Some take offense when the truth of a group with which they identify as if it is themselves being uncomfortably exposed and accused. We have all felt this effect at one point or another. We become better seeing each person and ourselves as unique individuals without shallowness of group identity.
Any critical thinking American is likely to have some serious doubts about the state of our country - or who is actually controlling it - after witnessing events starting with the political assassinations of the 60s, Vietnam, the scandals of the 80s & 90s and ultimate escalation on 9/11. The American nature of dissidence is our birthright, oath or not, and in these troubled times, absolutely essential.
Never thought that about you. Isn't it the American way to question what doesn't look or sound right? Example. I read an essay today called "Imperialism: Lessons From History", by Victor Davis Hanson. He went through the history of Greece, Rome, Brtain, etc. How they rose, what they did and how their empires eventually crumbled, linking the similarities to what is happening in America. I would hardly call him an America hater.
Keep speaking out. It is the American thing to do👍
Why is America any more special than any other country? As a country it's not very old, has a dubious past etc. A bit less gung-ho patriotism would do the world a bit of good.
What would really do the world good, would be the removal of the tyrants now in control of most of the world's governments. Patriotism, at this time in history, is a damn good thing if it inspires people, no matter where they are, to save their country.
My question to you is what is the significance of the USA being a relatively young nation? And "a dubious past"? Sure. Some shameful things come to mind - slavery, at the top of the list. Can you name a major country that doesn't have events in its past it would like to forget?
America's system of government, described in its Constitution and Bill of Rights, is what made it exceptional.
The new US government was designed to work for the people. Not the other way around. This was a radical notion.
The founders were keenly aware of how easily government could become tyrannical. The way they constructed the government of the new nation was to guard against this happening. Checks and balances between the branches of government and the ability of the people to vote out representatives who were no longer carrying out their wishes, were essential to keeping power in the hands of the people.
The Bill of Rights ensured that human, God-given rights were recognized and protected from government overreach and tyranny. The rights of the individual were sacred.
Many of us know the famous line from Benjamin Franklin. When asked by a citizen what form of government for the US had been agreed upon, he replied: " A republic...if you can keep it."
He knew that vigilance, along with well-structured government was imperative.
I never said other countries are better. Just not a big fan of over enthusiastic, unreflected patriotism, whether English, Spanish, French, etc. In the greater scheme of things, America is an ongoing experiment. Sure be proud, but be aware that there are 194 other countries in the world.
Agreed, e.g., “America, love it or leave it!” Manipulative platitudes to dissuade thought. America is more of a concept than a country. That concept is being tested as never before, and by traitors.
The people are what make it special. People from all over the world come to live here and love it, for a reason, many reasons. The most proud Americans weren’t even born here
Freedom. Innovation. Liberty. Personal sovereignty.
What was England or Spain or France like in the 1700’s, do you know? How was this country different from them? Do you know history? Given your comment, it seems you do not.
"Freedom. Innovation. Liberty. Personal sovereignty." All noble goals, whether everybody gets the benefit of them? Probably not. England, Spain and France were pillaging the world back then. The US are doing it now.
After the Cold War ended in 1991 the US was in a position that no nation in the history of the world had achieved. No nation had ever had such a globally dominant position as the US did at that time. None of the great empires compared to our empire. Why do you think this was possible? Because of freedom, liberty, etc.
Look at the technological innovations. What other nations compare to the US? We are the world leaders in innovation. This also comes as a result of our level of freedom, something no other nation has.
Of course not all of this has resulted in good. The government is completely corrupt, but the government is not the people. And it’s the people, not the government who have made this nation the greatest on Earth. The greatest nation in human history.
The Greeks made important contributions to philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine and literature among other things. The Romans gave us the latin alphabet, roads, concrete, sanitation, organised towns, aqueducts, underfloor heating, currency, our calendar to name but a few items. The US gave us Mickey Mouse, McDonalds, Coke, 750 plus Military bases worldwide, Iran Contra, color revolutions, Rambo, Clint Eastwood to name a few. Okay, admittedly I like Clint. True, the US is the greatest show on Earth.
True, the Romans had the lions, flogging, slavery, crucifixion and lots more. The Greeks had snake pits, spikes, banishments etc. If you weren't on the receiving end, life was probably okay. However, I do agree with you, normal folks in the US are mostly a good, genuine and heartfelt lot. They just have a shitty govt. But then again, so do the rest of us.
Sorry, Jacob, but repeating something for emphasis is not wordy. In employing the law of parsimony, you can sharpen Occam’s razor too much and the meaning can become open to interpretation.
So you enjoyed her piece. I had a criticism. I feel like several people are telling me that criticism is not allowed. Yes, there is often a lot to explain. And but little time. I know my literature and was an informed comment. But I am still mystified by the lack of acceptance of criticism. Did I break a rule? What are the rules here?
