American Views Abroad

 
There was an interesting political cartoon in a local paper in Ohio over the Memorial Day weekend. A little boy asks his father why when it is a holiday to remember those who have died in our country's military campaigns is it celebrated with outdoor cook-outs. The newspapers were filled with articles about veterans of many past wars and certainly all the cemeteries were shrouded with mini flags. The bottom line, however, is that for most citizens it is a long weekend used to take a break from everyday routines. The newspapers were also full of ads for the holiday sales and most shops were opened. One shop that closed on Memorial Day, though, was Adli market. The ultimate German retailer has set down roots in Ohio and it made a point of mentioning in its ads that its shops were closed on that last Monday in May. www.aldi.de

With each passing year, particularly these very recent passing years, Fourth of July fails to elicit feelings it once did. It's almost as if being caught in a time-warp. You go through certain motions. A few weeks ago in Annapolis, Maryland at a very funky breakfast place a bell rang at 9:30 on a Sunday morning ordering everyone to stand up and say the Pledge of Allegiance. www.chickandruths.com/pledge.html Some things drilled into you early on come instantly into play. The button is pushed and you perform. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pledge_of_Allegiance.

The lead editorial in the IHT on this July 4th is Through Others' Eyes at www.iht.com/articles/2007/07/03/opinion/edpew.php. 'What the Pew poll reflects is a profound disappointment in America's failure to live up to its own ideals and standards.'
Further articles on this global survey can be found at www.iht.com/articles/2007/06/27/news/democracy.php.

There are many US citizens who are as disturbed by present events as those abroad. Barbara Ehrenreich wrote This Land is My Land for The Nation recently. Not a bad idea to take a look at what she has to say about what's going on at home as well on this July 4th. www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/07/02/2239.
- posted by Gloria @ 1:33 PM