December 24, 2007

How Beautiful We Were

A short list. In no particular order.

We had car shows, boat shows, beauty shows and dog shows.

We ran robots on the surface of Mars by remote control.

Our women came from all over the world in all shapes and sizes hues and scents.

We actually believed that all men are created equal and tried to make it come true.

Everybody liked our movies and loved our television shows.

We tried to educate everybody, whether they wanted it or not. Sometimes we succeeded.

We did Levis.

We held the torch high and hundreds of millions came. No matter what the cost.

We saved Europe twice and liberated it once.

We believed so deeply and so abidingly in free speech that we protected and even honored and in some cases even elected traitors.

We let you be as freaky as you wanted to be.

We paid you not to plant crops and not to work.

We died in the hundreds of thousands to end slavery here and around the world.

We invented Jazz.

We wrote the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Gettysberg address.

We went to the moon to see how far we could hit a golf ball.

We lifted a telescope into orbit that could see to the edge of the universe.

When people snuck into the country against our laws, we made parking lots and food stands off to the side of the road so they wouldn't get hurt, and we let them use our hospitals for free, and we made their children citizens.

We didn't care what God you worshipped as long as we could worship ours.

We let the People arm themselves at will. Just to make sure.

We gave everybody the vote.

We built Disneyworld. Just for fun.

We had a revolution so successful it was still going strong two and a quarter centuries later.

We had so many heroes, even at the end, that we felt free to hate them and burn them in effigy.

We electrified the guitar.

We invented a music so compelling that it rocked the world.

We had some middling novelists.

We had some interesting painters.

We had some pretty good poets.

We had better songwriters.

We ran our farms so well we fed the globe.

We made the automobile and the airplane.

We let you get rich. Really, really rich. And we didn't care who you were or what you were or where you came from or who your parents were. We just cared about what you made or what you did.

We had poor people who, even at their most wretched, were richer than any other poor people on the face of the planet.

Even towards the end, as we dissolved in petty bickering and the idle entertainments that come with having far too much leisure and money, we were trying to make it higher, finer, brighter, better and more beautiful.

Even towards the end, the best of us declined to give up and pressed on. "Where to? What next?"

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Posted by Van der Leun at December 24, 2007 12:41 PM | TrackBack
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AMERICAN DIGEST HOME
"It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood." -- Karl Popper N.B.: Comments are moderated and may not appear immediately. Comments that exceed the obscenity or stupidity limits will be either edited or expunged.

Its going going going....gone over the center field wall. Home Run!!!

Thanks again for the beauty you bring.

Posted by: Pierre at March 24, 2007 3:18 PM

And why, why, why are there so many in this country and abroad -- the country that you, and only you, can describe with such eloquence, see us as the evil in the world?

You are a beacon shinning the brightest light possible on the truth. Truth matters to me and many others. Please continue shinning the light of truth.

Thank you again for what you were created to do!

Posted by: ChiefTestPilot at March 24, 2007 3:53 PM

We created a society where the poorest among us did not need to worry about starvation, but obesity.

We created a society that lauded a dictatorship in Cuba so passionately that they forgot to wonder why so many die trying to flee it.

Posted by: Mumblix Grumph at March 24, 2007 4:21 PM

You never fail to write what we need to read.

Now if you'd only serve up some single malt and a good cigar....

Posted by: Lance de Boyle at March 24, 2007 6:27 PM

What's this "at the end" bullshit? I ain't quitting.

Posted by: Charlie (Colorado) at March 24, 2007 7:04 PM

F***ing A Ditty bag!

Posted by: Dennis at March 24, 2007 7:50 PM

Gerard ...........

Posted by: Pamela at March 24, 2007 7:55 PM

What's this "at the end" bullshit?

You didn't read the linked poem, did you?

Posted by: Brian at March 24, 2007 8:03 PM

Mars?

I don't need to get there. But the Idea does.

We need never give up on that, brother.

Posted by: phred at March 24, 2007 10:12 PM

How beautiful you were. Indeed. you forgot the tap dancers btw and the love goddesses.

Posted by: promachus at March 24, 2007 11:29 PM

Is that (are those) by Rockwell Kent?

Posted by: Gandalin at March 25, 2007 9:42 AM

Brilliant.

Posted by: dan l at March 25, 2007 10:52 AM

Yes, the illustrations are by Kent.

Posted by: Gerard Van der Leun at March 25, 2007 11:08 AM

So true, thanks (Jeez, I thought at least 2 week would go by before you topped the last one...!)

Can I get an Amen somebody!

