What Do 'Patriotic Dissenters' Appreciate About the USA? (by Eugene Cho)
As we recently marked the "birth" and independence of the United States, I'd like to ask you to consider a very simple question:
What do you appreciate about the United States?
I often find myself in the company of women and men who are more inclined towards the art of deconstruction and cynicism. We tend to criticize and often harp on the negatives. The government can do no right. We're often called "enlightened evangelicals"--people who have seen the light, and are thus capable and enlightened to be self-proclaimed prophets against the horrible, evil, corrupt, and hypocritical regime of the United States. And I think it's safe to say that many of the contributors and constituency of Sojourners and the God's Politics Blog can be lumped into that group. I certainly can be.
We sometimes say that "dissent is the highest form of patriotism."
Really?
Do you really believe that? I don't. How about "some dissent is one form of patriotism?"
Ok. I get it. The United States of America isn't perfect. I share the belief that for a country that has been given so much, we have fallen short. There are things of the past and present that I do not understand--stuff that embarrasses and angers me. The perception of the USA around the world is in shambles. As I write this entry, I'm currently in South Korea where the daily demonstrations and mostly peaceful protests that are going on because of the beef crisis are, well, about more than just the beef, and speak to how others view the country we believe to be the most powerful in the world. But that's another post.
As we demonstrate a level of our patriotism with "some dissent," I think it's absolutely critical that we do not lose sight of the amazing privilege we all enjoy as citizens and residents of the United States of America. We hear and speak criticisms enough. I just wonder if we take ample and genuine time to also remind ourselves and others of the amazing people and country that is called the United States of America. In a similar post on my blog, here were some of the reasons amongst many that were shared in response to my question, "What do you most appreciate about the United States?"
The thing I love about the United States is that everyone here has either left their home and bravely traveled to a new land, is a recent descendant of someone who has, or is a native who, against all odds, has endured a crushing and ceaseless invasion of foreigners.
---
There's a deep well of courage here.
---
I'm grateful for the freedoms I have here as a woman. What a relief to be able to drive, work, walk in my neighborhood, and sit alone in public without ridicule. I wouldn't say we've achieved total gender equality, but I do appreciate how Americans before me have lobbied and fought for the freedoms I now enjoy.
---
America is a nation built upon ideas--pretty dang good ideas!--and upon the rule of law. Our identity stems, not primarily from a shared ethnic heritage, but from our commitment to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. (At least, it's supposed to!) Can any other nation say the same?
We speak enough of the ways this country and its government has fallen short. So I ask you this question:
"What do you appreciate about the United States?"
Eugene Cho, a second-generation Korean-American, is the founder and lead pastor of Quest Church in Seattle, and the executive director of Q Cafe, an innovative nonprofit neighborhood café in the city with only a handful of cafés. You can stalk him at his blog eugenecho.wordpress.com.
Add to Del.icio.us
Add to Technorati
Add to Digg
Add to Newsvine
Comments
Eugene,
Thank you for this opportunity and for your words.
One thing I appreciate about the U.S. is that millions of people are clamoring to live here every year and very few people want to leave. That’s got to tell us something.
I appreciate that I can worship freely without an established state church. I appreciate that we have a written Constitution that protects our liberties that we have only felt the need to change 17 times over the past 280-some years. I appreciate that we have freedom of speech and the incredible diversity of opinion that results. I appreciate that the vast majority of Americans aren’t worried about expressing their love for their country openly and that they can fly the American flag and not be accused of being jingoistic. I appreciate that the U.S. is such a haven for people of other cultures and backgrounds and that they feel safe here. I appreciate that the vast majority of Americans don’t respond to political disagreements with riots and violent protests. I appreciate the natural beauty of our country and the amazing ecological diversity contained within its borders.
Posted by: Eric | July 9, 2008 3:07 PM
Thank you. It's nice to read something on Sojourners that isn't a condemnation of the U.S.
I agree with Eric that you have to say that something good is going on here with so many clamoring to get in.
Posted by: Dede | July 9, 2008 3:52 PM
Thank you for balancing some of these views.
I love that we have religious freedom -- enough to respect different faiths -- or even to be totally apathetic on the subject.
I love that so many companies offer tuition reimbursement -- that is truly what makes us a land of opportunity. I don't know that the authors of the constitution ever envisioned that, but they didn't exclude it either.
I love that we have such freedom of choice -- for everything. People here from China are often confused by things we take for granted -- we choose what we study in college, where we will work, what we will have for dinner, all the different brands and channels. It can be a burden, but it's a great freedom to have. Heck -- we can even call in sick when we're not and not have major ramifications from it.
