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October 11, 2008 at 3:55 am #588357
TheHouseMemberI wanted to share this true story that occurred this evening with all of those in WS. I, unfortunately, cannot convey in words the emphasis and power of what someone told me tonight, but I will try.
I took a cab home from Downtown Seattle this evening. My cab driver was an African American gentleman with a gentle accent. Once we began our drive to West Seattle, the man asked me where I came from. I stated that I spent the past 3 days in Portland, OR for work. The man then stated that he just returned from vacation to the United States. I asked him where he went. The man stated that he just returned from Eastern Africa. I asked “Kenya”? He stated “No, Ethiopia”. I was curious how far of a flight it was to Ethiopia and he stated approx. 27 hours, flying to Washington D.C to Rome to Ethiopia. After the man asked me about my travels, I circled back to Africa. I asked him why he chose to vacation there and he explained that it was his original home. The place his mother, father and other relatives still live. I asked him what it was like living in Ethiopia. Specifically, I asked “Is it really as bad as it is portrayed”. His response was quick and poignant. “Yes and No”, he stated. “You see, there aren’t people dying all over from hunger like you see on TV. Ethiopia has very good people. Ethiopia is a pretty country in its own way. What is killing Ethiopians are guns and government”. I was literally on the edge of my seat while we drove down 99. The man then spoke for the next 10 minutes about how he grew up as a boy witnessing government soldiers with bullhorns ordering people into the streets in support of Mengistu Mariam (someone I had never heard of in public school). Those that did not cheer were shot point blank in the head in the streets. Family members that cried or attempted to grieve over the bodies were either shot or arrested. The man went on to talk about how he believed he would have been shot because he refuses to eat his vegetables when his mother tells him….he certainly would not support an evil political figure. I was very stunned by his candid description of Ethiopia, but I asked him if he would ever move back for his family. He stated “No way”. I could tell that my questions hit a nerve with this man, so I asked him if he had any children here in the United States. He smiled and stated that he had a 10 year old and an 8 year old and then quickly turned the conversation back to Ethiopia stating “My children are the reason I would never return. I don’t want my children shot because they are educated. I don’t want my children forced to support a corrupt system. And, I don’t want my children fearing for their lives. I want my children to grow up in the United States. This is the best country in the world”. I really felt this man’s angst and jubilation. Then I decided to ask a rather lively question. I asked him if this is such a great country, then why do so many people dislike the United States right now? He laughed at me and asked me “Who doesn’t like the United States”? I stated to him that supposedly, we are a revered country right now, pushing our will on the world and our President is supposedly not liked. He turned back to me and looked me in the eye and asked me “How many people are laying on the streets dead from George Bush? How many people are being forced to support George Bush with guns in their faces? You tell me who hates the United States”? I stated that in my opinion, most of the people that dislike the United States are right here in the U.S. His response is that those people are stupid because they have it too good. He stated that people in the United States have no idea what the definition of corruption is. I ended the conversation in front of my house and thanked him for his feedback. I told him that I hope him and his children have a wonderful life in the United States. I also told them that I truly would enjoy the opportunity to visit Ethiopia and I really meant it.
Just something I wanted to share with those of you that think our country is bad, our leaders are bad and that the rest of the world dislikes us. Many of you might trivialize this mans opinion because he was “only a cab driver”, but if you saw his face when he stated he saw people shot in the head as a 7 year old boy you would retract that.
Despite what you might think today, our country and our leaders create more opportunity than any other country or leaders in the world. Our country and our leaders do more good for the world than any other countries or leaders. And our country and our leaders promote the best form of government that has ever existed in history.
The next time you criticize our leaders or our country, please think of that cab driver.
Perspective is everything.
October 11, 2008 at 4:20 am #643200
barbMemberHouse, great post, and excellent point.
October 11, 2008 at 4:24 am #643201
PSPSParticipantEverything is relative.
.
If I were to come from an environment such as your cab driver described, I might also not think it such a big deal that a war criminal and his cabal controls the US government which spies on its citizens, eavesdrops on military personnel’s intimate phone calls while masturbating, kills over a million innocent civilians to garner the wealth from unmetered oil wells in Iraq, openly subverts the election process and destroys the world’s economy.