Jacob, we are all allowed our opinions! That’s the magic of Substack. In an increasingly propagandized, censored world, it’s refreshing. This essayist, Lily, is about a year or two younger than my daughter. When I first read Lily Bit, the work reminded me of my daughter right away. That said, I had no idea how old she was until this essay. She writes exceptionally well, and her essays expose deeply held positions. They don’t impinge on the reader’s thoughts & emotions, leaving us room to determine how we feel about the issues. Her perspectives are always well constructed. This essay is particularly well crafted, especially since she’s a New Yorker and it’s Sept 11. Deconstruction of the 9/11 narrative saved my life, since the genesis of the EUA allowing untested vaccines came from that time. I’m unvaccinated, but lost my younger brother to the jab. (What a *hero* that Sen Russ Feingold was! A lone brave senator willing to question the patriotism of the Patriot Act!) Anyway, I enjoyed your comment, though I disagreed. I actually thought it would be good to have some coffee or a glass of wine and yak about it with you. That would be great...Substack Cafes...where people can discuss anything, and not using these infernal devices. :))
That's good. I notice the Substack sompany (that is what it is) removed my sneering, viciously viral comment to the first person who snarked at me , above. I just "reacted." I felt the comment deserved no real investments of energy from me. So I am in agreement here. I am totally good with the way Substack acted here if it was indeed management removing the comment I made. (Who else Lily?) Anyhow they removed the right piece, it makes sense and I therefore feel no antagonism whatsoever. As for your post. Believe me, I am just as interested in Lily (is she a pilot or something? I forget but I associate her with flying) as you are. I happened to have subscribed to here and I took an interest and I read quite a few pieces. I was commenting as her reader, for a long time.
Some take offense when the truth of a group with which they identify as if it is themselves being uncomfortably exposed and accused. We have all felt this effect at one point or another. We become better seeing each person and ourselves as unique individuals without shallowness of group identity.
Any critical thinking American is likely to have some serious doubts about the state of our country - or who is actually controlling it - after witnessing events starting with the political assassinations of the 60s, Vietnam, the scandals of the 80s & 90s and ultimate escalation on 9/11. The American nature of dissidence is our birthright, oath or not, and in these troubled times, absolutely essential.
Resist much, obey little.
as Trump said at the time... 'it looks like a controlled implosion;,,,, its what I also thought at the time
Never thought that about you. Isn't it the American way to question what doesn't look or sound right? Example. I read an essay today called "Imperialism: Lessons From History", by Victor Davis Hanson. He went through the history of Greece, Rome, Brtain, etc. How they rose, what they did and how their empires eventually crumbled, linking the similarities to what is happening in America. I would hardly call him an America hater.
Keep speaking out. It is the American thing to do👍
🎶God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
Amen.
We used to sing that prayer frequently and fervently. Many Americans have turned away from God. God notices.
We can get past the trouble we are going through with God's help. We cannot get through without God's help. Turn to God. Praise God. Amen.
Forever and Ever, Amen.
Why is America any more special than any other country? As a country it's not very old, has a dubious past etc. A bit less gung-ho patriotism would do the world a bit of good.
What would really do the world good, would be the removal of the tyrants now in control of most of the world's governments. Patriotism, at this time in history, is a damn good thing if it inspires people, no matter where they are, to save their country.
My question to you is what is the significance of the USA being a relatively young nation? And "a dubious past"? Sure. Some shameful things come to mind - slavery, at the top of the list. Can you name a major country that doesn't have events in its past it would like to forget?
America's system of government, described in its Constitution and Bill of Rights, is what made it exceptional.
The new US government was designed to work for the people. Not the other way around. This was a radical notion.
The founders were keenly aware of how easily government could become tyrannical. The way they constructed the government of the new nation was to guard against this happening. Checks and balances between the branches of government and the ability of the people to vote out representatives who were no longer carrying out their wishes, were essential to keeping power in the hands of the people.
The Bill of Rights ensured that human, God-given rights were recognized and protected from government overreach and tyranny. The rights of the individual were sacred.
Many of us know the famous line from Benjamin Franklin. When asked by a citizen what form of government for the US had been agreed upon, he replied: " A republic...if you can keep it."
He knew that vigilance, along with well-structured government was imperative.
We now see the result of our lack of vigilance.
I never said other countries are better. Just not a big fan of over enthusiastic, unreflected patriotism, whether English, Spanish, French, etc. In the greater scheme of things, America is an ongoing experiment. Sure be proud, but be aware that there are 194 other countries in the world.
Agreed, e.g., “America, love it or leave it!” Manipulative platitudes to dissuade thought. America is more of a concept than a country. That concept is being tested as never before, and by traitors.