I could go on and on...but I must run. I'm about to take a road trip for some sad business, but I do love that I can get in my car and drive for the next three days and see absolutely beautiful things along the way. We are cleaner and safer than many countries -- I will not encounter any check points or need to show my papers...unless of course...I drive too fast...
Posted by: frankie | July 9, 2008 4:21 PM
Well written article! To keep myself when check, when I am being critical of the government, I'm sure to add: "Isn't it a wonderful blessing to live in a country where we can voice our opinions and take action to fight injustices?"
Just speaking negatively about government or anything else, accomplishes nothing and can even be harmful. If we are truly opposed or disgusted about something we should take action for something positive. Something as simple as praying, focusing on the positive, or writing our congressmen. We are blessed to have opportunities to do good to all!
Posted by: Darren | July 9, 2008 4:26 PM
I appreciate the U.S. for the basic decency and kindness of its people. Most Americans are generous, compassionate, accepting, fair-minded, and tolerant.
I appreciate how open our society is. The fact that a mixed-race man whose father is from Africa is a serious candidate for president is marvelous, whether or not you agree with him or will vote for him. I don't know of any other country on earth where that could happen.
Posted by: Amy | July 9, 2008 4:26 PM
"The thing I love about the United States is that everyone here has either left their home and bravely traveled to a new land, is a recent descendant of someone who has, or is a native who, against all odds, has endured a crushing and ceaseless invasion of foreigners."
Of all things, why would someone love the United States because its original inhabitants have endured a crushing and ceaseless invasion? Eugene, I would have elected to omit this quote in your commentary--it only seems to work against the very point of your post. Another quote you pulled from your blog is equally disappointing:
"America is a nation built upon ideas--pretty dang good ideas!--and upon the rule of law. Our identity stems, not primarily from a shared ethnic heritage, but from our commitment to the principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. (At least, it's supposed to!) Can any other nation say the same?"
Is this commenter not aware of the numerous laws broken by the current presidential administration? Perhaps more importantly, is this commenter not aware that "America" was built upon massive land theft and an oppressive slave plantation economy?
Yes, there certainly are many things to appreciate about the quality of life that many enjoy today, but let's not turn this into yet another opportunity to resort to selective amnesia under a mantle of naive, jingoistic patriotism.
Posted by: Quetzal | July 9, 2008 5:26 PM
1. Black folks didn't want to come here.
2. The US 'image' around the world ought to be in disgrace. We are behac=ving disgracefully
TV2, Citizen.
Posted by: Ted Voth Jr | July 9, 2008 6:24 PM
No, the black folks didn't want to come here, but they have been blessed by being brought here. They and many others, such as the irish, chinese, vietnamese, and mexicans have the opportunity to live their dreams and be a part of helping others. Life hasn't been fair to anyone but God is the 'great equalizer' and maybe we should be looking at what He wants us to do since we are privileged by being here.
Posted by: Dede | July 9, 2008 7:01 PM
We have a wonderful country.....not a perfect country. She has made some serious mistakes for which we still suffer and are likely to suffer even more in the future if we can't understand that we need to work together to overcome our problems. We must learn to work for the good of all people and often that means sacrifice and hard work on the part of all people.
Posted by: | July 9, 2008 7:12 PM
Queztel - The author is well aware of the various negative aspects of America; he recognizes this fact in his commentary. Did you read it? But he said that since we're celebrating America's founding on the 4th of July he asked for people's thoughts on what is good about America. What are your thoughts on what's good about America?
And no Ted, the slaves did not ask to come here. We're all aware of that. But many, many "black folks" all around the world today do wish to come here. That out to say something about how far we've come.
Posted by: Eric | July 9, 2008 8:11 PM
It's always strange reading posts about black people when I am black. It's just odd. Anywho I agree we did not come here by choice at least my ancestors did not. That said Eric has a point. Many Africans do want to come here. I spent a great deal of time with different African immigrant groups. They are grateful to be here but many are torn.
They are torn because of the level of sacrifice many of the perceive they have to make to make it. They are torn because they still have to deal with racism and other social ills. They are torn because they feel like they are split in two trying to figure this out. But they will strive and do well but that doesn't make it easy.
I am grateful for how far we have come but by no means are we even close to being in the "promised land." What I like about America is that we can dissent. That is something great about this country and something that makes me proud to be an American.
p
Posted by: Payshun | July 9, 2008 9:00 PM
I think we need to also remember, that while there is much to appreciate about this country, patriotism itself remains something antithetical to Christianity.
Posted by: Jedidiah Palosaari | July 9, 2008 10:01 PM
I appreciate that I am (mostly) free to research the evils that have been committed and are being committed under my flag.
