Replies

Chong, you're an easy cry... Just like me. I choke every time I walk into the Lincoln Memorial, and I did again today.

SAMWolf, it was a lovely, amazing scene today by the Wall. We were there early, so it wasn't too crowded, as I imagine it was later and will be on Monday.

I explained the story, explained the symbolism to my guests, then walked them through. God, I nearly died when I saw a baseball at the base of the Wall. Of all the things left there, portraits, photos, flowers, this one got me the most. (Yes, Chong, I had to choke those tears back, too). Things like that kill you, that and beer cans, drunk in someone's honor with friendship, love and a broken heart.

After, one of the Dutchmen asked me, "that's not very American, is it?" I smiled a crooked smile, for the answer was yes and no. I avoided it with a story about the reaction to the wall, that it was perceived as un-american by some, and by how it is truly remarkable in its un-american aspect, cleary a demonstration of a changed land. It was an interesting question, and it took me a while to fully answer. I got it out, finally, that it's only un-ameircan in so far as some people see it as a representation of a failure.

That's it!

Well, I took them over to the White House and Washington's cathedral. On the way they asked me if the American people want to go to war in Iraq. I said yes. Then I told them that the American people will do anything, pay any price if they think it is just. We abandoned Vietman, I explained, under the false impression that the war was not just. If the American people feel that killing Saddam Hussein is justice, Saddam better prepare his will.

There was more, and it went over well. I love teaching Euros about America. I always start out by telling them that they will learn this day why Americans are so crazy. Then I prove it to them.