ARE WE?
In recent weeks I have read three letters in “Letters To the Editor” sections of a variety of newspapers which declared us to be a nation which is noted for being selfish, greedy, pushy, mean-spirited, sexually obsessed , evil-minded and far too aggressive.
The writer's of all three letters appeared to be intelligent by educational standards generally accepted today. They were adept in the language and did not fall into any of the usual traps which often cause letter writers to fall short of their intended mark. They accused us of those qualities and two of them went so far as to explain why we have fallen to such a low level. They blamed it on our two major political parties - one each way.
Such letters demeaning our country are a blight upon our national pride and respect for our predecessors. The writers of such tracts seemingly to not realize they are acting out some of the very qualities they accuse the rest of us of having. To attempt to blame political parties for our alleged shortcoming is cowardice and selfishness. I think of patriotic drive and being
something more personal.
Do we plead “guilty” or “not guilty” to their charges?
Before anyone steps forward and does either, let's review some of the ground rules for such talk. It is best for all that the playing field be level and free of real or imaginary obstacles.
Yes, people do have “rights” as citizens which allow them to express their views in public. It is held that they are, as a result of any such statement or action, held accountable for what results from their charges, admission, confessions, mal-practice, or, suspected mis-alignment. It is also held that the opposition has an equal “right” of rebuttal. Far too often, letter writers, in particular, adopt a pontifical attitude which used to reject any other view.
A mere glance at all that the United States has historically done to assist other nations in time of special need, will suffice to show the initial claim of our being selfish is untrue. We are now, and have always been, a sharing nation. We, in our cosmopolitan nature, may well harbor individuals -even groups of people who exhibit distinct signs of greed, avarice, hatred, distrust and all the other questionable traits on might expect to find active in such a polyglot population. That does not mean that our official, governmental stance is so tainted.
Today - right now - many people scan the news reports for any trivial incident which might show how much people overseas hate and distrust Americans.
Those people who are compelled to write letters to editors, might find guidance in simple ethics of a religious nature. Our nation is not a casual thing to be clipped and modified and changed at everyones whim. To accuse it falsely is costly to all.
A.L.M. July 29, 2003 [c463wds]