Posted by: brenna | July 9, 2008 10:54 PM
I dare say few, if any, of the world's countries were created without injustices perpetrated by one group upon another and lands have been taken by force for millennia before the formation of the United States of America. The difference for the U.S. is that, despite the many historical and contemporary inconsistencies of political behavior, our founding documents call us to strive for a higher ideal, one that protects the minority from the majority, the weak from the powerful. Dissent is important to debate in an open society, yet would not be allowed in many countries anytime or anywhere. A first generation Slovak-American and 30 year Air Force veteran, my father never tired of reminding me that "While I may disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it". That's what make us different.
Posted by: Michael Gibba | July 9, 2008 11:49 PM
Eric,
I find significant fault with Eugene's blog post samples, as I stated clearly.
As for what is positive about the U.S., there are numerous qualities. But we must first recognize that today the U.S. is not only *in* the U.S. ....the U.S. is also *in* Afghanistan and Iraq with its preemptive military presence and (permanent) occupation. The U.S. is also *in* Latin America and Africa and Asia, not merely because of our military posts, but perhaps more importantly because of "American" mass media, popular culture, and mass consumption.
So when we talk about "the U.S." we can no longer use outdated national boundaries. "America" is a global entity, for better or worse, one that is not contained within tidy political borders. It is this "America" that we must contemplate, celebrate, critique, and attempt to reform.
Posted by: Quetzal | July 10, 2008 12:40 AM
Eric,
As for what's good about America:
César Chávez, Dolores Huerta, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Dorothy Day, Rosa Parks, Ralph Nader (consumer rights activism), Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, Gloria Anzaldúa, Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Dubois....the list goes on...
Posted by: Quetzal | July 10, 2008 12:58 AM
You will encounter internal checkpoints within the country as you travel by car, truck or bus on the interstates, by train or air, where you will be subjected to a demand for papers for no more personal reason than they will be asked for, and you will be incracerated if you fail to produce satisfactory ones.
There is an idyllic America of the mind that does not always correspond to the one actually encountered by the body.
Posted by: Sojourner Truth | July 10, 2008 1:48 AM
It is true that people want to come here from lands where there are political or economic troubles, but we certainly are not the only, or even favored, destination of choice.
Every first world nation - where high living standards and political freedom are a given - is a sought after immigration magnet from the Third World, including western Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand - not just the United States.
Tellingly, people from those countries are not seeking to make the United States their home in droves, for their economic and political position where they are can often exceed what the United States can offer to anyone outside its own financial elites.
A huge percentage of America's wealth is being dissipated in imperial adventures and wars, unlike those of those other First World nations who prefer to invest in infrastructure. The United States alone does not succeed in delivering health care to a large and growing minority - 20 per cent - of its population, and its infrastructure is crumbling under the weight of unsustainable debt, made worse by the complete moral failures of its financial elite leadership.
In fact, the hostile attitude towards "aliens" (a term none of those other nations uses) since September 11 has drastically reduced the lure of America for the better educated and more prosperous.
The "huddled masses" of Emma Lazarus' poem on Lady Liberty may still want to come but they are surely not welcome. Per capita, other nations are now far more generous in their openness to immigrants and in the benefits they offer them to join them.
Posted by: N.M. Rod | July 10, 2008 2:17 AM
Yes, there probably a lot of good things to say about america and its people. But I think that while your government endeavours to give the best to its people, it does so at the expense of third world people which your government in connivance with big US transnational companies have long exploited - from low wages, to exploitation of mineral resources. By intent, your government has seen to it that other countries shall remain poor. While they go to third world countries to rape their lands, they maintaian their forests and mountains so that yopu can enjoy the beauty of the country that you see now. Look beyond ! ! And see how your government is largely responsible for the devastation of countries around the world.
Posted by: | July 10, 2008 4:56 AM
I think you need to look at the paradox of love and pride...like a parent i will always love my children...i will love my country...i will not always say yes to it and i will not always be proud of it..but i do love it and that love drives me to see it move in a positive direction for its people. i could care less what people think of it ..but i care for what is happening to people in and out of the country because of our country.
Posted by: mt | July 10, 2008 10:01 AM
Patriotism is anti-Christ.
Got your attention, didn't I? But it is true. Think about it, that poor, young Galilean Jew brought God's word to the people and ministered the kingdom of God. He did so to save these people from the brutal, oppressive, economic exploitation and violence wrought on the villages of the Galilee, and the cities of Samaria and Judea by the Roman Empire. He taught them a way to live that transcended their conditions and brought peace, love, and egalitarian community in a time when society was falliung apart, groaning under the rule of the world's only superpower, that did what it wanted.
