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An open letter to America from one European
Charleston Daily Mail ^ | 2/13/03 | James Blaci

Posted on 02/14/2003 9:48:57 AM PST by mondonico

James Black
An open letter to America from one European
Americans kept Europeans free to disagree

Thursday February 13, 2003; 10:00 AM Dear America, you quirky mix of 280 million misfits that have somehow blended into the strongest nation in the world, I write to offer you four apologies and two vows.

I, James Black, a European passport holder whose parents are Scottish, whose wife is English, and whose four children are free to be whatever they may want to be (directly because of the sacrifice of your nation), am ashamed for pointing out to a colleague while visiting your country a few days ago that Winston Churchill was wrong when he said the biggest difference between Britain and the United States was the fact we both spoke the same language -- and instead, telling him that the real difference between our peoples was actually about 100 pounds per person.

I, who work as a journalist with the Daily Mail, one of Britain's national newspapers, and (directly because of the sacrifice of your nation) is able to say exactly what he wants whenever he wants without fear of death or imprisonment, would also like to apologise for saying to the same colleague that many of the Americans I met were far less sophisticated and worldly than Europeans.

I, James Black, a man born free of social or physical shackles and chains, who is able to travel around the world and visit other countries and who (directly because of the sacrifice of your nation) is able to converse, discuss, even argue with people from other nations, would like to apologise for mocking your president and your political system.

Your president may not be the sharpest knife in the cutlery set, but I now understand he and the good people of the United States operate not just from a high intellectual stance, but also from the heart -- a heart that knows the difference between good and evil. And importantly, your president was smart enough to have picked the best to sit with him at the world table.

I, whose friends, family and colleagues are allowed to set up home, take a job, even run for politician, in any part of the European Union (directly because of the sacrifice of your nation) without being rounded up because of their religion or shot on the spot for their place of birth would finally like to apologise for the biggest mistake the people of my continent have ever made -- their total lack of respect for the greatest friend they will ever have -- the United States of America.

My anger at some of my fellow Europeans is more than palpable.

I hear the self-centered, cowardly, and just plain annoying words thrown out by old-minded -- old world -- so-called leaders of the Free World.

I may have made fun of America and Americans, but deep down I know this is only friendly banter between the greatest of friends -- and friends who should give their all to each other when called upon to do so.

So I, whose grandfather fought in both World Wars and had the good humour to suggest the Americans were late for both events, but the sense to point out they ensured victory when they finally did show up, make my first vow:

I will never forget or dishonour the amazing and courageous sacrifice of the people of the United States in coming to the aid of the world over the past ten decades. The men and women who left peace and prosperity in a land of plenty to face bullet and shrapnel on the beaches of Normandy and around the World.

I will honour the debt my small island nation owes for your unswerving devotion to aiding our continued freedom. Your help when we stood small and alone against the plague of Nazi aggression. Your assistance in making us strong when the battle was finished and the peace began, and your protection from a colder enemy in the decades that followed.

I have stood, and I will stand again, with my own family, in places such as the cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer, an eternal resting place for over 10,000 teen and twenty-something Americans who gave over ALL their future so that I and my children could have a future today, and I will again pledge my eternal gratitude.

I, James Black, a man who simply wants his children to live in a future where all good and constructive things are possible, a future where we can discover, invent, enjoy, without fear of fanatics or madmen or the weapons and pain they may wreak, pledge my assistance to the United States in its fight against evil.

This pledge is not some brainwashed verse, but based on the honourable history and proven friendship the United States has with Europe.

Further, it is based on the fact that the people and leaders of the United States have the foresight to see the world, even life itself, is futile without someone to love, things to build and create, and things to look forward to -- and none of these things are possible in a world awash with nuclear, chemical and biological arms controlled by those who despise the life we lead.

I am one person, but there are millions like me who thank the USA and wish your nation and your people all the best over the next few months -- and will be there by your side when the times get tough.

Yours with all my gratitude,

James Black Wychwood Park, Cheshire, England

P.S.: It is said that today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday.

You should be proud as a nation that you have something to do with the fact it didn't turn out so badly after all -- nor should it again.

