Wow. Thank you all so much for the amazing and heartfelt answers to the last post. I feel so much more connected to everyone and I feel like I have a much better understanding of everyone's perspective (even when I didn't agree). Funny--one thing appears universal. We all hate the damned media for not being unbiased, thorough, and vigilant.
At least we agree on something.
I thought, for the sake of balance, that we should now all post our feelings about the opposite: why we love this country and feel excited, hopeful, even joyful about it. What it is that makes us (yes, even those of us that whine about moving to Canada) feel like this is our home, and we love it, no matter what.
What I want to avoid, however, is what Charlie often calls "hollow chest-thumping nationalism." I want you to really dig deep and think about it; don't just utter catch phrases about freedom and country, please. I want to hear about what it is you personally love.
This time I'll post my thoughts here rather than in the comments because I don't think it's as inflammatory a subject. Heh.
So, why do I love the United States?
First and foremost, I love the actual, physical land. I really, really do. While I haven't seen all of the world, I feel a deep emotional connection to this physical place; both to the New Mexico desert and mountains where I lived my first 13 years, and my now-home of Pennsylvania. From tumbleweeds to piñon trees, to mountain laurel bushes and skunk cabbage, this land and its inhabits are absolutely singing in my blood. When people asked me why I'd chose Canada over other nations, this is why: to be near the land and plants I love.
I love the innovative spirit of Americans. I love that we invent shit all the time, even if it's only for profit and nowadays the laws are set up so that the individual inventor is unlikely to succeed today. Still, I love the fact that we are a nation of tinkerers.
I love the fact that we learn from our mistakes, even if it takes a fight. We abolished the absolute horror of slavery (albeit bitterly). We stopped marginalizing half of humanity and gave women the vote (again, bitterly). I do believe, in my heart of hearts when I think about it, that we will move forward and give gays full rights as well, but that we're just trapped in the bitter part right now.
I love the fact that we have the OPTION of a free press, even when we don't exercise it. I love the fact that no matter how the press gets restricted by whatever reason (for instance, today press freedom is restricted by money issues--both ownership and advertising), something new emerges like the blogosphere and is not shut down.
I love that we have freedom of speech. Love it, love it, fucking hell love it.
.......
Basically, I do love our nation, and I am glad I remember that. So: the same rules apply! No mocking or dismissing anyone's love (seriously, even mine); no being rude or judgmental. Let's all share our positive perspective as fairly as we did the negative. :)
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Just a couple of links to close with. I've got a new Type-A Mom article up here. If you are desperate for Tori-ness, here are some photos of our weekend jaunt to a local orchard on the hottest fucking day of the year.
If you feel like viewing the political landscape a bit differently, read this excellent article on white privilege and how it plays a role today. But please don't comment about this article today, just stick to the topic. I just wanted to link to it because it made me view things in a new way.