Posted by: Das at March 25, 2007 11:48 AM

Das: You got your Amen right here! (Thanks from me too, Gerard.)

Posted by: Connecticut Yankee at March 25, 2007 2:23 PM

I'll certainly join in that amen chorus. Such a treat!

Posted by: Jimmy J. at March 25, 2007 4:34 PM

I always did like Rockwell Kent. He was one of my parents' favorite artists, entirely because of his political orientation, from his New Masses days to Moby Dick, and so on. (Some people credit his illustrations with reviving Melville's posthumous career.) According to the Wikipedia, Kent donated his 1967 Lenin Prize winnings (in rubles?) to North Vietnam. In allowing his pictures to grace your implacable and immortal essay, you are putting his skills as an illustrator to a better use than he did himself.

Posted by: Gandalin at March 25, 2007 7:47 PM

We looked up from whatever misery we endured and we said "This sucks. I'm leaving."

We came without money, without family, without connections.

We scrubbed toilets, and saved our surplus, and brought our families over to help us scrub toilets.

We abandoned our homelands, our cultures, our music, our faiths. We weren't just risk tolerant; we were risk indulgent.

We came, generation after generation, learned the local patois, found ways to add value and meaning and context.

We sought our companions and future families from the other immigrants from other cultures. We learned love is more durable than tolerance.

We refreshed the American spirit decade upon decade. As previous generations of Americans became soft and complacent, we burned with a passion for liberty, for opportunity, for a future worth dying for.

We enriched the cultural stew with our own peculiar perspectives. We created a market for goods, services, and diversions unlike anything the world had ever seen.

We threw cash like a printing press.

We invested it in our homes, our families, our communities, and our economic future.

We sacrificed our sons and daughters so that our grandchildren may never have to say "This sucks. I'm leaving."

Posted by: Alan Chamberlain at March 25, 2007 11:05 PM

Hey, Alan, now THAT'S what I'm talking about!

Posted by: Gerard Van der Leun at March 26, 2007 9:19 AM

I agree, Gerard. A fitting addenda to your original.

The true measure of a people is not that they persevere in spite of troubles and travails, but because of them. That they are inspired to rise above themselves because of the difficulties they face. A people are great when they strive knowing their cause is not favored, and indeed has little hope of success.

I once saw a bulletin board sig that read something like this...

Professor: You have but a 5% chance of success. What sort of people dare with such paltry odds?

Adventurer: Heroes professor, heroes.

Posted by: Alan Kellogg at March 26, 2007 11:40 AM

Thanks. I'm insufferably pleased with myself.

Posted by: Alan Chamberlain at March 26, 2007 6:53 PM

Well, well said -- for much of it. Gotta quibble, though, Sybil -- Viz. -- now that you mention it, if you compare East St. Louis with the worst of Bradford or London, or the South Bronx ("no thonx") with the wretchedest arrondissements of Paris, or Flint, MI, with Calabria, or, or, or... there is no/no doubt that in general the poorest in most of Europe are MUCH better off than the poorest in our Un-tied States. In some countries of the Bad Old UrContinent, it is not all that easy to locate an actual, bona-fide poor person: A person without medical coverage of any kind. A person who lives in an appliance carton. A functionally illiterate person who is the child of such another who is the child of such another. Been there, seen it, done that, lived in Europe, lived in the Third World, lived in seven states and visited all 50. With this one, so sorry, I think you hit the nail right on the thumb.

Posted by: 2801 Fulton at March 27, 2007 1:41 AM

"Some middling novelists" . . .

Whaaat?!?

Posted by: Scribe at March 27, 2007 6:11 AM

I'm not done and I'm not leaving. My friends and family aren't done and they aren't leaving either. Those who want to let America die in moral neglect will not prevail. Because while they have disarmed themselves for a serious, eternally worthwhile life, we are re-arming and re-committing ourselves.

Those whose religion is denial can do no better than to hide their faces in their own depravities while our enemies try to co-opt America. But while their cowardice shames only themselves, the brave among us will redeem us all.

America was made by risk loving tough guys and gritty women. People who'd rather die spitting in the face of evil than to live under its beguiling suppress. And America will be saved by their spiritual sons and daughters.

The world is full of people who respect and honor themselves and their neighbors. Every one of them is one of us, a free American at heart if not in geography. The American dream is the heart and soul of humanity; ever to be carried and re-born in the fire of human passions.

Posted by: askmom at March 27, 2007 8:07 AM

I can agree with all of the above, except for the electric guitar.

