Quote:
Originally posted by Diogenes Of Pumpkintown:
Oh illuminated sister DragonMage, I AM an American.
I am glad to be living in this country. However, that does not mean it is perfect or beyond criticism. Criticizing American's political actions is NOT the same thing as claiming all Americans are scum, and I think you know that.
Are we to say that America's actions cannot be criticized, because that would be an attack on the American people?
Even in Nazi Germany, not all Germans supported the terrible actions done by Hitler's government. Surely you don't believe that condemning the actions of that Nazi government, even in harsh terms, amounts to condemning the whole German people? Surely one can criticize that goverment without attacking the whole people?
I think, as an American, that the American government and its actions in recent history very much need to be criticized. That does not mean i condemn all Americans (which of course would include condemning myself  )
Food for thought
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Dearest Diogenes,
That is exactly my point and perhaps I am not being eloquent enough in stating it. Yes, our system of government may be screwed up, but some who have posted here give the impression they believe ALL Americans - including you and I who question things - are to be lumped up into one big American bundle and treated as one. I certainly don't hold any grudges against the Afghani people just because their current 'leaders' are misguided (to put it mildly). I feel for these people and wish to help them.
I have no problem with criticism as long as I'm not lumped into a general characterization of an America that someone doesn't like; especially when I try to explain how I am different. I perceived AboveTheRimYo as being exceedingly rude to me for no other reason than that I live in this country.
I am proud of America as a whole, but there are far too many changes that need to be made in our government. I get very frustrated sometimes because I know that, by myself, there isn't a whole lot I can do to change things and the vast majority are unwilling to go against the grain. And then to be mocked by someone I don't even know when I try to express myself is just too frustrating. Especially when he/she admits to baiting. The sarcasm wasn't necessary for the point to be made.
[This message has been edited by DragonMage (edited 10-10-2001).]