This final debate which took place at Lynn University in Florida was the final debate between President Obama and Mitt Romney.The main theme was on America’s role within the world, trade with China, terrorism, the Middle East and southwest Asia.
President Barack Obama and his Republican rival, Mitt Romney went head to head on foreign policy issues last night which was Monday night.Romney accused Obama of failing to stem the resurgence of Al-Qaida and of playing a weak hand in the Arab Spring uprisings.As Romney’s maintained Obama has been an unreliable – coupled with being too apologetic.
Obama claimed Romney’s platform was too destructive an could very well regress the war in Afghanistan which in turn would lead America backwards rather than forwards; which would lead America back into a the ongoing wars within Syria and Iran.Obama used several references to the similarities of how Romney’s policies where very similar to that of former President George Bush.Romney’s rebut was when Obama proceeded to be on the offence was that there was no need to attack him, as Romney put it, “Attacking me is not an agenda.”Obama proceeded without any apologies yet he did make mention of how ridiculous this campaign has been as it’s been full of retracts and apologies on both sides as it probably is the most important campaign and of most importance within the American populous as so often there are words which are taken the wrong way – due to the political manipulation which takes place within this campaign.
Obama proceeded to defend his record with foreign policies pertaining to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Iran. Obama does come back to this several times yet how I see it that which he has carried out he wants to make darn sure that America at large does keep into consideration what he has accomplished.I myself don’t think there is anything wrong with it.I think that the average American does need to know that he has accomplishments over and beyond placing out a tremendous amount of problems from his predecessor. I myself do believe in Obama bringing this up continually within his debates – as well, I do believe that there are areas which he has not brought up.The reason on this one is that around the world nearly all countries and including terrorists were watching this campaign.If you say everything then the advisory has an upper hand America’s agenda.With that being said, I do believe that Obama can’t do the say all – as some areas are highly confidential.This did give Romney an upper hand as only until a new President is elected – they don’t know some of the confidential areas which would never be placed out in public – nor to Romney unless he becomes the next President of the United States.We do live in a new age as well as a highly informative age – yet some things are still held confidential.
International Foreign Affairs has never been one of the primary issues which make up a one of the Presidential debates.In the past they were fit within a part of a more open ended debate.Mind you this year they came to be a theme of the last and final debate. Yet as of the date of this writing this race within America is one which is run one which both parties are “pulling out all stops”.
There are some things which can be learned by both of these two.The way that I see it both have their strengths and both have their weaknesses – yet the question one has to apply is which is lesser of two evils principle.
What United States means to me?If I were asked this question a decade ago, it would be different to now.For that matter, if I was asked what I felt about America it would be based on the areas of which I know. Yet within this year to ask of what is America is something that it’s not as easy as earlier years.I don’t know what happened within the fabric of America, as it was always something to be carefree about and there was no real concerns as to identity.
As in any society there are differences but the differences are within the people. America was founded by way of the English and then as well how the English dealt within its own interior many things. To compare the United States now in comparison to that of when I lived there is very different. I don’t mean that within a negative manner.I recall a tremendous book that was written called, “A Man without a country”. I read the book while I was attending grade school in Bear Road. It was about a man that was the most patriotic but very mistaken and left to live out at sea during the beginnings of the colonies of the USA.
My experience as a kid within America was a very down to earth people. Yet this was when I was a kid and at the time that I was merely seventeen, I went back and saw my friends. Later on, I would do it within my adult life. Yet the America that I personally know of is that from the east coast. There was nothing of the likes of the annual picnics of which were so often celebrated.
Thereafter, I did go back to the United States and I truly loved and felt at home when I lived in New York City. I felt as if I was back within my homeland. Sure, there were things, which happened within the big apple, but it was nothing of the likes of what is now. In no manner have nor shall I degrade America as the merits within history were that of what everyone sought to reside in. For that matter, those of which I knew where very community minded.From the ordinary to some of the senior people within business there seemed to be a relation that was based on good will.
