Not In My Name? I Am An American; I am Culpable
copyright © 2007 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
I hear the claims and the clamor. "This is George Bush's war!" This Administration instituted a "war on science." Federal funding for research was reduced in recent years. Laws meant to protect the environment were repealed. I would love to say that much of what occurs in America today is not done in my name. It is not my fault or folly. However, I cannot make this assertion. I am an American; I am culpable.
Granted, I do not support the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan. The possibility of a mêlée in Iran, Korea, Lebanon, Israel, here, or aboard I think abhorrent. For me, armed combat is not an option. It never was or will be in my mind. Congress does not represent me when they continue to fund brutal battles. Nevertheless, I believe this war is mine. I cannot blame it on George W. Bush, the House, or the Senate. I am an American. My country is directly responsible for the havoc we see in Iraq and Afghanistan. By extension, I believe we, as a nation, are answerable for the attacks we initiated and the aftermath.
My own certainty that I could do nothing more than I do allows those in office to act in my name. The sense of futility I feel gives credence to the concept that I cannot control the Commander-In-Chief, his counsel, or the Congress. Yet I am liable for my lack of initiative, for the lax I let be me.
I do not understand why this nation went into debt to fund a futile war. Had the battle been a breeze and America retreated triumphant, I would feel no different. Financial obligations, purchases made on credit are not as I crave. Conservatives may declare fiscal responsibility; however, it seems, if profits can be made from combat, then in debt we go. I believe this construct is foolish.
I have no ability to comprehend the love of victory. For me, wars are never won.
Perchance, that is why I struggle with the Presidential campaign. Political lines are drawn. Party's part ways. People cannot see the similarities within their stances. The differences, the depth of their division drives competitive combative persons on. The supposed need to succeed separates us. From the President to the people, the phrase "You are either with me or against me" dominates.
Democrats smell a Republican defeat and are happy to embrace any of three candidates that will not commit to exit Iraq. Fifty three percent of Progressives prefer the candidate that proudly proclaims, we need more troops in Afghanistan. It is craziness to me. I would love to say, this election is not being held in my name. Yet, I am a citizen of the United States. What happens in my homeland is, in part, my doing.
As an American, I am culpable for all that occurs in my country and for all that my nation does.
I do not grasp the logic that led members of the House and Senate to compromise on the State Children's Health Insurance Program. Why would anyone advocate to increase funds for Abstinence Only Sex Education classes, that have proven to be ineffective, is beyond me. I heard the excuses. Democrats declare Republicans will support the measure if .
The obsession to cut taxes makes no sense to me. We watch the infrastructure crumble around us and still we say, "No new taxes."
As I observe millions of people enter Wal-Mart, I wonder. Why might they complain of imports and then purchase these wares with glee.
I read the statistics. Forty-nine percent of immigrants are hired to do work in American homes. Businesses only bear a portion of the "burden" or benefit from a "cheap" labor force. Yet, wherever I travel Americans speak of the need to close borders.
Bigotry is in bloom in this nation. I would like to say xenophobia is not wrought in my name. Yet, I am an American. This is my country; I am culpable.
I recognize that I feel as though I do not have the power to change what is; however, I know to my core that change begins with me. As long as I blame, the President, the Bush Dynasty, the Clinton Clan, Congress, Vice President Cheney, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi or you, I cannot, and will not do, as I must. Only when I accept that I am an American; I am culpable will I commit to change what causes my fellow man and me great harm.
I invite you do dream, to embrace the unattainable, and the ridiculous. Walk the streets in support of peace. Write letters to the editors, your Congressmen, and women. If a General Strike appeals to you, engage. November 6, 2007 offers an opportunity for protest. Whatever action you choose please be the serenity you wish to see. March in harmony. When someone shrilly speaks to you, do not respond in kind. If you believe in peace, let that path be your eternal guide.
With thanks to Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Don Quixote, and Miguel de Unamuno . . .
~ Miguel de Unamuno [Spanish Philosopher and Writer]
Not In My Name . . .
