[Vision2020] This Isn't Hate Speech, Either

[Matt Decker]

Auntie,

Cmon, if you think I'm one of those conceded texans that Debi is refering to 
you obviously have no clue who I am. I stated that they love us for ww2, not 
me saying that quote to them boasting how great we are. It wasn't me buying 
numerous beers in Ausi land it was those great Ausies buying beers for me 
and many more other. And for numerous reasons one being though that they do 
like us. In fact one had actually thanked me for ww2 and he was my age at 
the time 21-23. I could say that we are from America, and why not? Is the 
USA not located in the Americas? Should we exclude US from the Whole America 
click, I think not.

In no way have I ever acted like an ass overseas. I have never bragged, 
boasted, or lied who I am. I have never been rude or not abided by "their 
rules". So don't infer that I have. In the 15+ countries I have stepped foot 
in I always try to set a good example for our country. I only hope that 
others do the same.

In fact people who can't embrace, respect, or are embarassed to state their 
country of origin, I feel for. Along with the jackasses who travel abroud 
and can't live with others rules. AKA lady from texas who doesn't have a 
clue. Furthermore, the jackasses who come here to AMERICA smack dab in 
between the CANADA of America and Mexico of America, who can't speak a lick 
of english or live by our rules. But hey thats just me.

Matt

PS In fact I think people should have classes on how to act, customes, 
rules, etc, before they are allowed to be granted a passport.


>From: Joan Opyr <joanopyr at moscow.com>
>To: Vision2020 Moscow <vision2020 at moscow.com>
>Subject: Re: [Vision2020] This Isn't Hate Speech, Either
>Date: Sun, 9 Jul 2006 22:55:44 -0700
>
>
>On Jul 9, 2006, at 9:54 PM, Matt Decker wrote:
>
>>Ellen,
>>
>>I think the point is obvious. Sure there are different Americas, usually 
>>when one refers to America most people know what that is or what was 
>>intended. Im sure no harm is meant towards others by saying this. I 
>>believe this not to be pompous or intentional harm towards our neighbors. 
>>Really how many times have you been overseas talking to someone else 
>>asking where they are from, them saying they are from America and you 
>>thinking they meant Chile?
>>
>>I don't recall in my travels including Australia (which by the way love us 
>>for saving their asses in WW2)  people hating or not being neighborlly to 
>>AMERICANS of united states decent. Just my travels though.
>>
>>Matt
>
>Once upon a time, Americans spoke softly and carried a big stick.  
>Somewhere along the line, we began to shout at everyone and hit them with 
>the stick.  I've never been to Australia, but I do correspond with 
>Australians of all political stripes -- writers, readers, and radio 
>listeners.  WWII doesn't come up much in our conversations.  The Aussies I 
>know are all under 80, and they seem a bit more interested in the soldiers 
>today, those assisting us in our "Coalition of the Willing."
>
>We are the world's one and only superpower.  Our economy dominates the 
>globe.  American culture is everywhere; you cannot escape Friends or Elvis, 
>Tom Cruise or Madonna.  I've traveled widely and often, and I've found that 
>speaking softly, stopping to listen, and doing my best to respect local 
>customs and local peoples has served me well.  Like it or not, our Canadian 
>neighbors enjoy a better reputation for their behavior abroad than we do; 
>they're perceived to be more pleasant, more polite, and more courteous.  
>I've never heard a Canadian declare "we saved your asses back in 1945 -- 
>you owe us" when the chips are down and the pub fight is brewing.  And yet 
>the Canadians were at the front in WWI and WWII; they've never shirked.
>
>One of the few smart things George W. Bush has said -- something with which 
>I absolutely agree -- is this statement from his October 12, 2000 debate 
>with Al Gore:
>
>"If we're an arrogant nation, they'll resent us; if we're a humble nation, 
>but strong, they'll welcome us.  And our nation stands alone right now in 
>the world in terms of power, and that's why we've got to be humble, and yet 
>project strength in a way that promotes freedom."
>
>What image do we project when we're abroad, arrogance or humility?  How do 
>we represent our country?  Too often, we're all mouth and no trousers.  Too 
>often we're belligerent, fat-assed, and rude.  Not always.  It's been my 
>experience that most people are wide open to Americans; they're not lying 
>in wait for us to make asses of ourselves.  They're quick to point out that 
>they like us as individuals, even when they disagree with our global 
>behavior.  I'm not an ambassador for the Bush Administration when I travel; 
>I'm just another American tourist.  But I count.  My behavior is noted, and 
>at the end of the day, it's totted up.  I can choose to be the ugly 
>American and confirm everyone's worst fears, or I can be what I think most 
>Americans are -- curious, independent, open-minded and decent.
>
>Joan
>
>Joan Opyr/Auntie Establishment
>www.joanopyr.com
>


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