Jingoism 20/01/2005 (This article forms part of the Journal that I am writing to describe my impressions of America since arrival in September, 2004. To begin reading this Journal from the beginning, click here.)As I have mentioned elsewhere, I am not a political animal. My view has always been that, as long as the politicians left me alone, I would do the same for them. This has worked for me over a long period, particularly in Britain, where the most important political decisions involve the price of beer and the use of speed cameras to catch unwary motorists.But there must be something in the air in America, for I find myself beginning to take note of political events here. Today is Inaugural Day, when the incoming President makes a speech and takes the oath of office, so it may be appropriate for me to reveal just a few of my political impressions at this point.I am ancient enough to remember a time when Britain's now-faded empire was still in existence, although the dismantling of that edifice had already begun. As a child I sometimes marveled at my good fortune to be born British, aware that this happy chance entitled me to certain advantages not bestowed upon other nationalities. In those innocent and short-sighted days we had no inkling that the scattered areas of pink on the map were about to change color forever and there remained a sense of pride in the fact that our ancestors had accumulated a third of the world's land area. Being so young, I had no understanding of the clear signs that the end was nigh.In the years that followed, we watched as the empire crumbled and fell apart. As a teenager, I came to accept that this was inevitable, that our little island could no longer afford the huge cost of maintaining such a vast and disparate empire. Change was everywhere and we were dead leaves adrift in the storm.I learned, too, that we should feel shame at building such a monolith in the first place, that our wealth and power was derived from the colonization and oppression of others not so fortunate as to be born British. Against this I could protest that the empire had brought benefits, too, benefits of education and medicine and order. But this came, apparently, from my predilection to see the world only through the eyes of Western civilization; there were other equally valid viewpoints from which that civilization appeared wholly evil. In the face of the prevailing wisdom, I grew silent, pretending not to know from experience that the empire was often a mutually beneficial arrangement for both rulers and ruled.There remained a shred of pride in the fact that the British Empire was the first to dismember itself voluntarily. All others in history had held on to the last, refusing to understand that their time had passed. At least in this, we had tried to do the honorable thing, accepting defeat gracefully, as they say.In my time in England, I watched my country coming to terms with the loss of empire. Although the empire was never mentioned, being such a shameful and disgraceful episode in our history, it loomed over our political thinking, the adjustment from being a world power to a small nation of very little account too great a change to be digested in a moment. I believe that Britain wrestles with this still.And now I find myself in America. In some respects, this is like going back a hundred years to another era. Gone is the world weary cynicism of the modern British outlook, the unspoken apology for past sins of empire, the pretense at world power play whilst trimming the budget to field a miniature army. Here there is confidence and determination, a willingness to accept the role of sole world power and a certainty of national destiny that died in Britain a century ago.In watching the Americans explore the pre-eminence that the demise of the Soviet Union has thrust upon them, I am so often reminded of a word that came into use in Britain before the First World War. That word has fallen into disrepute now, being taken as an indication of bigotry and xenophobia, yet its origins lie in an attitude that was merely realistic at the time. As Germany and the rest of Europe armed for the coming conflict, a saying became widespread in Britain: "We don't want to fight but, by jingo, if we do..." The word "jingoism" was born.As I mentioned, jingoism has a bad reputation now, but I do not mean it so. To me, there seems nothing wrong with a desire not to go to war but a resolve to fight well if one does. The world would have a less bloody history had more countries been so unwilling to make war on others. And tell me this: has there ever been a nation that didn't fight to its utmost once war has begun? No, in my view, jingoism is not something to be despised but rather a sensible response to the threat of conflict.Am I accusing the Americans of jingoism? I suppose I am, but in the nicest possible way. I applaud both their distaste for war and their willingness to see it through once started. There are those who would disown the so-called war in Iraq, insisting that the whole business was begun in error, yet proposing no other solution than completing the job now that it is under way. Yet I think they have short memories for I recall only an urgent desire in the heart of the nation to ensure that no atrocity like the Twin Towers ever happened again. At the time, I heard no dissenting American voices from the stated policy of hunting down terrorism wherever it found refuge.Patriotism is still a good thing in America. Even those who disagree with present government initiatives are patriots with the good of the nation as their stated ideal. To live in America is to learn just how unfashionable patriotism has become in Britain, at least in England. There it is seen as the root cause of all wars, something that breeds only hate and dissension, that should be sublimated in some mystical pan-European submission to the great god Euro.But I think they have it wrong. Patriotism can be the enjoyment and pride of one's nation, not necessarily to the exclusion of all others. There is no insistence in patriotism that other nations be despised; merely that there is recognition of the qualities and achievements of one's own nation, with full recognition of the distinctiveness and worthiness of other nations, too.You might hear Americans say quite openly that their nation is "the best in the