I fail to see how one can take Jesus seriously and be enthusiastic about a country (any country) that is just as brutal (consider the native Americans, the slaves, the subjugation of women, and today all of our brothers and sisters who love differently, and those who enter looking for a better life and are called illegal--I think Jesus would think differently). A country that is just as, if not more, economically exploitive, and just as, if not more violent: two wars this presidency and counting, the death penalty, etc.
America is Rome, and our leaders have said as much. And when that long awaited, blessed event happens and Jesus returns, I am not sure we will get the reception we think. He will go minister to the least among us--who we so often ignore, we goats, and who our head goats, our government expressly ignores--and condemn the rest for the weakness and blindness that keeps us from doing his work by establishing the kingdom of God in our midst. Right here. Right now, as he did once so long ago.
Some might respond to this by evoking the "render unto Caesar" quote which I am not sure is ever really understood, but touted to show that Jesus supported and thus sanctioned explicitly anti-Christ positions: When Jesus said "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and render unto God that which is God's" he was not sanctioning that we support our leaders or government, nor was he advocating the separation of church and state. Instead, he was condemning the Roman Empire. He was tricky about it, and his respondents no doubt had to let it percolate a while before they realized that they had been had. Jesus' point absolutely does not support allegiances to government, but says that there is nothing to give a government because it does not have a claim on anything at all.
Ask yourself, What is God's? Everything in the known universe. He is the creator of all. What is Caesar's/America's? Well, according to answer #1,nothing. To Whom do we owe our allegiance, the One with everything, or the one with nothing? To the one who said love your enemy, and you cannot serve God and wealth at the same time? Or the one who tells you to go shopping at a time of disaster, and spends money beyond the ability of the seventh generation to repay for wars born out of vengence and the pathetic desire for imperial domination? God does not tax. Jesus' kingdom did not require an economic base, nor did it require soldiers to fight, nor was it a democracy, nor was it based on a capitalistic market economy. It was and is based on the love of God, and the love of neighbor and enemy.
Yet this is where Jesus says we belong. It is of an entirely different order (see John 18:36), on earth as in heaven, which means it is here now, as it is in heaven (that is, if you read scripture closely enough). The kingdom is so different in fact that the attempt to live and promote through ministry this beautiful gift of God, as we are supposed to do, and swear allegiance to a government reveals the deepest hypocrisy.
I can hear in the wings someone quoting Paul from Romans about obeying rulers. The one glaring error in an otherwise brilliant career that was. Monumental gaff. Paul caved into the sensibility of the coopted Roman Christians because he needed a staging point for his unaccomplished mission to Spain. They were being persecuted by Nero. He thought just this once, that they bow down even though every other church he inaugurated was set up as an alternative society (where there was no more Jew or Greek, male or female, slave or free, but all were one in Christ) to the oppressive and exploitive Roman one (which supported ethnic, gender, and class hierqarchies and their resultant oppressions). A clear mistake this instruction was when elsewhere Paul taught that your only allegiance is to Jesus and him crucified.
One cannot follow the teachings of Jesus and a government that expressly operates in ways contrary to Jesus' ministry. So Paul's point is respectfully, but undeniably useless from the vantage point of the kingdom.
So what is good in the USA? God. Jesus. The people in general. And anyone who follows Matthew 5-7 (or Luke 6:20-49), and Matthew 25:31-46, you know, the teachings of Jesus which transcend patriotism in any country, and indeed mock it as ungodly. But what is not good is the institutions and mechanisms for how we run the world, nor that abstract idol "America" or "this country". Those stand in the way of the kingdom and of Jesus' ministry, and that, as Christians, should be our first priority.
In God's love and Peace
Daniel
Posted by: Daniel | July 10, 2008 12:49 PM
"...but God is the 'great equalizer'..." Dede
-would the people of Zimbabwe affirm that sentiment? India? Mexico? etc; Americans are very adept at looking at their national realities and then extracting theology from the same; I don't believe that is the basis for a sound theology that can be proclaimed worldwide; America is a remarkable experiment in democratic freedom as is Canada where I live; but let's not fool ourselves, we do have our fair share of problems and inequities, just like any other jurisdiction
Posted by: canucklehead | July 10, 2008 1:38 PM
I like the fact that in six months the arguably most powerful man in the world, no matter what you think about him, will voluntarily step down and relinquish his office to someone else. There's something to be said about that.
Posted by: JEM | July 10, 2008 2:13 PM
Doesn't this strike anyone as sad? We live in, support, and often extol a country and government and a way of living economically, socially, materially that flies in the face of Jesus' ministry and the kingdom of God that he brought, and invited us to enter and live. My question and criticism align: can one give to Caesar and to God when God is due everything, and Caesar nothing? If the answer is yes, Christ is betrayed. If the answer is no, then patriotism is simply gussied up idolatry.