Black handles the Answers to Correspondents column in the London Daily Mail. His e-mail address is james.black@dailymail.co.uk.

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TOPICS: Editorial; Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: europe
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1 posted on 02/14/2003 9:48:57 AM PST by mondonico
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To: mondonico
This is a sentiment more common than is usually imagined.
2 posted on 02/14/2003 9:51:58 AM PST by Mortimer Snavely (Is anyone else tired of reading these tag lines?)
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To: mondonico
Now, that's what I'm talkin' 'bout!
3 posted on 02/14/2003 9:52:27 AM PST by martin_fierro (oh, did I say that out loud?)
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To: mondonico
my eyes are full of tears...someone over there gets it.

Thank you, Mr. Black.
4 posted on 02/14/2003 9:53:36 AM PST by Keith
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To: mondonico
Awww, shucks. He are so kind (and so right).
God Bless this man and his family. Lord God keep them safe.
5 posted on 02/14/2003 9:54:31 AM PST by netmilsmom (Bush/Rice 2004)
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To: mondonico
Bless you, James, but we do know the difference between humor and vituperation. I bet I know more American jokes than Scotsman jokes, anyhow.

I'm not sure the family metaphor is entirely useful in describing the relationships between nations, but it may be that it's time for continental Europe to move out of the political homestead and set up an apartment on their own. This does two good things in family life - it gives the desired independence and freedom of action, and it also gives an appreciation for what it's like to have to pay the utilities bills.

6 posted on 02/14/2003 9:55:56 AM PST by Billthedrill
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To: mondonico
As far as I'm concerned, if Europe takes the handbasket express, James Black and his family are welcome in the U.S.
7 posted on 02/14/2003 9:57:52 AM PST by Celtjew Libertarian
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To: mondonico
Yeah.
8 posted on 02/14/2003 10:01:23 AM PST by WriteOn
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To: mondonico
God bless you all.
9 posted on 02/14/2003 10:15:35 AM PST by First_Salute
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To: mondonico; Happygal
Thanks mondonico, and you, Mr. Black! And ping for you, Hgal!
10 posted on 02/14/2003 10:18:10 AM PST by JennysCool
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To: mondonico
Mr. Black - nothing more needs to be said. Godspeed to you and your family AND to the brave UK troops.
11 posted on 02/14/2003 10:18:56 AM PST by Lando Lincoln (God Bless the arsenal of liberty.)
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To: mondonico
You should be proud as a nation that you have something to do with the fact it didn't turn out so badly after all -- nor should it again.

We are Mr. Black, we also: thank God that we have a Commander in Chief that is not preoccupied with pornography and the seduction and rape of girls young enough to be his daughter. We thank God we have George Bush in the oval office and not bill clinton, jimmy carter, or al gore. Thank God we have John Ashcroft as Attorney General and not the butcher of Waco, janet reno.

12 posted on 02/14/2003 10:32:58 AM PST by 2timothy3.16
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To: Lando Lincoln
I say Old Boy, here here.
13 posted on 02/14/2003 10:46:39 AM PST by hisfriend
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To: mondonico
Three cheers for Mr. Black: Hip-hip, hoorah! Hip-hip, hooray! Hip-hip, hoorah!!!!
14 posted on 02/14/2003 10:49:25 AM PST by MarylandPines
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To: mondonico
bump
15 posted on 02/14/2003 10:50:38 AM PST by finnman69 (!)
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Comment #16 Removed by Moderator

Comment #17 Removed by Moderator

To: Mortimer Snavely
Bush may not be the sharpest knife? That sentiment has to end.President Bush is doing something phenomenal with regards to Iraq. He may very well put the U.N. into total irrelevance.
18 posted on 02/14/2003 11:17:45 AM PST by ChiMark
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To: mondonico
I'm speechless. (Is he saying Americans are fat, or just well-fed? Huh? And what is this "late" business, anyway? Geez. Brits! )
19 posted on 02/14/2003 11:23:49 AM PST by GVnana
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To: Badabing Badaboom
>>I have tears welling up in my eyes while writing this.<<

Me, too. I'll raise a pint to Mr. Black and his family today!
20 posted on 02/14/2003 11:24:02 AM PST by freedumb2003
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