Life liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Read your Constitution No One.
What is a country Demianovich?
The people are what make it special. People from all over the world come to live here and love it, for a reason, many reasons. The most proud Americans weren’t even born here
Freedom. Innovation. Liberty. Personal sovereignty.
What was England or Spain or France like in the 1700’s, do you know? How was this country different from them? Do you know history? Given your comment, it seems you do not.
"Freedom. Innovation. Liberty. Personal sovereignty." All noble goals, whether everybody gets the benefit of them? Probably not. England, Spain and France were pillaging the world back then. The US are doing it now.
After the Cold War ended in 1991 the US was in a position that no nation in the history of the world had achieved. No nation had ever had such a globally dominant position as the US did at that time. None of the great empires compared to our empire. Why do you think this was possible? Because of freedom, liberty, etc.
Look at the technological innovations. What other nations compare to the US? We are the world leaders in innovation. This also comes as a result of our level of freedom, something no other nation has.
Of course not all of this has resulted in good. The government is completely corrupt, but the government is not the people. And it’s the people, not the government who have made this nation the greatest on Earth. The greatest nation in human history.
The Greeks made important contributions to philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, medicine and literature among other things. The Romans gave us the latin alphabet, roads, concrete, sanitation, organised towns, aqueducts, underfloor heating, currency, our calendar to name but a few items. The US gave us Mickey Mouse, McDonalds, Coke, 750 plus Military bases worldwide, Iran Contra, color revolutions, Rambo, Clint Eastwood to name a few. Okay, admittedly I like Clint. True, the US is the greatest show on Earth.
Lol. You are right, it’s not all good. Even the Romans had their faults though.
True, the Romans had the lions, flogging, slavery, crucifixion and lots more. The Greeks had snake pits, spikes, banishments etc. If you weren't on the receiving end, life was probably okay. However, I do agree with you, normal folks in the US are mostly a good, genuine and heartfelt lot. They just have a shitty govt. But then again, so do the rest of us.
Try immigrating to China and then tell us what you think.
Beautiful response Lilly. We criticize because we care and hate to see our country run into the ground by those looking for own selfish vain!
Own selfish desires, not vain
You make the point OK. But you say it twice. She is too wordy. Lily, if you say it once you really don't need senselessly repeat.
Jacob , oh hush up. 😃 there are plenty of other people to follow on the Internet, so please just move along now. 😀🙀
😁🕊️❤️
Sorry, Jacob, but repeating something for emphasis is not wordy. In employing the law of parsimony, you can sharpen Occam’s razor too much and the meaning can become open to interpretation.
How’s that for wordy?!
Lily, I enjoyed the heck out of your essay.
So you enjoyed her piece. I had a criticism. I feel like several people are telling me that criticism is not allowed. Yes, there is often a lot to explain. And but little time. I know my literature and was an informed comment. But I am still mystified by the lack of acceptance of criticism. Did I break a rule? What are the rules here?
Jacob, we are all allowed our opinions! That’s the magic of Substack. In an increasingly propagandized, censored world, it’s refreshing. This essayist, Lily, is about a year or two younger than my daughter. When I first read Lily Bit, the work reminded me of my daughter right away. That said, I had no idea how old she was until this essay. She writes exceptionally well, and her essays expose deeply held positions. They don’t impinge on the reader’s thoughts & emotions, leaving us room to determine how we feel about the issues. Her perspectives are always well constructed. This essay is particularly well crafted, especially since she’s a New Yorker and it’s Sept 11. Deconstruction of the 9/11 narrative saved my life, since the genesis of the EUA allowing untested vaccines came from that time. I’m unvaccinated, but lost my younger brother to the jab. (What a *hero* that Sen Russ Feingold was! A lone brave senator willing to question the patriotism of the Patriot Act!) Anyway, I enjoyed your comment, though I disagreed. I actually thought it would be good to have some coffee or a glass of wine and yak about it with you. That would be great...Substack Cafes...where people can discuss anything, and not using these infernal devices. :))
That's good. I notice the Substack sompany (that is what it is) removed my sneering, viciously viral comment to the first person who snarked at me , above. I just "reacted." I felt the comment deserved no real investments of energy from me. So I am in agreement here. I am totally good with the way Substack acted here if it was indeed management removing the comment I made. (Who else Lily?) Anyhow they removed the right piece, it makes sense and I therefore feel no antagonism whatsoever. As for your post. Believe me, I am just as interested in Lily (is she a pilot or something? I forget but I associate her with flying) as you are. I happened to have subscribed to here and I took an interest and I read quite a few pieces. I was commenting as her reader, for a long time.
To JR, I just put up a 'Note.' I do not know how to find one particular 'Note' but I just put it up, and 6:40 AM