Posted by: Daniel | July 10, 2008 2:34 PM
Sojourner Truth,
I travel by car, bus, train, and airplane pretty frequently. What "internal check points" are you talking about? I’ve never gone through a check point while traveling by bus or train, other than for them to ask me for my ticket. As for car, I once was stopped at a “drunk driving checkpoint” on News Years Eve. I was asked for my drivers’ license and insurance. As for plane, we all have to go through the ridiculous security check point, but no one is going to be arrested for not producing identification. You just can’t get on the plane. No one is forcing you to fly. Would you prefer that no identification be shown to board a plane?
I’m just not sure what you are so worked up about. Is it the drunk driving checkpoints that are so irritating for you that this was all you could think about when asked what you like about America?
Posted by: Eric | July 10, 2008 3:34 PM
Jedidiah,
Patriotism is not antithetical to Christianity. Patriotism is simply “love of country”. If you love your country more than God or make it a higher priority, then yes, there’s a problem there. The way some people practice their patriotism is antithetical, but simple patriotism isn’t antithetical.
Posted by: Eric | July 10, 2008 3:43 PM
Homeland Security has set up roadblocks on the interstates. I have encountered this numerous times and apparently I am alright. Sometimes you have quite a wait though. Best to carry birth certificate, etc. so you don't get delayed.
"Papers, please."
I don't know of any other western democracies that do this. Nothing like it while traveling in Canada, for instance.
Some people are just dreaming of an earlier age.
Posted by: Sojourner Truth | July 10, 2008 3:48 PM
As for not being arrested for trying to get on a plane without ID - just try it sometime. You WILL be detained for further investigation. Plan on at least several hours - and it can be days, depending on their speculations about why you would try.
We are living in a nation grown as officially paranoid at the federal level as any of the old eastern bloc nations' bureaucracy.
I guess Janice was right, if you think we're as free as we once were, "freedom's just another word, for nothing left to lose."
Posted by: Sojourner Truth | July 10, 2008 3:55 PM
"Homeland Security has set up roadblocks on the interstates. I have encountered this numerous times"
Where? When?
Posted by: squeaky | July 10, 2008 4:22 PM
Sojourner Truth,
Do you think we should be allowed to board airplanes without any sort of identification at all?
Seriously, I think you're getting a little sensitive. Having to show ID to prove that you're actually the person who bought the ticket and put their luggage on the plane is not unreasonable. It's nothing even close to your allusion (Papers, please) to authoritarian states.
I've never seen these Homeland Security roadblocks either squeaky.
Posted by: Eric | July 10, 2008 5:01 PM
Homeland Security checks to make sure you have proof of citizenship or otherwise have a right to be in the country. They exist up to hundreds of miles from the border on interstate routes considered to be conduits to cities where illegal aliens go to find employment.
Naturally, they are not just going to take your word for it.
I guess you folks lead pretty protected lives.
The sheep in the center always feel just fine, even when some disappear off the perimeter.
But lost freedom is just collateral damage for "security" and besides, it all depends how you define freedom anyway. A la Orwell, it can be redefined so that the word still exists even if the concept becomes much more circumscribed.
Even in totalitarian states, relatively few are troubled by authoritarian constraints on their freedom and most give their assent using just the same reasons we hear from sheepish Americans.
Posted by: Sojourner Truth | July 10, 2008 5:39 PM
"Patriotism is not antithetical to Christianity. Patriotism is simply “love of country”. If you love your country more than God or make it a higher priority, then yes, there’s a problem there. The way some people practice their patriotism is antithetical, but simple patriotism isn’t antithetical."
---Eric
You just proved his point.
Posted by: lloyd crump | July 10, 2008 6:12 PM
In response the first poster, the fact that people all clamor here means nothing. The world is a deeply hard and struggling place, where American consumerism ravages its resources and condemns its people to poverty. The real reason people clamor here is because of material benefit that is hollowly gauranteed to those who "work" for it. American arrogance stems from the concept that people are clamoring to get here because we are so great. No. the world is mostly starving, in poverty, or oppressed by its government and society. I see people coming here a hope against hope that the American dream will save them from these horrors. But this is simply not the case for those to are, know, or read about immigrants in this nation. They face prejudice, racist, and marginalization when they come here. Many are fooled by this dream that America portends to give to its citizens and thus in a last ditch effort to free themselves from one evil they throw themselves into a new evil. The people clamoring to America are more driven by the depressing truth that they want material wealth and that the much of the world is falling apart... not because America is such a great nation.