world". But before you react with bruised pride and defensiveness, I suggest you look in their eyes. There is an element of amusement, a suggestion of tongue in cheek there. Being fully aware that they are the descendants of immigrant stock, they know that, in some ways, it is a preposterous statement. Yet they also know that there is an element of truth in it, for it is the nation that took them in and allowed them the freedom to be whoever they might. They have good reason to be proud of their nation. Indeed, it is a necessary thing, since the USA is so new in the context of history and it has required care to build so diverse a population into a unified and cohesive whole. Hence the pledge of allegiance, the pomp and circumstance surrounding the flag, the martial music on state occasions, the establishment of Thanksgiving as a tradition, so many reminders to the immigrant that now you are an American.I speak in generalizations, of course. This United States is so vast and contains so many different people groups, climates, landscapes and professions that there will be exceptions to any statement I care to make. Yet I do believe that there is an ethos, a binding tie that unites all nations, and it is in generalization that we might glimpse some evidence of this.I experience it all and the great flow of life in America washes over me. Let us say that what I have written here is an interim reaction, a first impression that will deepen and broaden as time goes on. Who knows? It might even be possible that I will become American in the end. But I will always be English - they can't take that away from me.(to go directly to the next entry in the Journal, click here)
Clive
Harry Here! Here! V. intelligently written, even for a Pommie. (And I get to go first, too...what a day!) One thing you left out, but that I read well between your lines, is that this America that the world currently loves to throws rocks at is made up entirely of every hurler on the planet's ancestors. I wonder if that thought ever occurs to them. Date Added: 20/01/2005
Gone Away Perhaps that a part of their jealousy, Way - they were the ones who opted to stay home. ;) Date Added: 20/01/2005
Hannah Might I point out that these same rock-throwers are the first to beg us for help when disaster strikes? Yet none of them ever reciprocate. As soon as they are back on their feet, they're off looking for more stones. Date Added: 21/01/2005
Gone Away I guess it's a case of the big guy always being the target - easier to hit, you know ;) Date Added: 21/01/2005
Mad I've been biting my nails trying really hard not to comment. I've managed to stop myself from doing a counter-blog but I can't help myself... I… must... comment. First off the Brits I know are hugely anti - "some mystical pan-European submission to the great god Euro." They loathe Europe (except Spain, where for some bizarre reason they all want to live). Secondly I think I must argue with your definition of patriotism, I have come to the conclusion that patriotism's natural outcome is an unconscious belief that other nations are lesser. The patriotism you talk about is as rare as hen’s teeth (my friend Josh being one of the few reasoning patriots I know). Normally it's a knee jerk emotion that has its roots in our tribal past and it knows that “no other tribe is as good as mine.” As for your assertion that the phrase “the best in the world” is tongue in cheek, I think that you and I must have met different Americans… I will say that I agree with you that it’s partly America’s youth and diversity of origin that leads to the whole “pledge allegiance to the flag” thing. I noticed a similar effect in Australia. They are fiercely patriotic partly because they’re not quite sure who they are yet, or so it seemed to me (I mean they love folk songs but they aren’t old enough to have their own folk music tradition). Now before my American friends forever disown me I better point out that I love Americans and I look forward to visiting America. My point is merely that I distrust patriotism and I am extremely perturbed by American foreign policy (whilst at the same time I understand the impetus behind it). I think Jingoism (and hubris) in the more modern sense is connected with the current US governments policies. Date Added: 21/01/2005
Ned In any discussion of national pride, let us not forget who gave that back to Americans. In America of 1980, post Vietnam, post Watergate, held hostage by recession and OPEC, Americans held hostage in Iran, we were so used to self examination and self flagellation we were being convinced we deserved it. It was Ronald Reagan who stood up and told everyone it was okay to be proud to be an American, who gave us back our national pride. He stirred the embers of patriotism, reminding us all that America truly was the greatest country on earth. He demonstrated for us of what our country stands for and what our President should stand for when he declared "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall". It is right when Americans question policies, it is essential to true freedom for citizens to examine the goals of the government and even to dissent. But it is equally essential for Americans to feel that pride in their nation, without it we are held hostage to our enemies in the worst way. Jimmy Carter didn't lose because of the recession or high oil prices and interest rates, he lost because he told Americans they had a "national malaise" . We don't need a President who tells us to be ashamed of our country, we have the rest of the world for that. Sorry, I just had to get one in for The Gipper. ;) Date Added: 21/01/2005
Gone Away Mad, I am well aware that a large proportion of the English are anti-Europe but they do not make enough protest at the continual slide into the European Union. This will result in their being included in the whole mish-mash that is Europe almost by default. They will then have to sup the cup of "mystical pan-European submission to the great god Euro" whether they like it or not. A part of what I was trying to say is that the extinction of acceptable patriotism in England today leads to the English being unable to object when terrible things are done to their country. Note that the Scots and the Welsh are still allowed to be patriotic and protest most volubly when any harm is done their respective countries.
