US, the good and bad

"Watching the pathetic, old, lie-on-its-back frightened Labrador of the American media changing overnight into a vicious Rottweiler is one of the enduring pleasures of society in the United States."

This was a quote from Robert Fisk, written no more than a day ago. A talented UK reporter to be sure, but one I usually dont agree with. Like most EU pressmen he seems obsessed with jumping on the anti-US bandwagon. On this particular occasion though, I do quite agree with him. It is a pleasure to see our toothless media grow some balls and start asking the hard questions. The questions even I dont want to know the answers to. Not because I dont want to see justice done, but because I dont want to believe that our government could be responsible for such reckless misbehavior.

A thing that many forget, is that the American way works. We are a fucked up nation at times, this is true. But it is our own conscience that wakes us up from our darkest dreams and brings about a new catharsis. The civil rights era, the abolition movement, the Resolution of Apology to Native Peoples introduced in U.S. Congress May 6, 2004, the McCarthy era, and now..

We are not a perfect nation, by any means. But it is a comforting thought to know that we have the power to correct ourselves. Even facing the dark truths that we as a nation are ashamed/afraid of facing. I take comfort in the thought that the vast majority of Americans want to do the right thing, both domestically and abroad. It is inevitable that there are those who will try to lead us astray, but just knowing that such ill winds will not be the will of this country is enough to let me rest easier.

As the most influential nation on this earth our actions will resonate louder than any other. Our mistakes will be known by all, our failings will be trumpeted everywhere. Especially by those who envy our virtues and successes. But in history, if we stay true to ourselves, the character of our nation will not be mistaken. My fervent hope is that we stay true to the ideals we have always held dear, even in the centuries ahead. If we do, I do not fear for America's fate. I simply remain a proud citizen.