A Product of Where We've Been
Thoughts on a dynamic focus on history58 total reviews
Comment from artemis53
I enjoyed this tremendously.
I am a history buff that gleans information from both the written and oral history. I live in a small, antebellum town of the South and have had oral history of the town passed tome. A lot isn't pretty but the 'old timers' wanted to get it straight about those days and what the atmosphere was. I am indebted to those elderly and passed my discoveries to the town historian. they filled in the 'why' for me.
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012
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I enjoyed this tremendously.
I am a history buff that gleans information from both the written and oral history. I live in a small, antebellum town of the South and have had oral history of the town passed tome. A lot isn't pretty but the 'old timers' wanted to get it straight about those days and what the atmosphere was. I am indebted to those elderly and passed my discoveries to the town historian. they filled in the 'why' for me.
Comment Written 23-Jan-2012
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012
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Well, we need to talk sometime. I'm from the Lagrange / Pine Mountain area of Georgia. Small Southern town for sure. I hope that you write some of your stories. Warm regards, Bill
Comment from Matoshka
Excellent essay, I was so touched by your honesty. Yes, we have stains, that is true, but if people would just stop trying to change everything, unless of of course they asked, perhaps things would could more smoothly. I am glad you brought of the Cherokees and other nations that are almost no more, I am proud to have that blood in my veins. So much is lost for everyone. I so enjoyed this so much, and I thank you for writing it. Blessings my friend.
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012
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Excellent essay, I was so touched by your honesty. Yes, we have stains, that is true, but if people would just stop trying to change everything, unless of of course they asked, perhaps things would could more smoothly. I am glad you brought of the Cherokees and other nations that are almost no more, I am proud to have that blood in my veins. So much is lost for everyone. I so enjoyed this so much, and I thank you for writing it. Blessings my friend.
Comment Written 23-Jan-2012
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012
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I actually have Creek Indians on my mothers side. Thank you for reading and for your always kind words, Bill
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You are so welcome Bill. I enjoyed it so much. All nations lost so much. God Bless you my friend.
Comment from wordsfromsue
Arrogant Americans. I personally use the term Ugly Americans in relation to traveling overseas. It's not my term, but I agree with it.
This is a very provocative piece that I really enjoyed reading. That's unusual in itself, as I don't usually like reading things connected to wars, etc. But I do when it's discussing the ways of man in general. This was written in an easy to read style.
You presented a lot of good food for thought. I'm 52. 50 doesn't FEEL like a blink of an eye!
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012
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Arrogant Americans. I personally use the term Ugly Americans in relation to traveling overseas. It's not my term, but I agree with it.
This is a very provocative piece that I really enjoyed reading. That's unusual in itself, as I don't usually like reading things connected to wars, etc. But I do when it's discussing the ways of man in general. This was written in an easy to read style.
You presented a lot of good food for thought. I'm 52. 50 doesn't FEEL like a blink of an eye!
Comment Written 23-Jan-2012
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012
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Hi Sue - I can almost remember when I was fifty ... I've lived overseas, most recently as a soldier in Germany. When you do that, you begin to understand the term "Ugly American". I'm proud to be an American, but there have been times that I was shamed. Always warm regards, Bill
Comment from Deb Damone
If it were ten or fifteen years ago I would have thought you a traitor of sorts LOL However I have become aware of so much more of global matters and how we handle things than I really want to know! We are not only...not perfect...we are pretty self absorbed!
We often do things that we would not tolerate from other countries and we are a bit snobbish as you allude to in your piece.
I can see why you are so high on the list of authors...well done:-)
Deb
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012
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If it were ten or fifteen years ago I would have thought you a traitor of sorts LOL However I have become aware of so much more of global matters and how we handle things than I really want to know! We are not only...not perfect...we are pretty self absorbed!
We often do things that we would not tolerate from other countries and we are a bit snobbish as you allude to in your piece.
I can see why you are so high on the list of authors...well done:-)
Deb
Comment Written 23-Jan-2012
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012
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Hi Deb - certainly not a traitor. My wife will tell you that after 9-11, I was looking to get back into the military, but was too old. I feel that I'm a patriot, but just get tired some time of the rhetoric and intolerance. Warm regards, Bill
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Dear Bill, I was trying to make light of it...I hardly think you (really) are a traitor. However there was a time that if anyone looked sideways about our country I was crazed! LOL No zealot here:-) But I was trying to give you a comparison of how I have changed my own views on the country and how we are perceived etc. Please know it really wasn't a slur at you:-) And you seem to have missed the entire thought of how good I thought you write:-)
Deb
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Hi Deb - I did understand, and wasn't trying to disparage at all. I thought your feedback was thoughtful, honest and right on target. Warm regards, Bill
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:-)
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Amen, we have many things we need to actually be ashamed of and I am proud to say I am an American. I have lived overseas and, although I enjoyed the other cultures, I was always happy to return home.
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012
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Amen, we have many things we need to actually be ashamed of and I am proud to say I am an American. I have lived overseas and, although I enjoyed the other cultures, I was always happy to return home.
Comment Written 23-Jan-2012
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012
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Barbara - me too. Living overseas is an eye opener. I have lived in two different countries, and while I've always wanted to come home, the metaphor of the "Ugly American" is real. Always warm regards and a hug your way. Bill
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very much so.
Comment from Anisa-
Very good article.