The people that I met and those of which were American or American immigrants were firm within their belief of what constituted America. Unless you have lived on both sides, I don’t think one really can see if there is any difference.Back then, we didn’t think about countries. We thought more about areas such the New York State Fair, the Empire State Building, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, which was right across from Rockefeller center. Then on a day such as this, it was heading out to Central Park or Jones Beach. Back then, there was such an array of people, but no one was thinking about wars, or what United States stood for. As a kid, I remember without any question standing up within class for what was the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. For myself America was home, still to a very good extent I see it as such.
America is a country that always was one that was productive and community minded in the manner that I see it. Certainly, there were points in history that America has. I find now that America is under a time of which in some manner they shall bring it together. Pride is within the fabric of the land of America and although there may be some things, which are so, very questioned, or for that matter too questioned. I have always recalled my last Fourth of July. Taking a boat ride to Ellis Island and seeing that statue of Liberty.It rendered something that I just can’t place a finger on but if there are a few words that do come to mind it would be – community, people from all ethnic blends, historical museums that were funded by notable people.This term for that matter theme of "the land of the home and free". It’s always been something of which stayed with me as well as that of times which there were no concerns of differences.I feel that I have been fortunate, as I have had a great experience within America as well as within the country of which I reside. Ten years ago there was not much difference and then came the downfall of the economy as well as the administration of a President named George Bush.Nevertheless, this is not of matter what is that America still is America.
Yet I still feel privy in knowing America and having had America as a country of which I belonged too. The things of which take place never stay the same. In addition, with all of that said, America as I see it is one that stands proud. For myself, America was more than just the nation at large. It was one of which there was never so much concern. I state words with caution yet that of both lands, to see that statue of Liberty while hearing and singing with thousands the national Anthem. I truly wish I had all the pictures as well as some videos from that time but America has and always shall be a part of my life. I do have a letter from former President Clinton while I lived there as well – I met extraordinary yet ordinary people. The merit was all within the manner of what America is, not so much as to what it isnt.However, this is all based on where I have lived. Even during the times of which are faced within the fabric that seem to be so intense – there still is a foundation of what represents the red, white and blue. It’s that of which I truly have loved and I still maintain that America at large shall render back that of what was so lost over a decade. It just might be happening now. What shaped America was a multitude of people from all countries.
The very ideals of America honor the service of that of which it stands for. Do a service of rendering the best of a country. And those times of which I had I certainly feel that I have had a great advantage and I believe that within time I shall return and here again that anthem as well as see – Lady Liberty, as see looks across the Hudson with a certain calm.
There are many things of which come to mind within what America is and within that tread of what America is. I still believe that as within the history of any country in the thoughts of many notables America has and shall not be that of less it's a country of which everyone has seen to be one based on a history of pride and freedom.
This is a recap of a write which I had done one year ago and as I shall be away tomorrow America has always been very close to myself. I can't begin to explain how much is within the fabric of America of which I know.
Perhaps this year it's taken on a new meaning. I think of these two words - Thanks and Giving. Although up here we celebrate it within October I find that there are some things which are very apparent within the stream of America. It's that of this occasion, if there is one thing which never leaves the spirit within America it's the occasions of celebration. I remember and understand it well. And I will admit that it's a day that is of worth a bring about more than any rallies or politics but it's simply Thanksgiving time.
I do believe that there is a tremendous area within this holiday as aside of all that goes on within the world America is that of people which do celebrate traditions within a manner that give more meaning than just the "gobble - gobble" of the turkey. It is time where family and friends come together. If you ask me there is no country which celebrated this holiday within a manner of which is thankful.
To the left there are those whom may find it a hard time as holidays often do bring about something which some do feel down with. That is natural if you ask me.
Then there are those which have a rooted home bound meaning within all of this. What couldn't be better than to have all family and calls made from the day before to the very occasion.
Yes there are several countries which celebrate this time - yet from a distance now I have never seen the likes of the celebrations of Thanksgiving. I don't wish to dig back into the times which I have celebrated Thanksgiving within my own experience but I do wish everyone a very good one. Within the times of which we live there are the occasions such as this which make Thanksgiving a value within a society which is that which does not change the values of meaning within this time but more so reinforces it. Thus it's that time which sales are up, now that is good. Sure we can look at the things which are not. But within this traditional time I will be calling some friends as well I can smell the kitchens of those that are just a baking. And what I find is that there are these occasions which just bring about the value of what is red, white and blue.