There is truth in what you say about patriotism often leading to an assumption that one's own country is somehow "better" than any other. But this is a warping of what could and should be a noble sentiment. If I cry out for reasoned patriotism (and I think it is more common than you think), will you shout me down?
Sometimes I am tactful, Mad. Yes, there are many Americans who say their country is the best in the world and mean it. But perhaps I am kinder than you in confessing that, in many ways, they are quite right. ;) This does not mean that I am any less the English patriot. You know how I love my people and am proud to be English; but I can love America too, can't I? Date Added: 21/01/2005
Gone Away I'm with you, Ned - there is no reason that Americans should be ashamed of their country. It is indeed a great country and there is no harm in being proud of that; in fact there is something wrong when one does not express love of one's own country. I would point at those Russians who hated their regime under the Communists, yet did not defect because they loved their country. That is true patriotism. Date Added: 21/01/2005
Gone Away PS. I love it when you guys start debating in this Comments section. Go to it, folks! :D Date Added: 21/01/2005
Way If anyone is left alive later, drop by my cave, which to me, is sufficient for my palrty needs. I hung some pictures, did a bit of dusting and moving around of the chair-rocks. It's a pleasant cave, to my clan and me.
There's several more holes across the swamp, and some are nice-sized. But they eat with strange tools over there, and they mumble a lot. I think they have fleas, but I'm not positive of that fact. I keep pets to a minimum, with just one wife. These kids she claims are ours. Visitors are welcomed to take several home. Date Added: 21/01/2005
Mad I'm not saying Americans should be ashamed of their country, far from it. They have much to be proud of. I'm saying that the reasoned patritotism of which you speak is damn rare and that the more common variety is dangerous. As for the British apathy as they allow the politicians to lead them into Europe, it infuriates me. They'll end up fighting wars to retrieve what they're letting slip away, the fools. But I think that's partly the British character. It's the opposite end of the scale from o'er weening pride; and both are too extreme. Date Added: 21/01/2005
Mad Mr Way, I'm very fond of your cave and the hospitality I've received there and never fear there will be sign posts pointing at your home here soon enough. Date Added: 21/01/2005
Gone Away Potential visitors to Way's cave should go to http://wayfareingstranger.blogspot.com/ . It is a very pleasant cave, thoroughly recommended by this humble blogger.
