Blogmocracy In Action

Guest Blogger: Princess Natasha

This is not really a post, just a couple of comments I made at this hangout… But here goes. Just some thoughts on being American, in light of what the venerable Mr. Beck said here.

…You know, yes, things really suck, and it will be a long battle to bring back the beautiful dream that was America. Yes, of course I am angry. But… Remember what it was that the world envied, and the ill-wishers and tyrants and parasites hated the most about America: it was not just the wealth, and the freedom, at least not these things by themselves… It was the joy and happiness, and the endless, exuberant love of life that Americans used to possess. It was the spirit that the evil bastards tried to kill, and they almost succeeded.

This summer, I am going to be as American in that sense as I can. I will enjoy my life. When it’s time to fight, I’ll fight. But till that time comes, I will be damned if anyone on Earth prevents me from rejoicing in being American, and spending my money how I want to, driving what I want, where I want, wearing what I want, eating what I want, and doing a lot of crazy, off-the-wall, possibly dangerous stuff.

You see, we ALL carry America in our hearts and our minds, and thus it is impossible to completely wipe out, as long as some of us are alive.

We may make predictions, and worry, and pray, but in fact we do not know what will happen. But the only chance we have of winning this fight (and make no mistake, it is a fight, it is a war), is if we keep that spark in us, that uniquely American love of life and enjoyment of it.

All I base my decision on is how Americans were perceived, before, say, by someone like my Grandpa, when he met them, as they kicked Nazi ass all over creation, or how I myself saw my first Americans: these joyous, confident, happy people, certain of their place in the world and comfortable with being alive. They were kind of loud, they were over-the-top, but they were genuine and their sincerity and benevolence were so unusual and so life-giving… I was fascinated by them and wanted to be a part of that America. That head-spinningly free, crazy, the sky’s the limit state of mind. America is not a geographical location. It is a condition of your soul.

(Cross Posted @ Toy Soldier)

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