Comment from c_lucas

Excellent

Study the trails of tears and you will find "So-called civilized Indians" up-rooted and sent west. I am talking about lawyers and doctors when I referr to "Civilized." This is very well written. American's hands are far from being clean. Very well writtn Bill.

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2012

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reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012

Thanks for reading Charlie and for your support. Both are appreciated. Bill

reply by c_lucas on 23-Jan-2012

You're welcome, Bill. Charlie

Comment from MumEsGirl

Excellent

Good interesting read. American isnt perfect, neither are any other nationality.

Americans are perceived as wanting to be bigger and better than other people. But I would think that that might be sour grapes. In a country as diverse as America the opportunities for progress are plentiful but with such a mix of nationalities, there is also the need for ambition

kate

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2012

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reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012

Hi Kate - thanks for reading. I can't disagree with your point. America is an incredible land of opportunity, but I do feel that we tend to look down on other people. I've lived outside of the US twice in my life. Ugly American is sometimes more than a phrase. Regards, Bill

Comment from humpwhistle

Excellent

Bill, what I take away from your essay is: Let's be fair.
I applaud you, and I will follow you to stand-in, sit-in, sing-in or drive-in anywhere I can reach in order to demonstrate my support for simple fairness.
You have done a good job of balancing our moral outrage with our ultimate culpability.
History is the only real scope we have with which to view the future. Thank you for the reminder.

Peace, Lee

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2012

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reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012

Thanks Lee - I'm sure I'll catch some flak on this, but was just something going through my mind at the time. I have to be careful about capturing those moments in words. Some could result in my arrest! Peace on you too. Bill

Comment from adewpearl

Exceptional

Excellent use of illustrative anecdotal examples to prove your point
Your logic is impeccable
Powerful example of our fire raids and use of nuclear weapons
You are probably going to receive some flack, for this - the truth hurts - ditto for your example of our slaughter of the Native Americans who lived and thrived here before we "discovered" this continent
atrocities committed by American's - drop the apostrophe
an arm's length in time - add apostrophe for possessive
This is a powerful, truthful, insightful essay :-) Brooke

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2012

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reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012

Thank you Brooke! A six from you is more like a ten to me. So far, no negative comments. Warm regards, Bill

reply by adewpearl on 23-Jan-2012

There are definitely folks on this site who would make negative comments if they were to review - I am listing their names in my mind :-)

Comment from keimosobie

Excellent

What u say is true and America is a great nation and we could have easily seized control of the world at any time but the truth is there is no money in it. Yes the poor and middle class would have benefited from it but the rich controlling capitalist only want what's best for thier busnesses. So we suffer.

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2012

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reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012

Thanks for reading and for your interesting comment. Bill

Comment from ScarletClearwater

Excellent

We aren't perfect and I wish we could see it because everyone else sure as hell does. Great job with this piece and the message it sent. It was powerful.

 Comment Written 23-Jan-2012

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reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012

Thanks for reading Scarlet and for the great feedback.

Comment from Nomar Chagrin

Excellent

Super astute analysis, Bill. You should be a political journalist. I related to every word of this.

Good, clear historical accounts complete with analysis.

Americans, for all their good points, are probably the most ego-centric people in the world. Like, what's good for America is good for everyone.

The essay form and mechanics were also impeccable--stating and argument, supporting it strongly, and wrapping it up with a stellar conclusion.

Damn good journalism, Bill.

Now here's you error you always sneak in there to test me:

Country's (countries)

~ Erik

(They won't let me give you a 6 for some reason)






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 Comment Written 23-Jan-2012

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reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012

Hi Erik - your feedback is all the six I need. Thank you very much. We've both lived outside of the United States. It is there where you know where the concept of "Ugly American" comes from. When I was stationed in Germany, I dressed more like a German. Regards, Bill

reply by Nomar Chagrin on 23-Jan-2012

Funny you should mention that, Bill. When I was in German, after awhile most of my friends were Germans, lived off base, had a German girlfriends. In general, the Germans weren't too crazy about Americans, but with very good reason. We got a lot in common.

~ Erik

reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012

Sounds real familiar except the German girl friend. I was with wife number one, but that was before the bad chemicals.

Comment from N.K. Wagner

Excellent

A fine essay, Bill. You have a few SPAGs to look at, though:

American's - no apostrophe (three times)

Republican's/ Democrat's - no apostrophes

Country's - no cap, no apostrophe

we we pull those metaphorical shorts down, - when we?

A fine bit of research brought close to home by your measuring time by the lifetimes of your friends and relatives. Well done. :) Nancy

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 Comment Written 23-Jan-2012

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reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012

Thanks Nancy - both for reading and the spots. I appreciate both. Bill