I wouldn't accept any bargain offers of kids, however... Date Added: 21/01/2005
Way This is a test. This concludes the test. We now return you to regularly scheduled events. Date Added: 21/01/2005
Way Bugger. I just don't get it. Date Added: 21/01/2005
Paige I am so proud, especially bein a true native american, as I read all of these and I think about the history of this great nation, I naturally think of how my own nation of people was treated by this "great america". Who knows how things may have been otherwise, all I can say with all honesty and on reservations is that I am so proud to be an American. To live where I can openingly object and demonstrate is pretty cool, think of the people yesterday, that protested and turned their backs, they had that right, granted I feel as though it was in bad taste to do so at the very celebration of democracy itself. I didn't intend to ramble, but let me continue for another second or two. The war in Iraq... no matter how long it ends up taking, we can't leave it unfinished, to do so would be horrific. I am thinkin perhaps we need to run the twin towers videos and news coverage as when it happened, amazing to me that people are so quick to forget the emotions we had that september 2001. FINISH WHAT YA START Date Added: 21/01/2005
Gone Away All too true, on both counts, Mad. Sadly... Date Added: 21/01/2005
Mad So close Mr Way... when you want to space out your paragraphs just use <br ><br > and forget all about <p>. that's all there is to it really :D Date Added: 21/01/2005
Gone Away Am in total agreement with Paige there. And, dare I mention it, proud too to have a native American comment on these sundry ponderings of mine. As the Aussies would say - good on yer, Paige! :) Date Added: 21/01/2005
Mad Bugger! I meant <br /><br /> And Paige? At the risk of starting an all out war in here what has Iraq to do with the twin towers? ;) Date Added: 21/01/2005
Paige okay here we go, NOTHING, it turns out. But they are terrorist, and stop em where ya find em, besides i look at how they were treated over there, can we stand by and do nothing as in rowanda? Date Added: 21/01/2005
Way Man, this place is better than Starbucks. The wife and I drove half-an-hour last night, as we talked abt chauvinisim and such. We had fun. One wild opinion I usually hold close, being the who-cares sort, got exposed during the trip. My betting the downfall of this country could come from....get this, folk...freedom of speech sure got the van's radio turned down in a jiffy. But it makes sense to me, from all the claptrap I hear going around the world. It sounds like 900 boom boxes all going at once, and each one playing different music. Hard to tell the rap from the country...sheesh. Crikey. Oy vey. Don't that just wrinkle a good suit? Now years ago I read somewhere some man's assertion that Americans should keep their lips zipped after they vote, and let the politicians duke out the details. Hell, even they don't know what's going on. Can I get another coffee here? And not any of that fancy junk, either. I think I'm out of space. Date Added: 21/01/2005
Way Mad, I am afraid that the day I learn how to code properly, the damn lights will go out. Date Added: 21/01/2005
Mad Oh here we go indeed Paige(look what you've started Dad, when I have no friends left I'll blame you)!Saddam was not a terrorist he was a tyrant, a dictator and a murderer. So, great, he's gone! But here's the rub: Does America have the right to judge every country and its politics? Are you really going to be the world's policeman? If so, well there's a little problem in the country in which I was born (Zimbabwe), in fact there's a dictator there with as much blood on his hands as Saddam. So you going to send troops? Nope you won't, I know this because the west has sat on its hands and watched for years (just like it did with Rwanda, you're right). Oh and that problem in Sudan? Why aren't you being a little more firm with the Sudanese government? Myanmar's people would appreciate a little help too I'm guessing. I could go on but I'm sure I don't need to labour the issue. My point is, please don't be so naive as to believe our soldiers are in Iraq for the good of its people or to root out terrorists (although my Dad's right; now we are there, we have to finish the job or we'll leave a blood bath behind us). Another awkward question is: if America's the world’s policeman now, well, who's going to police the policeman? It’s a two edged sword Paige... Date Added: 21/01/2005
Gone Away I think Way has a point there. There are two words available - patriotism and chauvinism. Can we not decide that "patriotism" stands for the good kind and "chauvinism" the bad?
Coffee? Good idea - be back in a mo... Date Added: 21/01/2005
Gone Away Haha, looks like I screwed up on the coding in that last comment. Can I join the club, Way? Date Added: 21/01/2005
Mad Stick with me Mr Way, you'll do fine. And Dad chauvinism isn't quite the word I want... Maybe it's Jingoism I mean... Lmao Date Added: 21/01/2005
Gone Away That's the thing about opinions, Mad - everyone's got one.