.
But, hey! We’re not yet at the point of Blackwater goons openly shooting people on our streets! Woo Hoo! We’re Number One!
October 11, 2008 at 4:39 am #643202
B-squaredParticipantTheHouse: “Our country and our leaders do more good for the world than any other countries or leaders.”
Nope. We as americans may not be hated around the world – but i bet our government is. We are envied by the have-nots who seek to emulate us. Ironically, our lifestyle was built on their backs, in the subtle and not so subtle machinations of our government, in our names. Got to protect our interest, dontchaknow. consume. more cheap crap. more toys. more people doing what we used to do ourselves.
I’m with PSPS. just a matter of time…..
October 11, 2008 at 5:02 am #643203
JayDeeParticipantI have heard from my friends of African origin or my co-workers who’ve been to Ghana that George Bush (and hence, America) are revered in West Africa and it would not not be surprising to see similar praise from Ethiopia. From what I have heard the praise is due to the U.S. foreign aid program that is targeted at those who need aid, not just just hijacked by the military or re-directed elsewhere. It is effective and appreciated.
The testimony of these Africans and people who’ve related their stories are both very sincere. I am glad Africa is an exception to the general recent regard of the US — Despite this the general regard of the US has only worsened during the past 8 years. I don’t deny the cab driver’s experience of his native government which is unfortunately not unique in this world.
Years ago when the Blue Angels were flying over Alki, a ice-cream truck driver was freaking out when the Angels shrieked overhead. He called out, white-eyed “Are they friendly?”… I reassured him they were, and laughed a little but later thought why had he asked? It made me realize that it was something I have never worried about–Are the fighter jets streaking by friendly? Of course they are. But what if they weren’t?
October 11, 2008 at 5:06 am #643204
AnonymousInactiveHouse, I have seen graphic, disturbing, photos of this man’s account. I could not agree more with his sentiments. American’s do not appreciate what we have. Not in any shape or form. And if we fostered an attitude of gratefulness, imagine how much better it could be.
I do take issue with your conclusion, however. That because our country affords so much more liberties and freedoms, we should refrain from criticizing our government or president. After all, that is one of our prized freedoms. I’m not advocating all the slander, and partisan whining that is so prolific. However, because our government is one of the best in the world, does not absolve it from wrongdoing. It does make us incapable of mistakes or even atrocities of our own (Katrina, war casualties). It does not mean there is no room for improvement.
I see the government like a glass of water and many of the politicians as germs. Of course I would prefer no germs in my water. However, given my choices, I’m going to pick the glass with the fewest germs possible of the least toxic variety. I know I’m still going to probably get sick, but I’d sure like to minimize the damage.
And within our realm of understanding, if what the government is doing is harmful or abusive, it is a privilege to be able to speak out about it and have a role in changing it.
October 11, 2008 at 5:25 am #643205
wsChicMemberHouse, thank you for my daily dose of perspective.
October 11, 2008 at 5:30 am #643206
PDieterParticipantwhen I read people struggling with getting a grip on these issues I’m even more grateful that I had the pain and pleasure of serving in Peace Corps. I understand both what we have and the obligations to the rest of the world that come with it.
Nice story BTW
October 11, 2008 at 7:48 pm #643207
hopeyParticipantEnjoyed your story, TheHouse, and I’m glad you wrote up your experience. However, I agree more with JT’s response. Well said, JT.
October 12, 2008 at 12:53 am #643208
AimParticipantHouse thank you for posting this. I always love to hear peoples’ life stories. While you and I will have to agree to disagree on some of your conclusions, I am still very glad you posted his story. I’m honestly just much too ill to have a political discussion right now, so I’ll simply thank you for the post.
I would love to recommend a book to you – “A Long Way Gone” by Ishmael Beah. It is an absolutely riveting autobiography of his growing up as one of the child soldiers of Sierra Leone, and how he came to the US as a refugee. I think you might really like the book, and am willing to lend it to you if you would like to read it. We are going to try to make an appearance at the bowling event tomorrow. Would you like me to bring it for you?
