Not what you think

While overseas I had a unique experience. One of many I have had on this trip to the United States...but this was unique as it gave me a bit of perspective into perceptions of those who would in some instances be called arrogant, and thats the perception some have of Americans.


Now, if being big, having a huge army, massive navy and a WMD store of thousands of missles makes the nation arrogant, then one needs to go to a high school sporting event and see the one simple act...the singing of the national anthem.


One also has to remember the origins of the American nation. While riddled with blood and war, is one of over coming obstacles to their own independance, and the patriotism they have, is tightly strung to that fight for freedom from subjucation. So they are very protective of the freedoms they have, but also protecting the memory of those who have faught and died, but also those who are fighting and sacrificing for these freedoms to be maintained. You will never see anyone bagging the troops who are fighting in Iraq, but the leaders who sent them there.


Read, and I mean really read the poem originally written by Francis Scott Key and the history and story behind the anthem. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_national_anthem.

I mean, this nights event, while watching some kids my wife had formerly coached while she was teaching in the US made me wonder why we do not have the same pride in our own nation to the same degree? Why are we not having the same level of patriotism...it made me realise fully and finally that we as a nation are not "united".

The United States of America flies one flag. Each state is a part of a union, while there are days we do not know what state we are in. Being far from perfect of course, and having created some problems themselves, they can still unify themselves as a nation to become stronger.

While in Salt Lake City, I went to a Utah Jazz game. Granted I was the only one in the stadium standing to the Star Spangled Banner while waving a New Zealand flag, but the stadium had a large flag in one corner, and everyone turned to face it as the anthem was sung. You know what, we have to sing the english and maori versions because people get brassed off when one sings one version and not another. Oh the pettiness of our national loyalty.

I had one other thought. If anyone wants to think about why Americans tend to do things bigger and better than everyone else? Take a look at the Grand Canyon. Feel the sense of greatness, the awe-inspiring nature of its bring it on presence.

Now read the anthem America the Beautiful. It is true and one day, as General MacArthur said, I shall Return.