Am now biting my tongue to prevent me entering the debate between Paige and Mad. There is a matter of innocent bystanders and friendly fire to be considered here... Date Added: 21/01/2005
Gone Away ,oO( heck, the comments are coming in so fast, it's getting like chat... ) Date Added: 21/01/2005
Gone Away And here's me trying to rehabilitate the word "jingoism"... Date Added: 21/01/2005
Ned In this springtime of hope, some lights seem eternal; America's is. - Ronald Reagan (don't let Way near the lights) Well of course the argument is made that we are not there in every crisis, nor defending every human against tyranny, nor policing every corner of the world to ensure peace and safety. Perhaps the Middle East is important to us economically. Maybe we did it for the oil, could be... we need oil. But the Middle East didn't need another loose cannon like Saddam, so sounds like a good trade-off. Maybe the hope of stability in the Middle East, being always in jeopardy, seems less fantastic without a Saddam. We may have been completely wrong to go. But again, we are there, it is done. Let's make it worth the effort and do it right. Otherwise a lot of lives have been wasted. Date Added: 21/01/2005
Gone Away To Ned's comment: Hear, hear. Date Added: 21/01/2005
Way Is it safe to come out yet? Date Added: 21/01/2005
Gone Away Oh I think so, Way. Mad's gone home hahaha... Date Added: 21/01/2005
bumpy_beth Well, im not going to debate, but I do want to say, that was awesome. Loved every word of it. Im almost Speechless...... can that happen??? Date Added: 21/01/2005
Gone Away Beth, you're wonderful. I just love flattery (and no, I don't mean Michael Flattery, the cab driver from Toronto). :) Date Added: 21/01/2005
paige I think I love Ned, he's soooo smart Date Added: 21/01/2005
Gone Away Very true Paige. Just one thing, however: Ned's female. ;) Date Added: 21/01/2005
Paige lol how fitting, really makes sense now. see God knew what he was doing. Date Added: 21/01/2005
Gone Away Yeah, He usually does. ;) Date Added: 21/01/2005
Hannah Perusing all of these posts, I find myself thinking several thinks. I think that until we clean up the mess on our own back lawn, we have no damned business cleaning up other peoples' messes. If we are going to do so anyway, we need to clean up everything, not just the messes we find politically stimulating.
I find it interesting that people in Iraq are literally dying to vote, when so many Americans, including me, are apathetic. I find myself ashamed, suddenly, although I don't vote because I don't live in a swing state. I also find it interesting that we are dying to give the Iraqi people a democracy, when our own government is not.
I don't feel, obviously, that we had any business going to Iraq in the first place, but I agree with Ned that since we are there, we must finish what we started. I think it's going to take many years, and I'm not too impressed with our short term goals. I'm also afraid it's going to do more harm than good-- the propaganda machine is running full-force while we bungle our way through. I say "we"-- why? I have no part in this. I have never seen a war, seen innocents tortured or killed. No one I know is in Iraq, or apt to go. I have absolutely nothing at stake personally. So perhaps I should shut up, and let those speak who have something to lose. Date Added: 22/01/2005
Gad To this point, reading of your "journey" has been impressive. Let me continue the enjoyable thread, which, I might add, has evolved nicely, by this observation. "Usually?????" :) Date Added: 22/01/2005
Gone Away Oh Hannah, cheer up. Perhaps the best thing to do is let the politicians get on with it and we'll see what happens, huh? At least we won't have worried ourselves sick over something we can't change then ;) Date Added: 22/01/2005
Gone Away "Usually" with a wink afterwards, Gad. :D Of course He always knows what He's doing. Thanks for your kind comments - they are much appreciated. :) Date Added: 22/01/2005
Paige hey thank me........ thank me, Im a jealous type Date Added: 22/01/2005
Gone Away Oh I do thank you, Paige, profusely and with bunches of flowers as well! Date Added: 22/01/2005
paige well may i invite u to visit my blog, mind u before u go, i do not type in perfect english, im a country girl from rural north carolina, i type how i talk. i also cuss alot, and its not for the lack of vocabulary, just thats what i do, i talk about everything, from men gettin on my nerves to my battle which i won with cancer, im not as well read as you are, but if ever you are bored, enjoy. current one http://whatwasithinkin.net/j.html the one where i first begin battle with cancer http://whatwasithinkin.net/journals.htmlBR> Date Added: 22/01/2005
Gone Away Thank you, Paige, I will certainly visit your blog. And it's okay about the cussing - I'm old enough to have heard quite a lot of that in my time. ;) I pray you win your battle. Date Added: 22/01/2005
josh Patriotism is : Love of and devotion to one's country. Survey says: Enh, not so bad. Whilst Nationalism is : The doctrine that your national culture and interests are superior to any other. Survey says: Bad! Bad! Reeeeeal Bad! That is all I have to say about that :> Date Added: 22/01/2005