Posted by: Nick Ammon | July 10, 2008 6:37 PM
Eric,
We are called to put the Kingdom first, and I think we agree on this. But our Master also said, no man can serve two masters. He will either hate the one or love the other, or love the first and despise the other. What we see in America, when people "love their country", is they put their country first- before God, and before the rest of the world. They start to see their brothers and sisters as those in America, rather than Christians the world over, or simply, other humans. I will grant you, it is fine to say your country is beautiful physically (as long as you admit many others are as well). It is normal to say you love those in your country more, for we love those that are around us more easily- as long as you realize you can not put your fellow citizens before others in the world. It is fine to say that we have a great tradition of democracy, as long as you recognize many other countries do too, and we have significant problems with actually practicing democracy and civil liberties. But our Lord calls us to care first for the disenfranchised and the outcast. We treat all justly, with a special concern for the poor. That at least calls us to treat people the same, and not put Americans first. It might even, God forbid, call us to put the rest of the world before our (comparatively wealthy) fellow citizens. I don't see any way to follow Jesus, and follow patriotism at the same time.
Posted by: Jedidiah Palosaari | July 10, 2008 7:15 PM
I cannot answer the question posed by Eugene as I am not an American citizen (born or naturalized). I have lived, studied and worked in the US for a total of 10 years. The majority has been these past 8 years. Life as a foreigner a.k.a. non-immigrant alien has been a lot more challenging now than the 2 years long before 9/11 2001.
As a foreigner who has no desire to settle in the US despite the oft mentioned "better life" or "freedom" that one can expect here, it has been quite the opposite for visa holders like myself. It is also not easy to apply for Legal Permanent Residence. Whether the challenges arise from the government agencies or the supporting employer or institution, it is often a bureaucratic obstacle course one has to be prepared for. Sometimes the challenge comes from incompetent and ignorant people working in those offices where one has to enter in order to make an application to live in the land of the brave and free - one has to be brave to face some of these employees and free to take time off from work, school, etc.
As for the beauty of the land, yes, it is a beautiful country - if you have the time and the means to travel throughout the United States of America. The reality is that the huddled masses are working themselves to the bone to maintain a lifestyle that was promised to them by the media when they were still in their homeland or by their friends and relatives who had already arrived here. Sadly, some are here because of illegal activities and via illegal means and I don't mean those coming north to work their land but those from other countries to serve the sex industry, the domestic needs of families chasing the American dream for themselves, etc.
In my country, I have to carry identification. We accept it and we don't question it. In the US I have felt the need to do the same because I am a foreigner. Of course I have been advised to do it for my own safety as well. I have had difficulty renewing my driver's license in the US all because of the way my name is arranged in all my American IDs and in another way in the IDs of my homeland. Year in and year out, I stand at the counter at the MVC and feel both nervous and frustrated. It does not help that the state I lived in was found to be the one where a couple of the terrorists were issued their drivers' licenses.
Religious freedom is subject to township rules and regulations as when I saw a group of residents resisting the building of a temple in their township. They had good and reasonable reasons pertaining to land use, etc, but it was basically a Caucasian community uncomfortable with the influx of non-white, non-Christian people coming in to build a temple for their worship needs. At least this was my perception and I could be wrong. It could really all be about the septic and sewage system.
I agree that USA is not just a country or nation anymore. It is an ideology rightly or wrongly perceived by many outside of the states to be the one to emulate. From where I am, I would prefer not to emulate it for myself or my family. I do think as a Christian I am called to be counter-cultural - to that of the American culture and also my own original culture. This world is not my home. I do not choose dissent. I choose paradox.
I personally would prefer that the perceived all-encompassing "United
Posted by: Maria | July 10, 2008 8:16 PM
I cannot answer the question posed by Eugene as I am not an American citizen (born or naturalized). I have lived, studied and worked in the US for a total of 10 years. The majority has been these past 8 years. Life as a foreigner a.k.a. non-immigrant alien has been a lot more challenging now than the 2 years long before 9/11 2001.
As a foreigner who has no desire to settle in the US despite the oft mentioned "better life" or "freedom" that one can expect here, it has been quite the opposite for visa holders like myself. It is also not easy to apply for Legal Permanent Residence. Whether the challenges arise from the government agencies or the supporting employer or institution, it is often a bureaucratic obstacle course one has to be prepared for. Sometimes the challenge comes from incompetent and ignorant people working in those offices where one has to enter in order to make an application to live in the land of the brave and free - one has to be brave to face some of these employees and free to take time off from work, school, etc.
As for the beauty of the land, yes, it is a beautiful country - if you have the time and the means to travel throughout the United States of America. The reality is that the huddled masses are working themselves to the bone to maintain a lifestyle that was promised to them by the media when they were still in their homeland or by their friends and relatives who had already arrived here. Sadly, some are here because of illegal activities and via illegal means and I don't mean those coming north to work their land but those from other countries to serve the sex industry, the domestic needs of families chasing the American dream for themselves, etc.
