An open letter to America from one European

Charleston Daily Mail ^ | 2/13/03 | James Blaci

[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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[MHGinTN]

Those who are kind and loving seldom speak out on public issues. Those filled with bitterness and hate must speak out or be consumed in their own bile. Thank you, Mister Black, for speaking out from your heart on so rare an occasion. For every one of you, there are ten thousand more of quiet fortitude amongst your countrymen. We Americans know this, that's why we persevere against the bile and bilge spewed forth by the appeaseniks and postponeniks.

[MoGalahad]

Thank you, James. Your sentiments are deeply appreciated. Most of us in America do try to do what is right as best as we can discern it.

[MadIvan]

I think it's been unspoken that you have my unswerving assistance and support as well.

To echo once more the words of the Prime Minister: "With you you at the first, with you to the last."

We will win.

Regards, Ivan

[Bikers4Bush]

Now we just need the other "millions" like him to stand up and say the same thing.

Then we could put that bitch hussein to bed in a nice deep dirt bed for good.

[jigsaw]

I wrote a thank you note to Mr. Black and here is his response:


Dear Friend,

Thank you for your kind words. I must admit I was slightly embarrassed a few
moments after first sending my letter but your reply and the many others I
have received today from all across the USA have made me realise I was right
to put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard to be more accurate).

I’m sorry this reply is not more personal. I did start writing individual
thank you’s but my letter seems to have caused somewhat of a stir - and is
being posted on newsgroups and passed along by e-mail, thus meaning I am
receiving just too many letters to reply to straight away.

If you are one of the people who wrote to me to to show support for my words
- thank you - you can be sure that at least one non-American will be right
by your side when times are at their darkest.

If you are one of the people who wrote to let me know that you are passing
my letter to friends or newsgroups - thank you. It does mean my e-mail
address may need a re-think in the future (everyone seems to have been
passing my work address rather than my personal one), but it is worth it. If
you are passing my letter on to your friends - please note my personal
e-mail address is jamesblack@btconnect.com

If you are one of the few people who wrote to me to tell me how naive I am -
thank you - the fact you are allowed to mock, argue, or accuse my ancestry,
proves that America’s actions in the past, like today, have helped maintain
your right to do so - and my right to tell you what I believe - without
fear.

Thank you, once again, for your response.

Regards

James Black
Wychwood Park
Weston
Cheshire, England.
CW2 5GH

jamesblack@btconnect.com

[dfwgator]

The voice of the European silent majority.

[colorado tanker]

I think America also has a debt of gratitude to the English. Had we been settled by one of the divine right monarchies of France or Spain instead of by the English, with their tradition of constitutional, limited government, the American experiment would have turned out differently.

[Burr5]

"May not be the sharpest knife.."

You know what? This bothered me a little too- until I remembered "Grecians and Kosovarians," etc.

It doesn't matter if Dubya ever gets credit for being an intellectual (God, I knew of the GREEKS at age six) only that his wisdom, his courage, and his inate goodness are recognized for what they are. THESE are the things that make a great president.

[desertcry]

One man, one European who remembers.

[BigBobber]

Absolutely right. For confirmation on how things might have turned out, one only needs to look at Central and South America.

England was the origin of our ideas of freedom, and almost all of the Founding Fathers were Englishmen.

[Wolfstar]

My attention caught on that statement, too. I was debating myself as to whether or not to comment on it when I came across your post. President George Walker Bush has a razor-sharp intellect. However, he isn't a snobby Left-wing intellectual, which explains why they tagged him with the "dumb" stereotype.

[Happygal]

Thanks Lin. (He echoes sentiments I've conveyed to you personally)

[Plutarch]

I was deployed to England as part of Desert Storm. The locals could not have been nicer nor more appreciative. When the heard we did not have enough blankets they took up a collection! Doubt things have changed that much in 12 years.

[Fifth Business]

I, James Black, a European passport holder whose parents are Scottish,...

God bless James Black, Johnny Walker Black, and all the rest of his Clan.

[BlessedBeGod]

What a lovely valentine to America!

[RJL]

Johnny Walker Black

LOL...I see the scotch drinkers have arrived, here's to you!

[harpo11]

Saddle up, Amigo!Together, we'll ride the storm to victory.

[Fifth Business]

here's to you!

No thanks, just had one. But you're very kind. I'll remember you later.

[CHICAGOFARMER]

HEY The writer just emailed me back

Mr. Black -

Testimony to how small a world this is in which we live. Naperville is one of the many suburbs around Chicago. My husband somehow got hold of a copy of your letter and shared it with me.

Blessings to you and your folks.

Amy

james black wrote:

Dear Amy,

Thank you for your kind words. I must admit I was slightly embarrassed a few moments after first sending my letter but your reply and the many others I have received today from all across the USA have made me realise I was right to put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard to be more accurate).

I haven't the faintest how my letter got to Naperville, I'm assuming my letter is on an internet newsgroup. It started off in a small newspaper in West Virginia!

Regards

James Black Wychwood Park Weston Cheshire, England. CW2 5GH

jamesblack@btconnect.com

---------- From: A Williams To: james.black@dailymail.co.uk Subject: Your Letter Date: Sat, Feb 15, 2003, 1:22 AM

Mr. Black -

Your letter, your thoughts, and your words brought tears to my eyes. As one small American, I thank you! May the peace we all long for and pray for be a reality.

Amy Naperville, IL, USA

[mondonico]

Mr Black has discovered the power of FreeRepublic!
______________

Re: An open letter to America from one European
From james black | 02/14/2003 4:54 PM EST new




Dear friend?,

I have just been directed to this particular newsgroup about my letter. I have read the comments and feel I must reply. Obviously, the first thing for me to say is - yes - I really do exist - even though my comments were ‘too flowery for a European’.

Thank you for your kind words (or otherwise). I must admit I was slightly embarrassed a few moments after first sending my letter but the many hundreds of letters I have received today from all across the USA have made me realise I was right to put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard to be more accurate).

I’m sorry this reply is not more personal. I did start writing individual thank you’s (or otherwise) but my letter seems to have caused somewhat of a stir - and is being posted on newsgroups and passed along by e-mail, thus meaning I am receiving just too many letters, or seeing too many comments about my words to reply straight away.

If you are one of the people who wrote to show support for my words - thank you - you can be sure that at least one non-American will be right by your side when times are at their darkest.

If you are one of the people who are passing my letter to friends or newsgroups - thank you. It does mean my e-mail address may need a re-think in the future (everyone seems to have been passing my work address rather than my personal one), but it is worth it. If you are passing my letter on to your friends - please note my personal e-mail address is jamesblack@btconnect.com

If you are one of the people who to suggest how naive I am - thank you - the fact you are allowed to mock, argue, or accuse my ancestry, proves that America’s actions in the past, like today, have helped maintain your right to do so - and my right to tell you what I believe - without fear.

Good or bad I enjoyed reading your comments.

Regards

James Black
Wychwood Park
Weston
Cheshire, England.
CW2 5GH