josh I might add that the word doctrine figures heavily in the difference between them thur two nouns. Date Added: 22/01/2005
Gone Away Ah, I think Josh has clarified that for us all. The word doctrine duly noted. Thanks, Josh. But where have you been all day? You missed a spectacular bun fight in here... :D Date Added: 22/01/2005
josh Frankly, Mr. Gone, I have not yet recovered my appetite for political loudmouthery -- and well, as you mentioned early in your wonderfully written article, it was only yesterday that I had to sit passively and watch as a path I do not blieve in was resumed in earnest. I am in the place where I might be so worried about something I love (my country, in this case), that I cannot manage cogent discourse without letting bitterness and anger creep in. All I could manage to think of is the concept of "a mandate" -- how it must always be given, and can never be taken. Date Added: 22/01/2005
Mad Cheers Josh, glad you came along buddy, good point; nationalism is my fear and real patriotism is a good thing.Thanks Hannah for saying so well what I was fumbling towards; stay a while why don't you :D Have a cup of tea, put your feet up.Josh? What are those colours mang?? Lime green and scarlet in my blog? Tsk Tsk. Here's your palette for next time: All the greys, Orange(#FF9900) and if you're really desperate for a new colour Blue(#0066FF) ;) And I'd like to say what a pleasure it is to see people pop out of the woodwork (*cough Gad! cough*). This was fun and it gets the record Dad... Date Added: 22/01/2005
bumpy_beth Flattering is what im good at.... lol. Dirt said it best when he said, "Beth your sweet (a pathological liar, but sweet)!" lol. Then today i saw the quote, "If all else fails, be Cute!" love that, lol. Date Added: 22/01/2005
Gone Away Josh: I had no idea that this article would spark such a long and varied debate. Believe it or not, I was trying to give a couple of impressions without ruffling anyone's feathers. Obviously, my tact failed me on this occasion.
But I am glad that you have so succinctly defined the word that seems to have caused most of the kerfuffle: "patriotism" (and I thought it would be jingoism, hah). You have made it clear that it is not necessarily a bad word for you, too, are a patriot, as is only right and proper.
That is perhaps the essence of what I was trying to say: that I have found Americans to be patriots first and foremost, something that is rare in England these days since the meaning of the word has been dragged in the dust for so long over there. And patriotism transcends mere politics since it is not depenedent upon whichever party happens to be in power or what policies are in force. Patriotism has much more to do with the underlying ethos of a nation than any particular doctrinal preference, as you have so wisely pointed out.
I also detect, sir, that, were we to have a discussion of our own political preferences (not that mine matter since I am a mere foreigner and long ago opted out of any right to have a say even in Britain's political affairs), we would probably disagree. But I say to you that this is irrelevant for there are many other areas where we would be in complete agreement, and I feel sure that, at heart, we both subscribe to the same ideals. If we choose to see those ideals develop in different ways, well, that is good, for God loves diversity.
Let us enjoy this moment when the political speeches are done for a while, when our thoughts can turn to more mundane and (dare I say it?) important matters. For just a short while, Josh, be with me in my apoliticism and let us know that, in the long run, there is a higher power that will right all wrongs, heal all wounds and bring us safely into that harbor we call peace. Date Added: 22/01/2005
Gone Away Mad: Records are transient things, Mad. It is just good to see that so many of us have been able to contribute to this little "debate" without stumbling into the morass of name-calling (as happens so often in chat). God bless America! Oh, and Britain too ( especially England :D )! Date Added: 22/01/2005
Gone Away Ah Beth, you are both cute and sweet. :) But you owe us a blog, methinks. To work young lady, to work! Date Added: 22/01/2005
Mad Nkosi sikelel'i-Afrika :p Date Added: 22/01/2005
Gone Away .oO(I always forget that he was born in Africa...) Date Added: 22/01/2005
Strong Bad (the final word) (singing to the theme of Rawhide) "Typing, typing, typing. Sit-ting at my keyboard. Got to ans-wer Emails - type oo-on" Hokay. Where am I? What!??! Hey. It looks like Strong Badius is crammed inside some teeny-weeny white box...somewhere...in cyberland...that I don't even know the location of...sort of...kind of...off. a> This is too much to bear, even for Strong Bad. I guess I got to get down off my stool now and crawl up under the desk-esk-esk. See if Cheat unplug-ed the COM pu tor again. Date Added: 22/01/2005
Gone Away Strong language from Strong Bad, I see. Oh, and mornin' Way! :D Please note: Mad has added links in the commenters' names ;) Date Added: 22/01/2005
Way I see that now. What a son you have there. (meaning: My sidewalk remains unshoveled at 10 AM Saturday)
Ali 'ratherenjoyed' being forced to sit and read all 60 remarks while flakes fell outside. Real flakes, that is. Which reminds me.