October 12, 2008 at 3:54 am #643209
JanSParticipantI will second the book that AIM recommended..if you don’t get AIM’s copy, I also have one :)
October 12, 2008 at 7:07 pm #643210
B-squaredParticipantI too, read that book and was blown away. however, there is a bit of controversy around it that kind of soured it for me.
http://www.slate.com/id/2185928
after James Frey’s book “A Million Little Pieces” turned out to be way more BS than truth, i’m cautious when reading such harrowing tales.
October 12, 2008 at 7:25 pm #643211
CaitParticipantThanks, House for sharing this story. Personally I have a much different experience with American sentiment abroad (particularly in Europe) but it’s nice to know that there is at least one person out there who thinks favorably of us. I don’t want you do think that this man speaks for more people than one that would be angry at Americans.
I’m not entirely sure that there is anywhere else I’d rather live than America (but then again I haven’t seen enough of the world yet) but that’s not to say that one person’s opinion/experience/perception is going to change the fact that I think our country could and should be vastly improved. Allowing ourselves to sit on our laurels and become complacent or even “less enraged” by the things going on in our country is to go against the reasons why our country was founded in the first place. Though this story inspired me, I don’t agree that it should cross my mind in any influential fashion when I think about things like our horrible lack of aid in South America for example.
October 13, 2008 at 12:01 am #643212
RainyDay1235MemberI somehow feel this post is directed at the posters on here who do not agree with the current presidency, or a possible MCain follow-up…
We as Americans do have it good. I try evey day not to take what I have for granted. I work every week with refugees who came to America for a better life. I think I know a little bit of how they feel, and it is very similiar to this cab driver. I don’t think it’s fair to assume anyone on here is going to give less credence to his words because he’s “only a cab driver”…not sure where that statement even came from…?
I’m sure – compared to the level of corruption that he has witnessed – what is going on in our current government is a mere pittance. However, that does not mean it is not wrong and should not be acknowledge by the people and condemned.
We have both good leaders and bad leaders. It is our JOB as citizens is to take note, get involved, learn the difference and vote accordingly. Our reputation in the world IS in jeopardy, along with our power.
I have never heard anyone on here say “our country is bad” – we just know it can be so much BETTER. How can we continue to be a great example of democracy – for people like this cab driver – if we don’t strive to be GREAT.
October 13, 2008 at 12:04 am #643213
beachdrivegirlParticipantFunny story House, I was actually fortunate enough to experience a STITA ride home today as well. (Glad you know the proper name to refer to it. ) Anyhow, I had read your story from out of town yesterday. I was very happy as I read that Ethiopia was still proud of America. i felt much safer.
Anyhow, that is beyond the point. I rode home with someone today who wasn’t from Africa and wasn’t from America either but they managed to call our current Administration negligent and out of touch with American Democracy . i suppose the ride and the honesty depends on the driver but looks like these rides homes from the airport show you all different perspectives. Maybe we should thank our STITA driver more for showing us all eyes of every issue.
October 14, 2008 at 6:43 pm #643214
idlerParticipantYeah! What JT said. Except I am certain many Americans appreciate what we have. Although same Americans may or may not know exactly how hard life is for folks around the world. I read the persepective of a young girl growing up during the cultural revolution in China. This took place during my life time…late 60’s – 70’s. While my parents were telling me to finish the food on my plate because there were children starving in China. Her parents were telling her to finish her food on her plate because she was lucky to live in a country where her “government made sure she had food to eat, not like in democracy were children go hungry.” It is all a matter of perspective.
October 15, 2008 at 3:45 pm #643215
JoBParticipantIf you love this country and what it stands for…
it’s time to insist that it walks the walk.. not just talk the talk.
Yes, things are better here than some other places.
But they are also worse here in many ways than many other industrialized nations.
Is the middle of the pile what you aspire to for this nation?
October 16, 2008 at 4:00 am #643216
TheHouseMemberI’ve waited to respond to this thread to see what many of you had to say. JT, unfortunately, you misrepresented my conclusion. My conclusion was “The next time you criticize our leaders or our country, please think of that cab driver”, not “The next time you criticize our leaders/country shut your mouth”. Interesting again how you interpreted that.
JoB, as for your comment on “…..{things}…are also worse here in many ways than many other industrialized nations”, please back your claim.
