[LEMONS] 9.14.2001
All I know, is lately, I'd listen to anyone singing patriotic songs, even
BSB. Strange effects. I'm looking forward to the return of baseball just
to hear the National Anthem.
I just hope its all thoughtful patriotism rather than blind.--dg
I do love America. I've traveled enough around the world to know that it certainally is by no means perfect. It's neither the most free nor the most democratic. But it's a damn good mix, and despite the many things we've done wrong, there's a lot more that we've done right. And no matter what politicians or corporations do, Americans themselves, the people you see on the street, the people you ride on the bus with, your friends, your coworkers, tend to be a damn good lot.
Still, I'm not one who is prone to rally around the flag. I'm not one who is prone to rally around much of anything for that matter. Yet today, I went to a memorial service at noon with my mother, uncle and two aunts. At the end of the service, we sang "America the Beautiful," and I was honestly and genuinely touched. I heard or read someone say (and I'm so sorry I can't remember who or where, and I'm sorry to paraphrase because I have utterly mangled the quote) "I think it's good people are coming together around the flag as a symbol that stands for something, not to stand against anything."
Exactly. It's horrible that it takes tragedy to bring people together. But I'm still touched by all the smiles and nods and the "hello how are you doing in this time" that I'm encountering.
- l i n k -
