America the beautiful

America the beautiful, the just, the democratic; are these just words? Is America a just society? Good question, how would Americans respond?

The United States is a beautiful country and the people in general are beautiful people. Most of my American friends are wonderful people; those not wonderful are simply good. But what I see of America comes from what I read, what I see on the television and of course what I see and hear while visiting that great democracy? Did I say great democracy? Should I have said that? Perhaps it is at this point that I must confess that America is a democracy as far as the concept goes but as a functioning democracy, that is the big question. I leave the response to Americans to fathom, if they can and admit what conclusions they come forward with.

The United States is a country where citizens have the right to bear arms and they take this right most seriously. In many big cities the crime rate is higher that it would otherwise be, because of the guns that are in the hands of the criminal element.

The early colonists had a need for weapons; these were mainly used for hunting and security of family and community. Weapons were used during the major wars: the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Other minor wars have occurred on American soil, including the long existing “war” against the American Indian.

Are Americans a war-faring people? I do not believe so. When duty calls, Americans respond to defend the rights of people and democracy around the world. One should not find fault with this. It begs the question of the call to duty. The President as Commander in Chief has an impossible task when it comes to the decision to call the people to engage in a war. He depends on the advice of many. What is being called into question today relates to the quality of information and advice that he received prior to the present engagements in foreign lands.

Home Land Security is another activity that bears questioning. I viewed some major changes in the openness of American society. Perhaps not a good example but Washington has changed over the past four years. The military presence, the secret service presence and of other security personnel and of the number of police officials as well as the number of closed streets and access roads within the Capital leaves me at a loss for words but all of this is no doubt necessary for the terrorist have put so much pressure on the authorities that there is no other choice. Might one say that the terrorist have already won the first round of a rather silent war within the territory of the United States?

Can one imagine not being able to take a photograph of the Pentagon? Any and all enemies of the United States have more information on the Pentagon than any law abiding citizen could ever obtain from a simple photograph of the massive structure that holds many secrets relating to national security. What does this prove but that the government is filled with fear? The home of the brave, I doubt that very much. America is becoming fearful of its own shadow. What a shame for a nation that had strength of character to be lost through fear!

America, the home of the brave and the land of the free, if at all brave, how free? America is filled with fear and is willing to pay big dollars to reduce that fear. America will continue to pay and how pleased are the enemies of America and of the American society and way of life. America is a hated nation around the world. This is most unfortunate. Perhaps the sins of a few capitalist are now reaping a reward for all good American people. I am with the good American people, in spirit.

May all Americans have a Happy Thanksgiving. Best wishes for safe driving to those who must be on the road.