Being "Proud"

[S.C.]

For the past few days there have been great scrutiny in the media focused at Michelle Obama, wife of Presidential hopeful, Barack Obama(D) for her comment about being really proud of America for the first time in her adult lifetime. It was obvious to me that she was referencing of how we have all come together in this political process, especially the young people who have had record turnouts in this election. Some misinterpreted that as her being somehow anti-american or having no patriotism. Why is there such a knee-jerk reaction to comments when it comes to words like 'proud, or 'America'?

I can honestly say that I don't drape myself in the flag nor do I think America is the greatest country on earth. We are not. Every country on this planet has something special and unique about them. America does not have a monopoly on greatness. Being proud or not being proud of America is a personal matter. If a person isn't proud of America an individual should not be labeled as anti-american. Our history is not perfect or without shame. We have been a nation of abhorrent atrocities in the past. Being proud of America to certain racial groups is quite different compared to others who have always had the freedoms that this country had to offer since its conception.

Personally, being proud of America never really comes across my mind. It's something that I don't even think about. I've never been the person that screams at the top of my lungs "USA, USA". My upbringing was about seeing the bigger picture. My mom raised me to recognize that there is more to the world than just my state, my city, and my country. She raised me to be a world citizen. There are some people in this country who will never step outside their four walls, that's very sad and disappointing to me because I have seen first-hand the gorgeous beauty that the world offers. I suppose it's a person's right to stay close-minded and cut off from the world, but it's my belief that we're all here for a reason and it's not just to sit by and let life pass us by.

For any person to tell another person that they are anti-american just because they either are not proud of the America or just isn't happy about America is completely ridiculous. No one can disagree with America? No one can can say anything bad about America without being called anti-american or be accused of being among the 'Blame America first crowd'? I don't hate my country, but when people try to question the patriotism of others and try to demean them for it, that makes me really angry. I'm not trying to place blame on anyone or group in particular but it was the Right-Wing who went after Michelle over her misinterpreted comment.

Questioning the patriotism of any candidate this election year is NOT going to work. It may have worked in 2004, but the country has wised up to such attacks. There are already rumors, evil accusations, and distortions about Barack being a Muslim who won't salute the flag! How incredibly sad and pathetic. None of those accusations are true and yet unhinged people in this country have decided to resort to this dispicable behavior. I've been to some Right Wing sites and the things that have been posted on those sites makes me want to throw up. It makes me regret that I ever voted for George W. Bush twice!

I've always considered myself a Liberal-Republican, but after what has been said from such right-winged individuals as Michelle Malkin and others about Mrs. Obama's comment I WILL NEVER VOTE REPUBLICAN AGAIN. I'll continue to be a pro-life feminist, liberal, independent person. However, it will be a cold day in hell before I ever vote for a republican ever again. If republicans are going to run around questioning the patriotism of others and forcing people to be proud of their country then I certainly don't want any part of that. Being proud to one person is different than another, why don't people get that without having to question someone's patriotism?!


Mille bisous,
Shavon
xoxo

[lapayin]

Very well said Shavon and I completely agree with you up until the end. I would just say that not all Republican's should be included in the "questioning patriotism" group.

My take on this is that we still live in a very "intolerant to differences" time. It's my way or you're wrong. How sad!!! That goes back to the Vietnam War "America love it or leave it". As you said the U.S. is not perfect and why not fix the imperfections, of this great country, instead of abandoning it to never improving on it's greatness. We seem to always need some one to beat up on whether it be a religion, a race, a sexual preference or another country. For some reason we always need an enemy to validate ourselves. Again very sad.

It's all a PR game - work the general public into your own beliefs. They think we are sheep and will follow the pack. Unfortunately too many people are but thankfully most people can think for themselves and will not be suckered in.

[S.C.]

Paula,
Yes, I agree this subject certainly isn't just limited to the Republicans, it's just that for the past few days certain people from the right have been unfairly critical of Michelle Obama's comment. It's not her fault that people misinterpreted what she said. It just really burns me up inside that if anyone dares to disagree with America on anything you're labeled anti-american.

~Shavon

[achebeautiful]

....and let's not forget Hillary Clinton crying because, well, ummm...you know, she cares so much about America.

So, we have Michelle Obama having hope and pride for the first time in her adult life for her country, and Hillary Clinton in tears from caring so much about America.

This is all so very touching.

Hey, Shavon, when you switch parties from Republican to Democrat, be sure to order a subscription to the NYTimes.

I'll tell you what I'm proud of about this country, and it's that we are enjoying a political campaign for our next President without the fear of anyone being killed to this point. Can you think of any countries in the world right now that are also going through a change in political leadership that cannot say the same? Maybe a couple? Hmmmm.....

Oh, hey, don't miss Keith Olbermann's show tonight. Should be a good one! A real representation of how America is coming together! Ha Ha Ha Ha!

(gotta go for now....my knee is sore! ;D)

[S.C.]

Mark,
Why do you have to be such an ass about this? I have always been an independent thinker. I voted for Bush twice because I thought he was the right man at the right time to do the job. His time is up now and it's time to usher in another President. I am not saying that I agree with the left on everything, but for this election I am going to cast my vote for Barack Obama.

