do No Wrong, the Epitome of Perfection in every way... that attitude is both egotistical and lazy. Egotistical because US citizens think they're better than everyone else, simply because they had the random luck of being born within these borders. Lazy because they use the "perfect status quo" to prevent progress, using the argument of "traditionalism" to mask their fear of change and the work that would go with it. Uber-Patriots, seriously, do I HAVE to hate all other countries in order to love America?
Anyway, first is the original text, then is excerpts with my rebuttals.
********************
Original E-Mail:
********************
I am sorry but after hearing they want to sing the National Anthem in Spanish - enough is enough. No where did they sing it in Italian, Japanese, Polish, Irish (Celtic), German, Portuguese, Greek, French, or any other language because of immigration. It was written by Francis Scott Key and should be sung word for word the way it was written. The news broadcasts even gave the translation -- not even close. Sorry if this offends anyone but this is MY COUNTRY - IF IT IS YOUR COUNTRY SPEAK UP ---- please pass this along~
I am not against immigration -- just come through like everyone else. Get a sponsor; have a place to lay your head; have a job; pay your taxes, live by the rules AND LEARN THE LANGUAGE as all other immigrants have in the past -- and GOD BLESS AMERICA !
PART OF THE PROBLEM
Think about this: If you don't want to forward this for fear of offending someone-----YOU'RE PART OF THE PROBLEM !!!!
Will we still be the Country of choice and still be America if we continue to make the changes forced on us by the people from other countries that came to live in America because it is the Country of Choice??????
Think about it!
All we have to say is, when will they do something about MY RIGHTS? We've gone so far the other way, bent over backwards to not offend anyone, ! that I am now being offended. But it seems that no one has a problem with that. This says it all! This is an editorial written by an American citizen, published in a Tampa newspaper. He did quite a job; didn't he? Read on, please!
IMMIGRANTS, NOT AMERICANS, MUST ADAPT.
I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Americans. However...... the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the "politically correct! " crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others.
I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to America . Our population is almost entirely made up of descendants of immigrants. However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand. This idea of America being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity.
As Americans.....we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.
We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Greek, Polish, Italian, French, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!
"In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some Christian, right wing, political slogan. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women.......on Christian principles............ founded this nation..... and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home.........because God is part of our culture.
If Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. This is OUR COUNTRY, our land, and our lifestyle. Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion and we will allow you every opportunity to do so! But once you are done complaining....... whining...... and griping.......about our flag......our pledge......our national motto.......or our way of life...I highly encourage you to take advantage of one other Great American Freedom....
THE RIGHT TO LEAVE.
It is Time for America to Speak up If you agree -- pass this along; if you don't agree -- delete it!
*******************************
And My Rebuttals:
*******************************
"I am sorry but after hearing they want to sing the National Anthem in Spanish - enough is enough. No where did they sing it in Italian, Japanese, Polish, Irish (Celtic), German, Portuguese, Greek, French, or any other language because of immigration."
So... you want people from other countries acting more like what you consider "Real" Americans... but you don't want them singing the National Anthem. Interesting. Don't you get it? They WANT to sing the National Anthem. Instead of sneaking across our borders laying low, they want to actively participate in our patriotism. It's a step in the direction you've been wanting for a long time. What's next? You don't want them displaying American Flags? You don't want them saying the Pledge of Allegiance? So what if they say it in Spanish, it's the meaning that counts.
"The news broadcasts even gave the translation -- not even close."
Probably not. The original lyrics wouldn't mean as much to them. They faced their own challenges in order to find a home in the Land of the Free, and it is a victory they should celebrate in a way that applies to them.
"It was written by Francis Scott Key and should be sung word for word the way it was written."
Not that it's not a beautiful tune, but... Okay, a couple of centuries ago, a POW writes a nice little poem about a flag. Then he sets it to the tune of... a British drinking song? Is this how we assert our independence? Regardless, Key was not the reincarnation of Jesus, and his word is not sacred. People respect the Star Spangled Banner not because of the lyrics or the tune, but because of what the song represents. Let's face it, if the song were written today, it would not rise to the top of the charts. But people hear the song, and they are reminded of evertything that is good about this country. They remember the people who fought and died for the freedoms we enjoy, and are moved with deep respect for all those who made America possible. The song itself could just as well be "Oops, I Did It Again", it's what the song represents that's important.
"Sorry if this offends anyone but this is MY COUNTRY"
I'd like to see a deed, please.
"AND LEARN THE LANGUAGE as all other immigrants have in the past"
ALL other immigrants have learned English in the past? Really? All of them? Seriously?
"Think about this: If you don't want to forward this for fear of offending someone-----YOU'RE PART OF THE PROBLEM !!!!"
Actually, the only problem I see is people taking patriotism so far that they become racist.
"Will we still be the Country of choice and still be America if we continue to make the changes forced on us by the people from other countries that came to live in America because it is the Country of Choice??????"
Even more so.
"Think about it!"
I am, but you aren't, and there in lies the problem.
"This idea of America being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity."
This idea of America being a multicultrual community IS our national identity. We're the "Great American Melting Pot", remember?
"As Americans.....we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom."
And like all cultures, it continues to change and adapt over time. Those who refuse to evolve will be left behind, to wallow in their antiquated ideals.
"We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Greek, Polish, Italian, French, or any other language."
No, YOU speak English, not Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Greek, Polish, Italian, French, or any other language. It is more difficult for a Spanish speaker to learn English than it is for an English-speaking person to learn Spanish. But at least many of the immigrants TRY to learn English. And while we're on the subject, this country's original language was not English, but various Native American languages. Tell you what, we'll make them learn English if you promise to learn Apache.
" "In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some Christian, right wing, political slogan. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women.......on Christian principles............ founded this nation..... and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home.........because God is part of our culture."
Do you honestly think this honors God? To put his name on money, the root of all evil? To force his religion on America's citizens, causing them to attend church without question, never to experience the personal epiphany that comes with discovering Christ? Religion must be a personal choice, giving your soul up to your diety. Do you honestly think God wants follwers who were forced to follow Him, rather than those who came to Him willingly? Brainwashing people into your religion does not create true followers. These people end up following Christians, not following Christ.
And let us not forget that America was founded on the idea of religious freedom. This means ANY religion. If you want to argue that America was founded by Christians, fine, but you also have to realize that what passed for Christianity at the time was VERY different than the religion as it stands today. Shall we go back to treating women as property? What other regressions should we make in the name of God?
"Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion and we will allow you every opportunity to do so! But once you are done complaining....... whining...... and griping.......about our flag......our pledge......our national motto.......or our way of life...I highly encourage you to take advantage of one other Great American Freedom.... THE RIGHT TO LEAVE."
You first. One of the great thing about America is that everyone has different opinions. What makes you think that people who don't agree with your opinions should leave? Should we really let our stupidest citizens make all the decisions? (On the other hand, that would explain the last couple of elections...)
But is this the American attitude now? What was once, "If you don't like a law, you can lobby to change it," has been reduced to, "If you don't like it, leave." That's not a democracy, it's a dictatorship. I'm sorry, but if you're a true American, then it is not only your right, but your DUTY to challenge unfair laws. Has everyone forgotten this? Remember that this country was founded by REBELS who fought against the established order, who wanted the freedom to change whatever laws they didn't like.
"It is Time for America to Speak up If you agree -- pass this along; if you don't agree -- delete it!"
Oh, that's mature. You're so unsure of your own beliefs that you won't even allow them to be challenged. Not, "if you don't agree, let's debate it", just "delete it". Nice to know that your entire belief system is a house of cards, fearing every strong gust of wind.
No comments:
Post a Comment