[Vision2020] This Isn't Hate Speech, Either

[Art Deco]

Tony,

As one who goes abroad at least once every year, I can assure you that there are some people from the United States who are loud, arrogant, and extremely embarrassing to be thought of as being connected to.  One can find some people from other countries that come off the same way.  In my tiny small nowadays and from the distant past when I lived overseas, I think it quite possible that our country produces the highest percentage of obnoxious travelers although France and Russia are not far behind.

W.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: Tony Simpson 
To: Tony Simpson 
Cc: vision2020 at moscow.com 
Sent: Sunday, July 09, 2006 11:52 PM
Subject: Re: [Vision2020] This Isn't Hate Speech, Either


Joan blurts that Americans abroad act " beligerent, fat-assed and rude."  Yet she cites no specifics.  

Such behavior has characterized her approach to conservatives on this list.

Transference perhaps?

Only her therapist knows for sure.

--T :)
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Tony Simpson 
  To: Joan Opyr 
  Sent: Sunday, July 09, 2006 11:47 PM
  Subject: Re: [Vision2020] This Isn't Hate Speech, Either


  Joan blurts that Americans abroad act "belligerent, fat-assed and rude."  Yet she cites no specifics.

  Such behavior has characterized her approach to conservatives on this list.

  Transference perhaps?

  Only her therapist knows for sure.....

  --T :)
    ----- Original Message ----- 
    From: Joan Opyr 
    To: Vision2020 Moscow 
    Sent: Sunday, July 09, 2006 10:55 PM
    Subject: Re: [Vision2020] This Isn't Hate Speech, Either



    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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