We are not the middle of the pile. We are the best nation in the world for many different reasons that I can cite in several paragraphs (It is sad that I have to prove this to you) if you’d like. Are we perfect….no, by no means but re-read the paragraph that is 3rd from the bottom of my original post and show me how it’s not true.
October 16, 2008 at 5:12 am #643217
AnonymousInactiveTheHouse, on a daily basis I attempt to be as grateful as I can be for where I find myself in life. If I misunderstood your implications, I apologize. But I would ask of you, what are your implications? I don’t tend to waste a lot of time criticizing, but if I were to criticize our government or leaders, simultaneously thinking of the cab driver as requested, then what? You are not wanting me to be influenced by those thoughts? And if so, how? Don’t want to make any assumptions.
As to the greatest nation in the world. Isn’t that subjective? Wouldn’t that depend on your definition of the best? If I were a cow, I think I’d prefer India. An archeologist, perhaps Egypt or Peru. A Catholic, maybe Vatican City. I don’t think we’re the leading country in technology, definitely not in art. Medical advancements, vaccines, and discoveries are dominated by other countries. Personal freedoms in regard to sexuality are much more advanced in other countries.
Apparently we have the biggest military, the opportunity to get rich, and the right to pray to any jeebus we want. But many advancements and opportunities available to us, are available in other countries as well.
Not saying I don’t love my America, but I think I could be pretty happy and have as much loyalty, patriotism, and appreciation for being born in many other places too. And is there a reason we need to be defined as the greatest nation anyway? I would certainly accept great, but having never lived in another country my frame of reference is fairly limited.
October 17, 2008 at 6:02 am #643218
JoBParticipantTheHouse..
we were once the greatest nation on earth…
but now we are in debt to our eyeballs to the chinese….
who thankfully need to keep us afloat as a market for their goods.
the leading edge geotech work is done in China… with the japanese not far behind.
We are rapidly reaching the bottom of the list of industrialized and developed countries on education…
Other countries manage to keep their people alive longer with better outcomes on most fatality figures on less money than we do.
and that’s just a start to a very long list…
i am too tired tonight to try to open your eyes to the differences between perception and reality.
But all it takes is a little trolling through the statistics to realize that America ain’t what it used to be.
The good news is that as citizens we have the power to demand that this nation’s leaders take the steps necessary to regain it’s standard as a world trend setter in education, innovation, health and .. oh yeah.. democracy.
October 17, 2008 at 7:16 am #643219
AnonymousInactiveIf you truly do not believe that America is the greatest country in the world, you need to travel a little.
October 17, 2008 at 8:14 pm #643220
andreaParticipantI (and my husband) have traveled quite a bit in life and lived overseas for a time as well, and while I love my country and the life and opportunities I have been afforded here, I also really loved when I experienced life and other opportunities abroad…and I would still be perfectly happy to live abroad if the time and place presented itself…there are some amazing places in this world outside of America – amazing countries, towns, people, cultures, lifestyles, and as JT noted, would make any one of us a great place to exist if we wante. We’re certainly not the end all here in the USofA if you ask me…
October 17, 2008 at 8:37 pm #643221
CaitParticipantI could rather happily live in Ireland after living there briefly and one day when I get all “Under the Tuscan Sun” about it, I might move there as my midlife crisis :) I’m under no delusions that we live in “the best country in the world” – that is a matter of opinion not one that can be researched or argued. It all depends on your values, your personality and your situation. For some of us this is the best country to live in and for some of us it’s simply where we live and neither group should be judged for it. And it’s not because most of us “haven’t seen the rest of the world”, House. Your argument may backfire because after seeing the world I’m even less convinced of your point.
October 17, 2008 at 9:02 pm #643222
RSMemberNR, I’ve traveled to and lived in many other countries and never have I found any group of people more obsessed with describing themselves in superlatives as in the United States. WHY can’t people (you included, honest question) just be content with saying that we are a great country?? Why the insistence that we have to be the absolute best??
October 17, 2008 at 9:22 pm #643223
JenVMemberUSA!USA!USA!WE’RE #1! WE’RE #1! WHOOWHOOWHOOWHOO! USA!USA!
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