A point to keep in mind: Banality is as legitimately human as originality. Selfishness is as legitimately human as selflessness. And the real solution to all problems? Make the whole world America.
We as a nation were trending in the right direction socially despite how much was still broken. Seeing all that progress ripped away and the government quickly dismantled is profoundly depressing. I have always voted but never felt particularly patriotic. But seeing what a truly terrible president looks like has opened my eyes. We as a nation really unappreciated Biden and his careful stewardship, now we all get to suffer under the insane whims of a billionaire narcissicist that cares about nothing but his own enrichment and hurting those he hates. Which is seemingly everyone but himself.
"I’m patriotic for people offering a welcoming hand to those who would bring their ambitions and talents to the United States for the purpose of building that more perfect union."
"I’m patriotic for a nation that acknowledges its imperfection in its founding documents, and seeks to always improve itself, to remedy its past deeds and to learn from its mistakes."
"My patriotism is rooted in the notion that the most powerful nation in the world has the greatest obligation to do the most good in the world."
It's weird. I've always been clear that this country was a sham, but those documents hold some power (despite the deep hypocrisy of their authors) and screw you if you touch my tiny New England corner. I've never cared more about small towns in my life — although that's maybe because that's the scale where I might have a chance to do something.
I discovered what it meant to be an American while living for a couple of years in Japan. That's a great place. Thoroughly weird from our perspective, but ticking like a watch because everybody knows exactly what to do in every situation, and the thing to do is exactly what your grandparents would have done. It works (mostly) for them, but I remember thinking for the first time in my life that I was proud of the United States. Not because we were superior by birth, but because our whole thing was to keep working on it; keep fixing it; keep making it better. Not feeling so proud at the moment.
I agree with you wholeheartedly. When I went to Paris as an au pair to become fluent in French at the height of the Vietnam War, I remember for the first time, being ashamed of our country. Unfortunately, it seems at the moment, we have lost our way completely and I am not only ashamed, but terribly frightened for our country and the world.
One comment I'd like to make: Using "America" and "American" to describe the United States and its people is arrogant and narcissistic. Mexicans are Americans, so are Venezuelans and Canadians. It would behoove us to use different terminology. For example, saying "I am from the United States" instead of American. Maybe we could invent a new word like "United Statesan" which I have begun to use. Language matters.
Remember when I brought up “end of history” principles for governments and you kind of scoffed at the idea? I think you’re starting to get it, that there are principles that we will always use to judge governments and the patriotic part of that is most of them were first implemented here in the United States of America.
When you get back to the states, I highly recommend picking up a slice of Table 87 Margherita Pizza at your local Whole Foods. First time I've ate pizza in over a decade but the rave reviews convinced me to give it a try last night. Well worth it!
Also in your family, your MIL who for twenty years taught reading in Title I .
That program is gone with the dissolution of the Dept of Education.
:(
I could have written all that---if I could write like you. You said it, but I thought it.
A point to keep in mind: Banality is as legitimately human as originality. Selfishness is as legitimately human as selflessness. And the real solution to all problems? Make the whole world America.
We as a nation were trending in the right direction socially despite how much was still broken. Seeing all that progress ripped away and the government quickly dismantled is profoundly depressing. I have always voted but never felt particularly patriotic. But seeing what a truly terrible president looks like has opened my eyes. We as a nation really unappreciated Biden and his careful stewardship, now we all get to suffer under the insane whims of a billionaire narcissicist that cares about nothing but his own enrichment and hurting those he hates. Which is seemingly everyone but himself.
Loved this one. You write what I’m feeling.
Well thought out and artfully expressed.
I echo your sentiments here …. Thank you for writing
Is there a tip jar?
You speak from my heart Michael. Thank you.
dear michael,
great piece! great lines:
"I’m patriotic for making a more perfect union."
"I’m patriotic for people offering a welcoming hand to those who would bring their ambitions and talents to the United States for the purpose of building that more perfect union."
"I’m patriotic for a nation that acknowledges its imperfection in its founding documents, and seeks to always improve itself, to remedy its past deeds and to learn from its mistakes."
"My patriotism is rooted in the notion that the most powerful nation in the world has the greatest obligation to do the most good in the world."
thank you for sharing!
love
myq
Thanks for reading, as always.
I love this ending on a note of hope.
It's weird. I've always been clear that this country was a sham, but those documents hold some power (despite the deep hypocrisy of their authors) and screw you if you touch my tiny New England corner. I've never cared more about small towns in my life — although that's maybe because that's the scale where I might have a chance to do something.
I discovered what it meant to be an American while living for a couple of years in Japan. That's a great place. Thoroughly weird from our perspective, but ticking like a watch because everybody knows exactly what to do in every situation, and the thing to do is exactly what your grandparents would have done. It works (mostly) for them, but I remember thinking for the first time in my life that I was proud of the United States. Not because we were superior by birth, but because our whole thing was to keep working on it; keep fixing it; keep making it better. Not feeling so proud at the moment.
I agree with you wholeheartedly. When I went to Paris as an au pair to become fluent in French at the height of the Vietnam War, I remember for the first time, being ashamed of our country. Unfortunately, it seems at the moment, we have lost our way completely and I am not only ashamed, but terribly frightened for our country and the world.
One comment I'd like to make: Using "America" and "American" to describe the United States and its people is arrogant and narcissistic. Mexicans are Americans, so are Venezuelans and Canadians. It would behoove us to use different terminology. For example, saying "I am from the United States" instead of American. Maybe we could invent a new word like "United Statesan" which I have begun to use. Language matters.
Remember when I brought up “end of history” principles for governments and you kind of scoffed at the idea? I think you’re starting to get it, that there are principles that we will always use to judge governments and the patriotic part of that is most of them were first implemented here in the United States of America.
"but lower than “pizza lover.”
When you get back to the states, I highly recommend picking up a slice of Table 87 Margherita Pizza at your local Whole Foods. First time I've ate pizza in over a decade but the rave reviews convinced me to give it a try last night. Well worth it!
https://www.reddit.com/r/frozendinners/comments/1i5fk4u/table_87_margherita_pizza/
https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/product/table-87-pizza-frozen-coal-oven-b07dsc58m8
Great post. Between these and your other related posts, it feels like you could be working towards another book? (I'd read it.)