2 weeks later

[veritology]

Coming back to the United States after these last 4 months has left me a little speechless. It’s not that I don’t have things to say, it’s that I see so much I want to talk about that I’m intimidated by it all. There is so much going on here that took me a while to get used to again

Comments

[thefrescakid]

In a sideways sort of fashion I understand part of the cognitive dissonance you are experiencing. I spent much of my childhood in various parts of interior Mexico, in a word without electricity, plumbing, or any shelter more complete than a set of cinderblocks glued together shoddily to form a room of sorts in which to sleep. I understand that what is seen as poverty in the US would be seen, incredibly, as enviable by much of the rest of the world. I understand that every morning when I open my eyes to the sound of an alarm clock and inhale the air conditioned air, before I get out of bed, before I even stand up, I am already taking actions based on conditions that are possible as the result of the oppression and hard labor of those living outside our own luxurious borders

[veritology]

You're absolutly right Sam, I do love this country. Much of it annoys me, I'm offended by the politics of the current administration, I'm offended by the ignorance of so many of the people in this country, I'm offended by how shallow so much of our society is, especially when we are a people with the amazing freedom to look at the truth and depth of the issues.

I'm cynical. But I contend that I'm a cynic not because I'm against idealists, but because I am an idealist. This country is amazing, I am proud to be a citizen of a country based on the ideals of freedom of speech and freedom of religion. I love it. Your story inspires me, just as it should inspire countless others.

So while I get annoyed at what I see as shallow, I think I should take your point as well, that with such excess comes the freedom of opportunity. Thanks for the reminder, sometimes I need to hear that or else I start going off on rants and such.

[thefrescakid]

By the way, I'm glad you are adjusting relatively well to civilian life again. The contrast between where you were, and where you are, in so short a time, could have (and for many before has had) devestating effects. On the other hand, I always figured you for a survivor.