I'll wager I am as amazed as you at such response, by jingo. To myself, it points out some things. The gist of it is how few seem to listen well. I know this to be true for myself, after owning several wives.
I sort of wonder if I blogged on, say, buns.
"Saturday, January 22. 10:22 AM.
I never consumed a bun before, growing up in the south. We only ate bisquits, with either butter, jelly or gravy. But I just tasted my first bun, and by jove, I do like them. Nice flavour and texture, plus the smell of them baking is mighty enticing. I shall add buns to our menu, since they are so delicious to my palette."
The other thing is the tact you mentioned. Believe this: that unknownst-to-self-quality appears brightest throughout your efforts here, and must be studied, as well as applauded. Date Added: 22/01/2005
Gone Away Yes, I'm proud of my son. Indeed, you might say that I feel quite "patriotic" about him. I am one of the very few who know how short a time it has taken him to establish himself as a gifted and sensitive web developer. And he would be the first to interject with an "Oh, come on Dad, I'm still learning." I am hearing on the news your current snowfall. All I can say in comfort is: it couldn't happen to a nicer guy... ;) The "bun" idea is good, I think; after all, I managed to make some currency (or should that be currantcy?) out of bread! Tact, of course, is a fine thing, as long as one doesn't mind tying oneself in labyrinthine knots occasionally... :D Date Added: 22/01/2005
Way Currants. Reminds me how I love the cranberry. Or is this an old issue?
Eli managed through a foot, with a "Whatev". That should temporarily save your Mad from a horrid strain. Realize, I have become quite fond of both; I shall proudly permit you to call me a jingoistic father, if you so desire.
I remain, knotless, yet averagely amazed. Date Added: 22/01/2005
w But,not yet. What was I thinking. Date Added: 22/01/2005
w But, not Yet. (I was not thinking) Date Added: 22/01/2005
Gone Away Shhhh Way, don't mention cranberries; Ned might be listening... Date Added: 22/01/2005
keeef No one should be ashamed to be American, least of all Americans. This whole thread is to much, i could bite chunks out of it, but i imagine that the FBI now monitor such anti american posts and will have me down as a potential threat, and as i still have to fly to Oz i dont want to find myself in Guantanamo Bay detained at the leisure of a nation who spent several hundred years funding terrorism in mainland Britain for a cause they believed in. Indeed, it is very interesting that almost every 'Bad guy' in hollywood movies is portrayed as English. Americans have every right to be proud of their nation, but no right at all to force its beliefs on others or fund armies or wage war in order to make others conform to their ideals. And as for the removal of Saddam, please let us not fool ourselves into believing it was done for any other reason than the acquisition of oil so that the US government can continue to keep its citizens happy with low cost fuel. The US has an appalling record on dirty fuel emissions which stems from the corruption of its politicians and their desire, along with the large corporate owners, to worship the dollar rather than the world around them. God bless America....someone needs to Date Added: 23/01/2005
Gone Away Tsk tsk, Keef; that's not a comment, it's a rant. ;) Fortunately, I don't think anyone will see it because we've all moved on from here now. :D Date Added: 23/01/2005
keeef yeah true...... but it made me feel better :) Date Added: 24/01/2005
Gone Away Anything to be of service, Keef ;) Date Added: 24/01/2005
keeef Then mines a pint of ale....you cant get it for love nor money here ;) Date Added: 24/01/2005
Back to the main blog
You may use HTML in comments. A carriage return is <br />, use two for a new paragraph. For bold text use <strong></strong> and for italic text use <em></em>. If you know what you're doing feel free to use more complex mark-up but please no deprecated tags or JavaScript.
Name * Comment * Email * URL Commenting has closed for this post
