The Wood on the Trees, and the Tree in the Woods

The title of this post is one that is thought provoking. They are two separate lenses that can pretty much be applied to tons of things. However in this humble post before you, I will hold it in the spectrum of Causation.

The United States of America. She is a wonderful gleaming epitome of the 'desired' state of being. No other country comes close in the unity of its people, wealth and technology, and good old spirit. I personally was born an American. And God, am I proud about it. I was born an American, and I will die an American.

The United States of America is on the verge of a transformational change. The start of this new Millennia, the United States was led by a president. President George W. Bush. His term is coming to an end. November 4th will ultimately decide who will replace him as President of this wondrous country and as one of the world leaders.

Never in my young 25 years of my life have I felt that the new President holds a very important (and daunting) task ahead. The new President needs to combat elements not only on the miltary front (obviously), but also the economic and world's perception front as well. That's right my esteemed readers. The world's perceptions on us Americans. And that is the basis of this little piece of writing.

I had a very important luxury that most of my fellow Americans did not have. I grew up (spent half of my life) in a foreign country. Though not as an American 'foreigner', but as a native inhabitant. There, I experienced life on the 'outside'. I experienced two sides of a coin. Both the expressed admiration of America as well as the dislike of the various actions that were taken by this great nation. For all of the admiration, I reinforced them with my experiences, and for the negatives, I dispelled inaccuracies (given as much as a child and later on a teenager was able to) and sought to correct wrongs that unjustly tarnished my country. But already echoes that partially struck chords of truth back then (in the 90s). Americans are aggressors, bullies, police of the world. I pointed out that we act as liberators and assist humanity where needed. We help in the light of catastrophe no matter where in the four corners of the world it may be. Regardless of race, religion, and background. The SAME things that ALL Americans are extended by their country.

But how is it now? Where are we now? I can no longer defend my country effectively in my own way. Not when some of her own people provide the fuel for the flames.



Given that does not speak for the whole nation (heck not even the majority of the nation), but it is a voice. But at least some with high standing are still able to see clearly.



Now the thing I would like to take from that clip is General Powell's question - "What if he is? Is there something wrong? No, that's not America." And it really is not. Why is it even being made an issue by some of America's great people?

Here is the picture that was mentioned by General Powell. Yes, Muslims fight and die for our honor as well. Since when? Well for quite a while. Malcom X is another famous (albeit downplayed) example (Muslim as in Sunni/Shiite Islam). Our American Patriots consist of Americans regardless of race, religion, and background and they continue to fight for so much domestic and abroad.



More towards the end (4mins onwards). General Powell outlines a few things currently happening that is being seen at the world stage. He reminds us what Americans are (and I have always had tons of respect & admiration for him). We have deeply rooted history as being a melting pot of various nationalities and beliefs. We have not always been the best at it, but we have had the most experience in fighting for it. We are going so far as to promoting it around the world and lending a shoulder to those who believe in the same will but are unable to stand on their own. But we have ruptures from within. Again, I know it is not the sole voice (I would even go so far as it is not a sentiment shared by a majority of Americans), but it is worrying that such perception exists. Agendas must always be fought for, but there is a correct way to light a fire. Wood on the Trees.

Actions are always the cause of ripples. The surface of water will stay still unless one touches it to start them off. But it would be woefully short sighted to start them without thinking where the ripples would go.

So lets step out. Trees in the Woods. How does the world see us as now? I spoke earlier on causation. How do the things that are conjured and indoctrinated within us as well as the things that leave our expressions affect us as a whole? With that in mind, can we proudly stand up to people who watch the news around the world, that we are not the real tyrants? Can we still be the ideal people and the ideal land in the world?

Yes we can. We must live, breathe, walk and act like Americans. Just, true, diligent, brave and most importantly, united. The world is watching. We have only great things to accomplish. The world is broader then our "Sea to Shining Sea". Take some time to learn and understand. Go out and see the world. Only then will you catch a glimpse of what some people have seen on the outside. Only then can we truly step into this new age and continue to lead the world on every aspect.


PS:
I have a number of areas that I would like to add (though could not fit in the confines of the above article).

The United States of America is NOT a Christian, Jewish, or Muslim country. This wonderful nation is Secular (read and re-read the First Amendment - Separation of Church and State). This in my humble opinion is the way to go for my country. Everyone is free to practice what the believe and it bears no holding on the people's governance. Mixing two of them together increases the chances of things going FUBAR. Our founding fathers were wise well beyond their time and I truly believe this wisdom will stand true for eternity.

The enemy of this great nation, are the Terrorists. Not Muslims. Terrorist are oppressors, provokers, and examples (apart from Al-Qa'ida) are/(were) the IRA (it's various remnants and splinter cells currently), the ETA (Basque Separatists). Terrorism is something that has nothing to do with any religion (although usually used as a facade). They fight a War of Attrition and by having some people act as how they would like, they have victory. Discord and disrupting peace and unity are usually their targets. Muslims on the other hand are good people who are taught peace and humility (keyword is 'taught').

Vote. Vote for who you think is right. Vote and support the candidate that will uphold our values. That will improve all 3 fronts that we as a nation face. I have my own inclinations. You should to. Do not let anyone decide for you.

If this has stimulated some thought (a 'HMMM...' will do just fine), then my writing has not been in vain.

Culture

The United States is a great and vast melting pot of various ethnicities and with them, cultures. Out of all the countries in the world, I think the US is the best example of ethnic and religious integration. Sure there are some friction that happens but that's to be expected I guess.

However there is a downside to being a melting pot. With the generations, people lose their identity. I can see it everywhere. Dutch Americans, German Americans, Italian Americans, Asian Americans (and their various sub cultures - Asia is pretty big dammit! :p ). They slowly lose their 'uniqueness' so to speak. Language, food, etc.

Don't get me wrong, integration is paramount. Learning the English language is very important (as it is the main language of the United States). You don't go to people's countries and expect them to bend over backwards and accommodate you in every regards do you (and blame them for trying)?

But on the same side, I feel that retaining some sort of 'identity' from a cultural standpoint is important (now I do distinguish culture and tradition - I'm too progressive for the latter haha).

When I moved to the great state of Washington, I had to make a driver's license here. At the time, I wanted to change my legal name to 'Scott' (which is the name I go by). I made my intention known to my parents because my birth name is somewhat of a challenge for most Americans to pronounce (no bad on them for that). My dad said it was up to me. So they followed me to the licensing office (I had to take the family shopping after that) and when I registered, the person asked me if he should follow all the details like my previous license. After a brief moment of pondering I answered "Yes". When I received the printout, my dad out of curiosity wanted to see how Washington Driver's Licenses looked like. He was then surprised that I didn't make the change to my name. I told him I wanted to, but then I realized I wanted to retain my identity. I was named after the man sitting on top of our family tree (as far back as we could trace). Plus the name means "The one who speaks the truth" (very hard to live up to but I try and usually succeed).

Now why did I do that? People know me as Scott. But on the inside, I am always the person who I am. It was a 'gift' bestowed to me by the parentals and true, what's in a name. But my identity is something that I have full control over (very few things in life are that way). I consider myself 100% integrated and assimilated into the US. I am a proud US born Asian American. Yet, I am passionate about my lineage as well. Why? Because it makes me who I am. A unique individual living on this wonderful speck in the universe that's called Earth.

Still it is no excuse for refusing to speak and type in proper English, or for me to disobey the US law.