Posted by: Tom Bullock at March 27, 2007 8:40 AM

"In some countries of the Bad Old UrContinent, it is not all that easy to locate an actual, bona-fide poor person: A person without medical coverage of any kind. A person who lives in an appliance carton. A functionally illiterate person who is the child of such another who is the child of such another."

Simply not true at all. Paris has a growing problem of homelessness, with many people living in camping tents that have been given to them by various philanthropists.

The average dwelling size in which live the people the American census as "below the poverty line" is larger than the average dwelling size for all people in Paris.

As for free medical care, in many cases, what that means is free access to nothing.

Posted by: Gandalin at March 27, 2007 12:21 PM

We came on the ship they called the Mayflower,
We came on the ship that sailed the Moon,
We came in the age's most uncertain hour,
And sang an American tune...

But it's all right,
It's all right,
You can't be forever blessed,
Still, tomorrow's gonna be another working day,
And I'm trying to take my rest,
That's all I'm trying,
To get some rest.

Posted by: Francis W. Porretto at March 28, 2007 1:58 AM

Bullock - go get a CD of Kenny Burrell or Barney Kessell or Wes Montegomery and then let's talk about the electric guitar...cheers

Posted by: doug at March 28, 2007 11:26 AM

I have a great idea: Alan and Gerard can team up in an America First Salute write-a-thon, then do a live performance, say in Madison Square Garden, of their work to the background music of....... electric guitars!

Whadda think, fellows?

Posted by: Webutante at March 28, 2007 6:01 PM

askmom
I'm not done and I'm not leaving. My friends and family aren't done and they aren't leaving either. Those who want to let America die in moral neglect will not prevail. Because while they have disarmed themselves for a serious, eternally worthwhile life, we are re-arming and re-committing ourselves.

That's fine, askmom. But the American Dream didn't start off as the American Dream - it was seeded by the Enlightenment, fertilized in England, then carried here and nurtured ...

The point is that we can move on and spread this elsewhere. The Dream - the ehtos, the ideals - are not tied to a bit of land.

They can fly and take root elsewhere. And they will if some of us have anything to say about it.

Don't look down on some of us who want to chase our dreams to the stars.

Posted by: Brian at March 29, 2007 7:19 PM

What is the piece of music in the video?

It is really familiar (and gorgeous) but I cannot place the composer...

Posted by: Dave Halliday at December 22, 2007 10:56 PM

It is called Gabriel's Oboe from "The Mission" by Ennio Morricone - Score for the film, The Mission

Posted by: vanderleun at December 22, 2007 11:06 PM

Where to and what next? Simple. America could be once again united and have a sense of purpose, by someone who gave a speech that ended: "Back into the black - and this time to stay!"

Posted by: Fletcher Christian at December 23, 2007 5:28 AM

I second what Carl Sandburg said.

Posted by: gabrielpicasso at December 23, 2007 9:39 AM

"Where to? What next?

I think of the internet as a larger version of the old New England meeting house. In our meeting here we discuss "America, not perfect, but pretty awesome-can it survive?, can we make it better?". It is now my turn to stand amongst you "townsfolk" and say my piece. I'll wait until the murmuring in the back has stopped...

MY FELLOW CITIZENS, FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO THANK GERARD VANDERLEUN FOR CALLING US TOGETHER. AND I'D LIKE TO INVITE ALL OF YOU HERE TO JOIN ME IN A MOMENT OF SILENCE IN THOUGHT FOR THOSE WE'VE SENT TO BATTLEFIELDS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, TRYING TO MAKE IT A BETTER ONE..........

AND LET US SET ASIDE FOR A SMALL WHILE OUR FEELINGS TOWARD THOSE WHO HAVE TWISTED THIS WAR, WHICH WE NEVER ASKED FOR, INTO THEIR SHALLOW POLITICAL INSTRUMENT...

WE LOOK ON THIS NATIONS ACHEIVEMENTS IN AWE, AND ASK-WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PRESERVE THIS NATION AND MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR GOODNESS TO PREVAIL UPON THIS EARTH? WHO CAN BEST LEAD US? WHAT, IF ANYTHING CAN WE DO AS INDIVIDUALS TO PRESERVE THIS UNION AND SAVE CIVILIZATION?

FOLKS, THE FACT THAT WE ASK THESE THINGS AND ARE ALLOWED TO ASK THESE THINGS IS PROOF ENOUGH THAT LIBERTY IS STILL ON THE MARCH. OUR NATION HAS BEEN THROUGH TREMENDOUS TRIALS IN THE PAST AND NOW FUTURE GENERATIONS ASK US TO MAKE TOUGH DECISIONS.

