When we first arrived in the US in
April 2004 we were met, on the jetty, by a stranger who asked us about where we’d
come from etc. Recognising we were busy sorting out our lines in the heat of
Florida he said he’d come back. He did so about 20 minutes later with two ice
cold beers. The reason I mention this is that we have often felt that Pete
Barton, the beer provider, represented much of how we feel about America and
its citizens. Incredibly kind, open and generous, more so than any group of
people we have met on our travels. Individually they will go out of their way
for you, welcome you to their homes and family and mean it sincerely when they
say “Welcome to America” Many of the closest friends we have come from
the US. And yet with the news this week-end of the shooting in Arizona a feeling
of gloom and depression has settled on Hannah. A nation obsessed with weapons; a
nation that seems to have become so angry that reasoned debate is no longer
possible. A nation that can seriously consider Sarah Palin as a Presidential
candidate; the same Sarah Palin who thought it acceptable to publish on her Facebook
page, gun-sight images targeting 20 Democrats, apparently with the slogan “Don’t
retreat, Reload”....of a ten year old boy from Ohio who, despite having serious
behavioural problems with school, was allowed by law to keep, in his bedroom,
weapons and ammunition. ...one of which he used to fatally shoot his mother
through the head because she wanted him to bring in the firewood from outside.
Which brings me back to the 22 year old from Arizona, who despite having,
apparently, known mental health problems, was able to own and use a
semi-automatic pistol and is believed to have slaughtered 6 people and injured
a further 13. Or a man called Jesse Kelly who ran a campaign against Gabriella
Giffords (the shot Arizona Congresswoman) inviting supporters to fire a gun
with him. It read: “Get on Target for
Victory in November. Help remove Gabrielle Giffords from office. Shoot a fully
automatic M16 with Jesse Kelly."
Is it me?
and then we came across this article which says more about the state of the US
No, sadly, it's not you.
ReplyDeleteOur experiences with the Americans that we have met down here are sobering.Their inability to hold a sensible dialogue with anyone holding a dissimilar view is chilling.
We share your despair.