Yet more so within a manner of a culture of a country which renders the essentials of what brought about things to be thank full for. Traditional occasions are not just within the turkey within America at this time of the year. They are literally within that harmony. From afar I do wish each and everyone within what I see as the great old USA a very Happy Thanksgiving. With that all said I would love to share a poem with you that are from the United States.
The Thanksgivings
Harriet Maxwell Converse Translated from a traditional Iroquois Prayer
We who are here present thank the Great Spirit that we are here to praise Him. We thank Him that He has created men and women, and ordered that these beings shall always be living to multiply the earth. We thank Him for making the earth and giving these beings its products to live on. We thank Him for the water that comes out of the earth and runs for our lands. We thank Him for all the animals on the earth. We thank Him for certain timbers that grow and have fluids coming from them for us all. We thank Him for the branches of the trees that grow shadows for our shelter. We thank Him for the beings that come from the west, the thunder and lightning that water the earth. We thank Him for the light which we call our oldest brother, the sun that works for our good. We thank Him for all the fruits that grow on the trees and vines. We thank Him for his goodness in making the forests, and thank all its trees. We thank Him for the darkness that gives us rest, and for the kind Being of the darkness that gives us light, the moon. We thank Him for the bright spots in the skies that give us signs, the stars. We give Him thanks for our supporters, who had charge of our harvests. We give thanks that the voice of the Great Spirit can still be heard through the words of Ga-ne-o-di-o. We thank the Great Spirit that we have the privilege of this pleasant occasion. We give thanks for the persons who can sing the Great Spirit's music, and hope they will be privileged to continue in his faith. We thank the Great Spirit for all the persons who perform the ceremonies on this occasion.
As well,
The Pumpkin
by John Greenleaf Whittier
Oh, greenly and fair in the lands of the sun, The vines of the gourd and the rich melon run, And the rock and the tree and the cottage enfold, With broad leaves all greenness and blossoms all gold, Like that which o'er Nineveh's prophet once grew, While he waited to know that his warning was true, And longed for the storm-cloud, and listened in vain For the rush of the whirlwind and red fire-rain.
On the banks of the Xenil the dark Spanish maiden Comes up with the fruit of the tangled vine laden; And the Creole of Cuba laughs out to behold Through orange-leaves shining the broad spheres of gold; Yet with dearer delight from his home in the North, On the fields of his harvest the Yankee looks forth, Where crook-necks are coiling and yellow fruit shines, And the sun of September melts down on his vines.
Ah! on Thanksgiving day, when from East and from West, From North and from South comes the pilgrim and guest; When the gray-haired New Englander sees round his board The old broken links of affection restored; When the care-wearied man seeks his mother once more, And the worn matron smiles where the girl smiled before; What moistens the lip and what brightens the eye, What calls back the past, like the rich Pumpkin pie?
Oh, fruit loved of boyhood! the old days recalling, When wood-grapes were purpling and brown nuts were falling! When wild, ugly faces we carved in its skin, Glaring out through the dark with a candle within! When we laughed round the corn-heap, with hearts all in tune, Our chair a broad pumpkin, -- our lantern the moon, Telling tales of the fairy who travelled like steam In a pumpkin-shell coach, with two rats for her team!
Then thanks for thy present! none sweeter or better E'er smoked from an oven or circled a platter! Fairer hands never wrought at a pastry more fine, Brighter eyes never watched o'er its baking, than thine! And the prayer, which my mouth is too full to express, Swells my heart that thy shadow may never be less, That the days of thy lot may be lengthened below, And the fame of thy worth like a pumpkin-vine grow, And thy life be as sweet, and its last sunset sky Golden-tinted and fair as thy own Pumpkin pie.
The song brings goosebumps to me as the song within it's own does seemingly represent that of a country I know.