AS WE HAVE SEEN, ONE OF OUR MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES HAS PUT ITS ENTIRE FAITH AND ALLEGIENCE TOWARD THE ORGANIZATION KNOWN AS THE UNITED NATIONS AND THE DICTATORS AND MONARCHS THAT IT CODDELS. I DO NOT HAVE TO TELL YOU FINE CITIZENS OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF SUCH AN ALLEGIENCE. HOW CAN ONE HAVE ALLEGIENCE TO THIS NATION AND THAT ORGANIZATION? MY OWN FAITH LIES IN THE COMFORT OF OUR OWN UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION WHICH HAS SERVED OUR NATION WELL. SOME HERE BELIEVE IT TO BE AN OUTDATED METHOD OF GOVERNANCE, BUT I DISAGREE WITH YOU. ANYTHING THAT YOU THINK IS OUTDATED CAN BE CHANGED, IF YOU CAN PERSUADE ENOUGH OF YOUR FELLOW CITIZENS OF THE NEED FOR THE CHANGE.

I DIGRESS.

SO, THE QUESTION IS: DO WE TRAVEL THE PATH OF THE UNITED NATIONS, SOCIALISM, AND THE END OF SO MANY RIGHTS WHICH WE HOLD DEAR?

MY FELLOW CITIZENS, I MAKE THIS PROPOSAL:

THIS NATION HAS NOT ALLOWED AN ADDITIONAL STATE TO ENTER ITS UNION SINCE AUGUST 21 ST, 1959. I PROPOSE THAT WE DEMAND OUR NATION'S LEADERS INVITE ANY NATION UPON THIS EARTH THAT WANTS TO, TO ENTER OUR UNION!

YOU MAY LAUGH, YOU MAY CHUCKLE, YOU MAY MOCK...

FOLKS, IT IS TIME TO GIVE THIS UN ORGANIZATION AND ALL ITS SOCIALIST MINIONS, A RUN FOR IT'S MONEY, WHICH I REMIND YOU MOST OF WHICH IS OURS. WHERE IS THE UNITED NATIONS COMPETITION? IT HAS NONE. WHERE IS THE UNITED NATIONS ACCOUNTABILITY? IT HAS NONE.

I YEARN FOR THE WORLDS CITIZENS TO ENJOY THE FREEDOM THAT I ENJOY NO MATTER THEIR RACE, CREED, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR HOWEVER THEY IDENTIFY THEMSELVES. AS LONG AS THEY WANT TO BE AMERICANS.

LET THE SOCIALISTS HOLE UP IN THAT RAMSHAKLE SHED BY THE HUDSON. LET THEM ENJOY THEIR PUTIN, CHAVEZ, CASTRO, AND THE REST.

THESE ARE TRYING TIMES, MY FRIENDS. THEY CALL FOR BOLD INITIATIVES.

BRING LIBERTY AND HOPE TO THE WORLD...

GIVE THEM THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION, ONE MORE STATE AT A TIME.

Thank you for your time, I take my seat.

Posted by: JD at December 23, 2007 12:06 PM

Oh, and one more thing. We need the Line Item Veto.

Posted by: JD at December 23, 2007 12:11 PM

We had all those things, then along came a long period of Republican control of government, which bankrupted us in every sense. Fortunately, that looks very likely to change soon.

Posted by: Nigel at December 23, 2007 1:00 PM

We ain't outta ammo and I ain't quittin' either. Walt Whitman wouldn't approve, either.

Throw me another 30 round magazine, will ya?

Posted by: Jerry Greenhoot at December 23, 2007 6:35 PM

It's hard to deny that we seem to have entered the "Bread and Circuses" phase of our country's existence.

Posted by: StephenB at December 24, 2007 9:51 AM

StephenB, too right. The USA is not the only one, but it is the most important. Countries, and empires, usually hold off their internal problems by pursuing foreign adventures aimed at conquest. However, for the first time in history, the conquest can be pursued and eventually achieved at nobody else's expense.

The wild black yonder, the frontier that will never end and holds riches beyond our feeble Earthbound imagination, beckons. Has America the will? Has anyone? Wells had it right, in his writings in the 1920s. It is the universe or nothing. Which shall it be?

We edge slowly and by baby steps into the Century of Miracles. Or maybe the Tragic Century, and if so probably our last.

Posted by: Fletcher Christian at December 24, 2007 5:44 PM

Not the end. Not yet. Just a shadow, not the darkness.

Thank you for the beautiful reminder of what we have to lose, if we choose to.

Posted by: Ride Fast at December 26, 2007 3:46 PM
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