I am Canadian and have always considered myself lucky to be one, but recently I discovered a lot of gruesome truth's about Canada and it's history that I am not so proud of. These things took place not too long ago, as you say. Ranging from the early 1900's all the way up to 1982.(And I'm sure years before and after)
I am still proud to be Canadian and still consider myself lucky to live here, but my view has changed a little bit.
I am glad you wrote this article. Everyone has a hidden past they should really think about before criticizing others.
Thanks for sharing this.
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012
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Very good article.
I am Canadian and have always considered myself lucky to be one, but recently I discovered a lot of gruesome truth's about Canada and it's history that I am not so proud of. These things took place not too long ago, as you say. Ranging from the early 1900's all the way up to 1982.(And I'm sure years before and after)
I am still proud to be Canadian and still consider myself lucky to live here, but my view has changed a little bit.
I am glad you wrote this article. Everyone has a hidden past they should really think about before criticizing others.
Thanks for sharing this.
Comment Written 23-Jan-2012
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012
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Thank you very much for reading and for feedback that is extremely meaningful. Like you, I'm proud, but also honest! Warm regards, Bill
Comment from jlsavell
BHogg, this is an exceptional commentary and you have brought many things to the table to enlighten those who do not know and to remind others who wish not to address. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, is a work everyone should read, as is all the great speeches by the Indians from Pontiac, Dakota, Shawnees, some of the greatest and most profound and moving and revealing speeches in American History. Sojourn Truth is also a revelational and moving write from a slaves point of view.. exceptional,, the list could go on and on. Man's inhumanity to man is a theme that reverberates to all and not one nation is without guilt, not one.. well done... wish I had a six and I could go on and on.. but this will suffice.. jls
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012
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BHogg, this is an exceptional commentary and you have brought many things to the table to enlighten those who do not know and to remind others who wish not to address. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, is a work everyone should read, as is all the great speeches by the Indians from Pontiac, Dakota, Shawnees, some of the greatest and most profound and moving and revealing speeches in American History. Sojourn Truth is also a revelational and moving write from a slaves point of view.. exceptional,, the list could go on and on. Man's inhumanity to man is a theme that reverberates to all and not one nation is without guilt, not one.. well done... wish I had a six and I could go on and on.. but this will suffice.. jls
Comment Written 23-Jan-2012
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012
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Six - are you kidding. You just gave me a ten! I have read, "Bury My Heart at Knee". If you haven't read Kurt Vonnegut's, "Slaugterhouse Five", I recommend it. He actually lived through the bombing of Dresden. My essay wasn't to criticize, just cause people to stop and think. Warm regards, Bill
Comment from highlander104
Your essay is wonderful in describing how other countries view Americans as opposed to how we view ourselves. There are still numerous creases in our history that need ironing out. As a young nation we do not have the experience that countries like China have; we are still in the learning stages. I think during the historical eras you speak of, our leaders did what was the current tactic at the time. (The British weren't too nice to us either.) Unfortunately, neither we as Americans or any foreign nations have learned from those events.
Good read. Thanks for sharing.
Jean K.
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012
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Your essay is wonderful in describing how other countries view Americans as opposed to how we view ourselves. There are still numerous creases in our history that need ironing out. As a young nation we do not have the experience that countries like China have; we are still in the learning stages. I think during the historical eras you speak of, our leaders did what was the current tactic at the time. (The British weren't too nice to us either.) Unfortunately, neither we as Americans or any foreign nations have learned from those events.
Good read. Thanks for sharing.
Jean K.
Comment Written 23-Jan-2012
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012
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Thank you so much for reading Jean and your continued support of my work. I did wonder how this would be percieved, but in no way did I intend it to be a condemnation of the United States. It's just sometimes we need to stop and think. Always warmest regards, Bill
Comment from Shirley B
Hi Bill, what an excellent essay. Of course we are not perfect. No country is, but I have to say, I would not trade it for any other one. You made your point very well. I am sure you will take some heat over this. I think America may feel entitled sometimes because as a government it seems every other government comes to us for help. I can't disagree with anything you said. Just remember I hope 'we' always stay on top. I don't think we would like the bottom. Shirley
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012
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Hi Bill, what an excellent essay. Of course we are not perfect. No country is, but I have to say, I would not trade it for any other one. You made your point very well. I am sure you will take some heat over this. I think America may feel entitled sometimes because as a government it seems every other government comes to us for help. I can't disagree with anything you said. Just remember I hope 'we' always stay on top. I don't think we would like the bottom. Shirley
Comment Written 23-Jan-2012
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012
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Hi Shirley - thanks for reading and your kind feedback. I agree about not wanting to be anywhere else. I just find it ironic sometimes that we are so quick to criticize others. We all have warts. Bill
Comment from bookishfabler
My husband would love this. he's such a history buff. Me, not so much, but I was transfixed on your article. I noticed this in the beginning.
understand why other people(s) on this Earth aren't so crazy about us.
And tyhen didn't notice any other spags or nits.
Thanks for sharing. Hope youa re doing well.
hugs heidi
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012
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My husband would love this. he's such a history buff. Me, not so much, but I was transfixed on your article. I noticed this in the beginning.
understand why other people(s) on this Earth aren't so crazy about us.
And tyhen didn't notice any other spags or nits.
Thanks for sharing. Hope youa re doing well.
hugs heidi
Comment Written 23-Jan-2012
reply by the author on 23-Jan-2012
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Hi Heidi - thanks for reading and for your spot. I feel obligated to keep my record intact of never posting anything without an error or two (or three). Warm regards, Bill