To my
American friends,
Do you know, it's good to know that friends like you live south of me...that
basically you are honest and upright and believe, not only in the American
way, but the kind and neighbourly (or neighborly :) way. You, as a nation,
have given to me your friendship and shared your wealth...you, as individuals,
have given me your love, or your kindness, or your backing. You are
all wonderful people, each and every one of you.
Although I am Canadian, I feel, most times, a sense of indentity with
the United States. Once while on a speaking tour in the U.S., I based
my presentation on the principles of freedom for which the United States
stands. I was talking about the freedom of the soul, but I used the
energy of entrepreneurship and vigorous application of the principles
of personal freedom in my workshop. I spiced it with some American songs
and imbued it with the feeling of pioneer and wayshowing that so often
typefies America. People who came to this workshop went away inspired,
not only as Americans, but as citizens of the universe.
Sure, like any good friends, we have our squabbles. And sometimes we
hurt each other and don't apologize. But we basically have the same
ideals at heart and share the same principles of justice, equality and
freedom.
So, forgive me if I don't always back you - when your trade policies
seem to step on my toes - or your pilots accidentally shoot down our
soldiers. In the long run, 50 or 100 years from now, it still won't
have made a difference to the basic love I feel for you, your countrymen
and your country.
And when America hurt - in the wake of September 11, for instance -
I cried along with the rest of you. And put the American flag in my
window to show my support. And cheered when my countrymen went rushing
to help you. This carries on the tradition in the style of Ken Taylor,
the Canadian ambassador in Iran who helped American embassy personnel
escape that country so many years ago by disguising them as Canadians
(and no doubt teaching them to say "aboot" and "no doot"
:)
America has pioneered freedom in the world - with Canada a willing partner.
Thank you for all you have done and all that you will do. Your friendship
is very important to me.
Happy Independence Day, my friends!!
Kaladance Windsong
(aka Alex Bell)
©2002 Sandra Bell Kirchman
July 4, 2008: P.S.
I wrote the above six years ago and posted it on the boards as my tribute
to
America. The sentiment in it is as true today as it was then.
Raya