In my country, I have to carry identification. We accept it and we don't question it. In the US I have felt the need to do the same because I am a foreigner. Of course I have been advised to do it for my own safety as well. I have had difficulty renewing my driver's license in the US all because of the way my name is arranged in all my American IDs and in another way in the IDs of my homeland. Year in and year out, I stand at the counter at the MVC and feel both nervous and frustrated. It does not help that the state I lived in was found to be the one where a couple of the terrorists were issued their drivers' licenses.
Religious freedom is subject to township rules and regulations as when I saw a group of residents resisting the building of a temple in their township. They had good and reasonable reasons pertaining to land use, etc, but it was basically a Caucasian community uncomfortable with the influx of non-white, non-Christian people coming in to build a temple for their worship needs. At least this was my perception and I could be wrong. It could really all be about the septic and sewage system.
I agree that USA is not just a country or nation anymore. It is an ideology rightly or wrongly perceived by many outside of the states to be the one to emulate. From where I am, I would prefer not to emulate it for myself or my family. I do think as a Christian I am called to be counter-cultural - to that of the American culture and also my own original culture. This world is not my home. I do not choose dissent. I choose paradox.
I personally would prefer that the perceived all-encompassing "United States of America" (this excludes many, many fair-minded, compassionate, just and merciful people) stops trying to set the "rules" and "standards" for the rest of the world. We're not dumb or backward, we're not all believing America sets the pace in human rights and democracy for the rest of us.
But I do appreciate the USA for the graduate education I received that gives me the courage to stand up and tell my host "You don't have all the answers."
Posted by: Maria | July 10, 2008 8:19 PM
Maria, all of mankind are deeply alienated from one another as a consequence of our sin nature and the situation in the United States is not that prior to original sin in Eden, either.
Those who haven't suffered indignity and worse mostly don't understand it or even deny that it exists, or that if it does, then think you deserved it.
If I could wave a magic wand, I would fix these things. If I have opportunity I will work to do so.
You speak the truth - it is something everyone who has experienced it or has relatives who have knows about.
I know families who aren't all citizens because the incompetent agencies involved took 6 years to process paperwok instead of a required by law 120 days, so children who lived in the US all but a few days of their lives timed out when they became 18 years old.
Hollywood propaganda is still propaganda, whether it's government-sponsored or no.
God bless you Maria. You are loved equally to any citizen by this American, who would give it up for Christ if required by Him.
Posted by: Sojourner Truth | July 10, 2008 8:32 PM
Unfortunately, our nation is suffering a crisis of moral confidence in its pivotal institutions akin to the loss of confidence in medieval times about the primary societal institution of that era, the Catholic Church.
In our epoch, finance has taken over the role that religion once played. Our own hopelessly corrupted high priests of finance are on the cusp of becoming the Borgias of our own time.
Posted by: N.M. Rod | July 10, 2008 8:45 PM
When the Way is forgotten
Duty and justice appear;
Then knowledge and wisdom are born
Along with hypocrisy.
When harmonious relationships dissolve
Then respect and devotion arise;
When a nation falls to chaos
Then loyalty and patriotism are born.
Posted by: Don Watkins | July 10, 2008 10:43 PM
Bringing this back to the original question: What do I like about America? I had a harder time answering that two years ago, just before moving to Romania for a community development internship. Now, it's much easier.
I appreciate that even though much of the world no longer likes me because I am American, I still have the opportunity to go pretty much anywhere in the world simply because I am American.
I like the general cleanliness in America. It is much less common to walk down a street in America and see trash on the ground than in many places in the world.
I like how volunteering is normal and almost second nature for lots of people.
I like peanut butter, jello, skittles, root beer and chocolate chip cookies. And apple pie.
Posted by: bemis | July 11, 2008 4:24 AM
Jedidiah,
I guess it depends on one's definition and practice of patriotism. I don't disagree with much of anything you explained in your comment. I wouldn't call it patriotism to favor wealthy people in America over the poor of India. Some probably would, but that's not my interpretation of patriotism.
Posted by: Eric | July 11, 2008 11:10 AM
Sojourner,
Thanks for clarifying where the checkpoints are located. I have, in fact, seen these when I visited Arizona. You can correct me if I am wrong, but it seems these checkpoints are concentrated around the south, where illegal immigrants are entering.
I have traveled within 100 miles of the Canadian border several times since 9-11 between Maine and Washington State, and I have never seen even one such checkpoint. It is notable that many of the states I have traveled through were states the terrorists moved through to carry out their terrorism. Hence I assume the checkpoints have more to do with illegal immigration, rather than a desire to create a totalitarian state (wouldn't a totalitarian state establish greater control in the region of the country that actually experienced terrorism?).
