In her letter, Mrs. Atwood begins by going back and sharing some of her fondest memories of America. It seems as if she begins to daydream as she reminisces on the great american film stars, animated characters, historic authors and musicians. These people clearly had a profound effect on her. One that spawned her love and admiration for American art and culture. In doing so she seems to want the reader, (hopefully an american) to join in this daydream and think back to the fond moments these things brought to their childhood as well.
Next, the letter turns to a different message. What America stood for. Or what it used to stand for anyway. "You stood up for freedom, honesty and justice; you protected the innocent." she writes. She states how much she believed they meant what they said. These are things that American politicians continue to tout almost every chance they get. "Give me your tired, your poor." she quotes, reminding the reader of what America stood for. Reminding them of the American idea. The idea that has drawn people from all over the world to look up to America as that "city upon a hill".
After taking the reader back to a better day the letter takes a different tone. That of a concerned neighbor.
She reminds the reader of how close we as neighbors actually are. Letting them know how much of a history and effect we have on one another. In a way telling them how much we, Canada, need the U.S.. They are our biggest trading partner and defensive ally. "If you go down..., we go down." she says. I'm sure most americans are aware of the unique relationship our countries share, but it never hurts to remind them.
After 9/11, a lot of things changed for america. Starting with the Patriot act. This act has taken away some of the basic rights given to american citizens through the constitution. This worries the author. "You're gutting the constitution" she writes, giving examples of some of theses violations, incarceration without cause, unauthorized search and entry of personal property. She then kind of teases by asking the reader how such a big and powerful country could be so scared to allow such things to happen.
Next, the economy. She reminds america of its out of control spending and sweltering debt. A debt that I believe is now upwards of 7 Trillion dollars.
Then finally a warning that she as the concerned neighbor feels she cannot hold back any longer. The warning is simple, continue down this path and we are all in trouble. Big trouble. She states that the american reputation is at stake. That instead of being looked upon as a "city upon a hill", a standard the rest of the world strives to meet, America will be looked on as any other failed empire. Even worse, the whole democratic system that they've worked so hard to build could be lost.
Get back to your roots, I believe is the point she is trying to subtly get across. Remember the ideals your great country was based upon and turn things around before it's to late.
Sadly as this letter was written in 2004, almost every warning that Mrs. Atwood gave seems to have fallen on deaf ears. The debt is still spiraling, the economy is in shambles with an unemployment rate hovering around 10 percent. America still finds itself entangled in two international conflicts with no clear end in sight.
Like Mrs. Atwood, I feel like the character Wilson on the sitcom Home Improvement. Peeking over the fence at our neighbor as they grunt and groan their way through the problems facing them just hoping that they will come asking for advice. Advice that we would freely give if only they would listen.
If you knew they would listen what one piece of advice would you give america?
1 comment:
I would tell them to focus more on their domestic problems, and to let go of hate.
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