As time went on I lived here in Canada and then at a certain point I moved back to New York. Literally it was just before Thanksgiving. And yeah I got married there, my ex was American Colombian and I have never seen such an array of people that celebrate. The condo that I bought had so many people from all over there was what would be my Uncles/Tio's and Aunts/Tia's and I will never forget the festive way that came with celebrating Thanksgiving and all that goes with it. I started to come to understand the language much later but most all only spoke Spanish. Yet within the American way - there were people invited that were Polish, Spanish and well it was something that was certainly within what is Thanksgiving.
To celebrate Thanksgiving with such a flavor of people was something all to new to me. But I really enjoyed it. And really came to be immersed within it all. From all the traditional food that go along with Thanksgiving as we know it combined with the spanish element was just too good. I remember calling four of my friends from Canada and I told them, "If only you could see this". As I was not used to all the dancing and spanish food combined with the laughter that goes in a spanish manner. Needless to say within the city you were invited into everyone's home just to make a visit and it was truly something that was to those that have been within the city of New York as it's the largest small town. Meaning people were just well I was within my element I guess.
There was this on rather older Polish lady whom lived on the floor below and her name was Joan. Joan was around 70 years of age but she was one that would call and in here Brooklyn accent, "Jack would you come down here?" Queens was Queens. Actually all of New York City was interconnected in a way. Not all but the most all that I came to know. And the festivities that took place each year for Thanksgiving were something that I find to be America at it's best.
Supper would start and the dancing would go far into the night and then the day after was taking the subway downtown and going to all the festivities. It was something but here too it was Thanksgiving but then some. Seeing the Statue of Liberty the followed day and going to all the places downtown St. Pat's and at the same time seeing the Christmas Tree up right next to the Rockefeller Center. It was just Thanksgiving and something that moves so right into the season of Christmas.
The history of what we know of as Thanksgiving comes from the pilgrims and they celebrated after the harvest season. The history is there and it's good I think that we all have maintained these traditions. And rightfully so as it's the fabric of traditions that we have not forgotten while so many things have been changed. But traditions of any nature and with Thanksgiving that does make up the original history. I think it's something that we certainly are thankful with. And I truly do think as time goes on we don't forget these areas and perhaps we are becoming more understanding of these traditions while at the same time understanding the value of those that celebrate other traditions as well.
I have fond recollections of Thanksgiving within America when I was a kid. We would celebrate both the American and the Canadian Thanksgivings. Within October and then in November. It really came to be when other families started coming over with a pie or something that was related to what Thanksgiving meant. First would be the Thanksgiving within October and then the other was in November.
In October, my folks would get us all ready to call the grandparents and I remember having to almost yell as I spoke to them. On my mother’s side they came to learn the English language and often my mother would try to tell us how to pronounce “Happy Thanksgiving" within Hungarian but I could never get it right. And then there was the call to my father’s father – whom was of Norwegian decent. He knew the English language very well actually a very intellegent man when it comes down to it and looks looks exactly like my father and it was all too easy to wish him a very happy Thanksgiving. We were the only ones within my family that had moved to the states all our relatives were living within this small town by the name of Yorkton.
Then our neighbors whom really with many became literally like family – they would show up with something on the Canadian Thanksgiving, which amazed my father especially. Then it became a yearly ritual to celebrate both Thanksgivings. Mom back then would bake for nearly three days and then on the American Thanksgiving the two of them would make there rounds to our neighbors and do the very same. Now as a kid it was something to have 2 Thanksgivings. The turkey, cabbage rolls and most off all ...........THE DRESSING. I am not sure about you but that was the best of the best and then thereafter enjoying the day with neighbors and playing football or climbing trees in the backyard. Yeah those were precious days.
I remember when my father was deciding to retire and my bother was up in Canada attending the Queens University. We would get up and head up to Kingston, Ontario and bring him back for only the Canadian Thanksgiving as it was only observed in October. Driving back across the border and through the Adirondacks and into New York State and just turning to come back to where we lived and I will never forget my old man saying, “this really is home isn’t it.”