I have to take exception to this statement:
"I guess you folks lead pretty protected lives.
The sheep in the center always feel just fine, even when some disappear off the perimeter."
Just because someone doesn't live in a state where illegal immigration is a concern and thus has not experienced the checkpoints you speak of does not mean that person leads a protected life. It doesn't make that person a sheep. It very well could mean that person is unaware of the situation simply because they don't live there.
Certainly we can discuss the morality of such checkpoints, but you jumped right into judging us when what you needed to do was clarify your statements, rather than assume we all knew what you are talking about (especially when it was clear we didn't).
Posted by: squeaky | July 11, 2008 11:19 AM
I appreciate a great deal about America and life in general without being idolatrous or an anti-Christ. (Although, without a doubt I am a deeply flawed and sinful individual who has the tendency to act in self-centered ways that do not honor Jesus). My question, and I guess my point, shouldn’t dissenters for Jesus still be examples of His love and grace. Why do those, often times myself included, communicate in ways/have attitudes/ temperaments that seem to be devoid of the love, joy, and peace that exemplified the Savior? Could we be more effective at achieving the goals of our King’s kingdom by personally exemplifying his character even in the midst of our dissent?
Just a thought
Posted by: kent | July 11, 2008 11:46 AM
Yay for blog posts and comments that start off touching and somewhat uplifting... and then very quickly become bitter, argumentative and cynical... oh wait, no, that makes me sad...
Posted by: Brian | July 11, 2008 12:50 PM
After witnessing 9-11 (inperson, in Washington, DC) I joined a peace vigil waving an American flag. Yes, I'm a flag-waving patriot for peace. This country is my homeland, one of many homelands on this blue-green earth we call home. I appreciate the open, informality of Americans, who as a "people" are quick to share a laugh, and to help strangers in need.
Some of my ancestors came here as brave seekers of freedom from war and/or a better life for their children -- another ancestor, not unlike the African American slaves, was kidnapped as a boy and forced to come here in servitude. As a white indentured servant, his slavery (unlike his African counterparts) was only a seven year sentence.
Holly Near sings, "we may have come on different ships, but we're all in the same boat now."
Peace.
Posted by: Kathy Partridge | July 11, 2008 12:58 PM
I love that this is a country where we are free to go to extremes, as long as we stay within the law while doing so. "Moderation in all things, even moderation" is one of my favorite sayings.
Without the freedom to experiment and fail without drastic consequences, there is no possibilty of change or growth. That freedom to experiment with ideas, lifestyles, etc. is part of what gives our society its tremendous strength.
I'd rather be a woman in America in 2008 than at any other time or place in history. Women have greater freedom.
I love being part of a country where people take their freedom so for granted. In my church, I hear the cliche "speaking truth to power" constantly. It is great to be part of a society in which speaking truth to power has so little cost, rather than living some place like Burma.
Are we over-privileged and spoiled? You bet we are. However, some of the most spoiled children I ever met grew up to be the most mature and together adults. So I have great hope for our nation.
Also, excessive criticism of America (by Americans) stems from the same naivete as excessive praise, IMO. It is one more form of exceptionalism, whether we are seen as "exceptionally evil" or "exceptionally good." (Going to extremes again.) We are neither.
Posted by: Alicia | July 11, 2008 2:10 PM
What I appreciate the most is the fact that as long as there is dissent, there remains the chance that we can correct some of the most grievous misdeeds of politics and policies that we have experienced over the past 30 years. There will always be those who are outraged by any and all dissent, and especially by any opposition to those in power.
Anyone who thinks that patriotism means marching in lockstep, obedient to the government ("right or wrong"), needs to spend some time reading the patriotic writings of America's Founding Fathers.
Note: Much of the writings left to us by America's great patriotic founders would be condemned by the conservatives of today. Just an observation, so check it out for yourselves.
Posted by: DHFabian | July 11, 2008 6:56 PM
I separate the PEOPLE from the SYSTEM of your country. To elect a man who does not recognise my country's existence (or at least transports it half way around the world Australia=Austria) and then calls our late, unlamented prime minister after on the great monsters of the 20th Century (Man of Steel=Stalin) is incredibly funny. I join with those (the majority??) Of US citizens who cannot wait for Mr Bush to vanish into obscurity, and maybe go to that spiritual retreat he should have joined when he dumped the booze.
Imagine if Mr Bush had taken spiritual responsibilities seriously; imagine if Mr Obama fulfills his promise of a new start for the USA. God bless you, US citizens, you need Her/Him.
Posted by: Feargal | July 13, 2008 8:32 PM
Post a Comment
Are you aware of our Rules of Conduct?