From: "Howard
Bramhall" <howard9732@xxxxxxx> Subject: RE: [RC] [RC] [RC]
[RC] I had a wonderful time. - Howard Bramhall
Antonio, I have no
idea. That was kind of the point I was trying to make.
The best
definition I can attempt is that we are all quite different, with different
views, different cultures, different religious beliefs (even the belief not
to have one), and different thoughts on just about anything you can possibly
come up with (like foreign sponsorship at an American endurance
event). Heck, we can't even agree on what color code our fear factor
should be for this day of the week, so, to agree on what American is, even
if an American tries to answer that, is incredibly difficult.
I will
say that I don't think those UAE folks who received the belt buckle would
understand why some American voices are objecting to them receiving this
buckle so strongly. I'm not sure if they know, since it might be hard
to explain. How does one explain to them "American?" Especially,
in this situation. This results in misunderstanding, on both
sides.
What does seem to make America American is that we actually make
the attempt to try and unite our differences under one banner. Quite
often this seems to be some sort of mad experiment in futility, but, we do
make the attempt. This is why our flag brings out such intense
feelings that have been discussed recently, by some. That flag is that
banner under which we all fall under, no matter how you feel about the
flag. And, well, pardon this analogy, but, it does seem, to many
"Americans," that the American flag should not ever be for sale.
I feel that some Tevis riders are conflicted because they see their ride
going up for sale the same way as some would feel about selling out our
flag.
The price of the belt buckle was 35,000 dollars. How much for
the flag? That is quite a leap, I know, but, it's the feeling I'm
getting. I guess that's what I meant when I said understanding
"American."
IF I lost you there, I'm sorry. I'm not even sure if
your question to me was a sincere one, but, I tried to answer it just the
same. I know there are others on this list who can define
American much better than myself. If I can think of a better answer
for you, I'll slip it in somewhere.
cya, Howard (if this post cleared
that up, for anyone, I'd be amazed)