October 7, 2001
Posted by Betsy L. Angert on October 23, 2007 at 11:58 PM in Activism, Afghanistan, Boycotts, Bush 43 Administration, Bush Dynasty, Congress, Congress and Bush, Hillary Clinton, Immigration, Iran, Iraq War, Israel and Lebanon, Racial Discrimination, Richard [Dick] Cheney, Vice President , Wal-Mart | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Bud Buys Rolling Rock; Latrobe Lives Lost ©
Mary [not her real name] wrote,
I know this is a mass email, but at this point, I will try anything to help save the jobs of not only my husband but also the other 249 families. Please help and thanks for your support.Mary enclosed a link to the petition Keep Rolling Rock in Latrobe
I clicked on the link and began to read a well-composed and pleading letter.
To: August A. Busch IVMr. August A. Busch IV, We, the people of Latrobe and surrounding communities, as well as Rolling Rock drinkers everywhere ask that Rolling Rock be kept in Latrobe Pennsylvania. Your company and name have always been associated with strong family tradition. You are quoted as saying, “We have an ideal opportunity to grow this historic brand. This beer is not like others and its consumer following is equally distinctive.” We ask you not ruin this beers rich history by moving it out of its birthplace.
You [Mr. Busch] would be stripping the city of everything it has known for over a century. The brewery and everything it represents coincide with Latrobe; Latrobe is Rolling Rock, Rolling Rock is Latrobe. We the people are not upset or bothered by the purchase; we hope you can help grow this great brand. We do, however, ask that you keep Rolling Rock in its hometown. If expansion is necessary, so be it. But please, for the sake of a city and all Rolling Rock fans, we ask that you keep Rolling Rocks base in its mother city, and keep our family alive.
Sincerely, The Undersigned
At the time of this writing, there are a total of 11866 Signatures.
I am penning this quickly and asking you to reach out. This for me illustrates how a big business, in this case a brewery, can purchase a smaller company, for all the right reasons, profitability, name recognition, reputation, a loyal following, because they are a force to be reckon with; yet, they forget all that made this company strong, the people.
Mary, my acquaintance wrote to me of her situation. Her husband, John, has worked for the company for over twenty-six years. John is a hard worker; he cares and has for all these years. He took so much pride in what was “his place” of work and the product. According to Mary and to an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review all of this was done in the dark of night. No one had any idea of what was happening. Lives were overturned with little care.
Please read the article and the sad stories residents of Latrobe and employees of Rolling Rock share. They are painful; yet important.
Bud buys Rolling Rock; Latrobe Brewing's future uncertain
The city is as Mary and John are, shocked and distraught. Anheuser-Busch, leader in the U.S. beer industry, bought the Rolling Rock brand, the recipe, and the right to brew the beverage. However, they had no interest in the facilities or the people that these breweries employed.
Those that know me well might wonder why I would write a communiqué on Rolling Rock beer and its production facilities. In my entire life, I have never had a drink of alcohol. Until two months ago, I never heard of Rolling Rock beer, though I recall the moment I did. I was at a party, and when a young man saw that Rolling Rock was available, he decided he could stay all night. A month later, I had a similar experience.
You might wonder, dear reader how I could have not known of John’s employer. I know Mary. I knew that she lived in Latrobe; we spoke of her husband, their long and happy marriage, their five children and more. Yet, we never spoke of Rolling Rock or the specifics of John’s job. I was certain that he enjoyed his work and workplace; nothing more needed to be said, until now.
Now, I ask as Latrobe families do. Please help; and sign the petition. You may also wish to speak with your bartender and friends to join you in a boycott non-Latrobe Rolling Rock. Extend your hand, hold your beer high, and hope that those that have infused the formula into these bottles for the last sixty-seven years brewed this blend.
References For Your Review . . .
• Anheuser picks up Rolling Rock USA Today May 21, 2006
• Bud pays $82M tab for Rolling Rock CNN Money. May 19, 2006
• Bud buys Rolling Rock; Latrobe Brewing's future uncertain By Richard Gazarik. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Saturday, May 20, 2006
Posted by Betsy L. Angert on May 30, 2006 at 03:00 PM in Big Business Buys Brew, Boycotts, Busch Latrobe Brewery, Discussion, Economics, Rolling Rock Beer | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack
