We Americans claim to be a peace-loving people. We hate bloodshed; we are opposed to violence. Yet we go into spasms of joy over the possibility of projecting dynamite bombs from flying machines upon helpless citizens. We are ready to hang, electrocute, or lynch anyone, who, from economic necessity, will risk his own life in the attempt upon that of some industrial magnate. Yet our hearts swell with pride at the thought that America is becoming the most powerful nation on earth, and that it will eventually plant her iron foot on the necks of all other nations. Such is the logic of patriotism.
Yes, Emma Goldman was quite a thinker. The frightening thing is how relevant her words still are 100 years later. The American character hasn’t evolved much at all. Hope you had a great training weekend! I thought of you a lot during my long ride.
Big boots are great for necks and backsides. Kind of nice, in a bad way-depends on the point of view, to live in a country where our greatest problem is overindulgence. As opposed to having to worry about loosing your life from mass disease, starvation or a genocidal leader. We get to sign up for our own misery, whereas most countries it’s heaped upon them. You can live your life hating your fortune, as even the worst of us here are most forunate, or you can use it to help someone. To complain and somehow wish we had it bad,accomplishes nothing. It’s also easy to focus on the bad and loose sight of the billions we help. Not without expense, but these evil industrial countries aslo feed and heal million. We will be the first to stop aids and the next world crisis. Again, besides bitching and complaining, what are you going to do to help? And stating I can’t complete a good sentence is only a temporary distraction.
Hey Marko, it seems like we’re very like-minded about this topic. I’m sure you’ll get a kick out of this sort of idiocy (which always cracks me up):
“I choose to put service to my country and my fellow citizens ahead of my own economic, personal, and safety priorities. Under my Constitution, I serve at the direction of the President and Commander-in-Chief. I trust my life totally in the wisdom of the people and their elected representatives.”
Point you to www.dictionary.com and suggest you compare the meanings of ‘loose’ and ‘lose’. You may also find it helpful in the future to look up ‘their/there/they’re’, ‘too/to’ and ‘your/you’re’.
Humans are peace loving when they aren’t in danger
When in danger humans go to battle. And “danger” is viewed in many ways
It has been that way since the beginning of time. It is far from new or profound. It is human nature, it will never change.
As far as America being large and in charge, I say OH YEAH!!! At least we have checks and balances built into our gov’t systems. Perfect? No way. But we all certainly benefit from it.
Maybe I am missing something, but are you actually trying to make the point that the statements in this quotation have some relationship to current reality?
Please enumerate those to whom you are referring by the word we in the third and fourth sentences. The only antecedent for this pronoun would seem to be Americans. You aren’t actually trying to say that, are you?
“Maybe I am missing something, but are you actually trying to make the point that the statements in this quotation have some relationship to current reality?”
Oops, I guess not. I thought this was a Fantasy Island Thread.
Hey Marko, it seems like we’re very like-minded about this topic. I’m sure you’ll get a kick out of this sort of idiocy (which always cracks me up):
“I choose to put service to my country and my fellow citizens ahead of my own economic, personal, and safety priorities. Under my Constitution, I serve at the direction of the President and Commander-in-Chief. I trust my life totally in the wisdom of the people and their elected representatives.”
Kerouac: You are still showing your ignorance. All military personnel take an oath to support the U.S. Government when they join the military. In essence those are the words they voice. Fortunately for us fat-assed citizens, and in spite of the many fantasies by Hollywood that have made it to the big screen, the U.S. military branches takes this vow seriously. Military coups are commonplace all over the world with the exception of North America, Australia and Antarctica. These people make this promise, risk their lives and get paid miserably. In response, all you can do is ignorantly laugh. One does not join the military to get rich. Despite that, there are an incredible number of extremely bright people in the service. Every last word in the statement you quoted is true. Their service lets you run your mouth in any piss poor fashion you choose. They obviously don’t expect a thank you. I’d just like to see something of a contribution from you to justify your right to be so obnoxious on a non-political forum. Surely, you give us something.
“I’d just like to see something of a contribution from you to justify your right to be so obnoxious on a non-political forum. Surely, you give us something.”
