American Tolerance

Note: this was originally written as a direct response to the person who forwarded me the message. After writing it, I decided I would post it on my blog instead.

This article is silly. No, it’s embarrassing. Let me go through it line by line.

“I celebrate Christmas, but because it isn’t celebrated by everyone, we can no longer say Merry Christmas.”

First off, no one is making anyone stop saying “Merry Christmas.” Where is it a law or policy?

“IMMIGRANTS, NOT AMERICANS, MUST ADAPT.”

Well, we certainly didn’t feel the same when the Europeans came over and took the land from the native Americans, did we? This is just blindly intolerant. It’s a dangerous idea that the world revolves around me and that I should not have to change when my environment changes. Should the Mormons in Utah say that people moving to Utah should have to abide by all the Mormon standards if they want to live there? Should Catholics say the same in other areas where they live? This sort of thinking is what divides people: us versus them. The immigrants versus the natives. The believers versus the non-believers. The whites versus the blacks…

Is it too much to ask that you love your neighbor? That you perhaps extend a tolerant and understanding heart? That you let him or her live as they will, rather than forcing upon them your own standards?

“I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. “

So we should be offensive?

“Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Americans. However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the “politically correct” crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others.”

Patriotism is a weapon which can be just as dangerous as guns, missiles, and bombs. Nationalism can breed blind faith which hides facts and truth. The Germans felt very patriotic in supporting the Nazis. So, while I love my country, I do not trust in patriotism. In fact, I am very leery of it.

“This idea of America being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity.”

Really? Where the proof in that? It seems to me that America is stronger than ever. If immigration is hurting America, it certainly hasn’t done a very effective job.

One of the great strengths of America, in my opinion, is that we are a land without the historical baggage of a singular culture. We don’t have ethic groups waging civil war to gain independence or political liberty within the US because the country is tolerant of differences. We allow anyone the opportunity to be involved. We don’t have an official policy of suppressing minorities. Our allegiances to this country do not lie in the color of our skin, or the language we speak, or our religion or holidays. Our allegiance lies in our belief in the basic laws and principles of freedom, democracy, and liberty.

“As Americans, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.”

Our culture has changed over the years. It started out as British, French, and Spanish colonies. Thankfully, we have grown beyond that. Let’s not quit growing. Let’s not start fearing the future and the unknown. Let’s not be afraid to continue to grow and change.

“We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!”

This is so arrogant; I’m not sure what to say. You know, I wouldn’t mind this mindset so much if Americans didn’t also expect the world to speak English even when we visit them in their countries.

”’In God We Trust’ is our national motto.”

“In God We Trust” wasn’t the national motto until the McCathy period during which the Congress passed a resolution in an attempt to distinguish the United States from the “Godless Communists.” The motto had been in use in the US since the civil war, however. A better history can be found at:

http://www.usscouts.org/flag/sealmotto.html

and

http://www.treas.gov/education/fact-sheets/currency/in-god-we-trust.shtml

“If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.”

Because God is all about telling people to find a new home if you don’t agree with the believers.

Notice that there is no reference to what God or who’s God. There’s a reason for that.

“We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don’t care how you did things where you came from”

We are happy with the status quo and are afraid to change. Yep, that’s the definition of “conservative.” I’m glad I share this country with such loving and accepting fellow citizens.

“This is OUR COUNTRY, our land and our lifestyle.”

Which we took by force, by the way. I hope we learned our lesson then.

“Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion and we will allow you every opportunity to do so.”

Thanks, I’m doing so right now.

“But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about our flag, our pledge, our national motto, or our way of life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great American freedom, THE RIGHT TO LEAVE.”

Uh, wait. I’m allowed to express my opinion but if you don’t agree with it I should leave? Hmmm. That doesn’t sound like the spirit of the first amendment to me. Moreover, why don’t YOU leave?

“If you agree - pass this along; if you don’t agree - delete it!”

No, I think I want to respond instead of ignore this insulting representation of Americanism, thank you.

“I figure if we all keep passing this to our friends (and enemies) it will also, sooner or later get back to the complainers, lets all try, please”

Why? Because you actually, honestly believe it’s better for those with whom you disagree with leave the country rather than stay? I’m sorry, but I’m not a push over.