Watching Michelle Malkin on Fox News the other and countless others try to frame Mrs. Obama as anti-american really pissed me off. Who the hell do people think they are to question someone's patriotism?! I never denied that this country isn't good. It is great that in this country that all walks of life can be free and participate in anything that they want. America has come a long way, but like I always say, there is always room for improvement.

~Shavon

[ocelot]

I agree with what you said Shavon. Even though I'm not American all these "It's my way or you're wrong" I think is dragging the country down. Just because you have a different view is not a bad thing, but a good thing.

[achebeautiful]

I just deleted a couple of my posts and would also delete the other, but then people would have no idea why Shavon is asking why I am being such an ass, so I left my first comments alone.

Sorry to Shavon, Leona, and Paula for sharing my thoughts.....

[S.C.]

Mark,
I only said what I said because what was being discussed in this thread was a SERIOUS subject. Your post(s) came off as being completely condescending towards me. Could I have misinterpreted, sure, but I don't think that I did. If you were not being condescending, then please, accept my apology but from reading your post it was almost as if you were making fun of me.

Unless of course you used this opportunity to try to make a point about something. Which you did in another post that's no longer here, but, since I have chatted with you a couple of times about certain political things, I should have expected your response.

~Shavon

[achebeautiful]

Mark,
I only said what I said because what was being discussed in this thread was a SERIOUS subject. Your post(s) came off as being completely condescending towards me. Could I have misinterpreted, sure, but I don't think that I did. If you were not being condescending, then please, accept my apology but from reading your post it was almost as if you were making fun of me.

Shavon,

You do not owe me an apology.

You are right. I was being condescending. However, I was not doing so intending to put you down or hurt you. I was "being an ass" and sarcastic in an attempt to be somewhat humorous about this very serious discussion. You and I know that we have some strong disagreements on these issues, and I was simply trying to playfully wrestle with you. I thought that with all your passion and flair you would laugh, then come right back at me with everything you have. If I thought that I was going to hurt you, I never would have responded like I did.

I'm very sorry for what I have done, and would appreciate your forgiveness.

I have a lot of agreement with you on this issue, and some disagreement.

Again, Shavon, I am very sorry.

(Thanks very much to Leona for also expressing to me what an ass I have been. I ask for your forgiveness as well.)

[S.C.]

Apology accepted.


Mille bisous,
Shavon
xoxo


P.S. The re-vamp of the forum with the suggestions made by yourself and Leona will commence in the coming days.

[lapayin]

So Mark at it again. You certainly can stir things up. LOL

"Sorry to Shavon, Leona, and Paula for sharing my thoughts..... "

I don't think any of us want you to stop sharing your thoughts. I appreciate a lot of what you say. Just don't make us feel ours are wrong. That said I know your humor.

So can I keep this going?

I honestly do believe that Hilary sincerely cares about this country. And from listening to stories daily from people she meets during her campaigning I do truly believe many could bring her or anyone to tears. Compassion is a good thing not a bad thing. It does not make one weak. I also believe Obama, McCain, Huckebee, Romney and Bush care about this country. Yes becoming president can be a real power trip and each will have their own agenda but I believe they care. Maybe if some of the other candidates showed some compassion they possibly would have done better or at least have been more appealling.

Michele "having hope and pride for the first time in her adult life for her country" I totally agree with Shavon that she was misinterpreted.

WASHINGTON (AFP)
"'For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country. And not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change. And I have been desperate to see our country moving in that direction.'

Right-wing commentators seized on the statement and interpreted it as a slip that showed liberals despise America.

The next day, the wife of Republican Arizona Senator John McCain, leading his party's race for the presidential nomination, jumped on the opportunity to contrast her feelings with Mrs. Obama's.

"I'm proud of my country. I don't know about you, if you heard those words earlier. I'm very proud of my country," said Cindy McCain, the blonde, smooth-spoken chairwoman of one of the country's largest beer distributors."

"that showed liberals despise America." I am highly insulted. I am a liberal and I love America. There have been times when I have not been proud of what happens in America but that does not mean I despise America. It means in my heart I know we can do better.

I can not believe that the so called right-wing think that they are the only people who love America. How arrogant.

"And I have been desperate to see our country moving in that direction."

SO HAVE I!!
This whole conversation just goes to show how divided we as a country are and need someone to bring us together and make us feel better about ourselves That's not to say we all have to think alike, just respect other's views. Whether I vote for Barack or not I give him credit for getting the young interested and involved. And the fact that he appeals to all and not just rich white males or Hispanics or the poor (etc) is a very good thing IMO.

"I'll tell you what I'm proud of about this country, and it's that we are enjoying a political campaign for our next President without the fear of anyone being killed to this point. Can you think of any countries in the world right now that are also going through a change in political leadership that cannot say the same? Maybe a couple? Hmmmm....."

Most countries have smooth presidential changes. Only a few do not. And having a black candidate and a female candidate for the first time I am not 100% comfortable that there may not be an attempt. It has happened in the past.

[achebeautiful]

So Mark at it again. You certainly can stir things up. LOL

Ummm, yeah....

You make a lot of points that I would like to counter, but I think I'll just let it be.