I'm not sure if Rupert particularly wants this debate on a poetry list so
before he tells us all to shut up I'd better get in my two penn'orth. Sorry
Rupert.
I think Tim's letter would have put me on the defensive as well Susan - it's
a bit like kicking 51 million American's in the teeth when they've already
had them extracted - you just kick their sore and bleeding gums. Ouch.
On a world league table of poorly and sick nations I don't think America
would be placed that highly. It is purely because it is the only superpower
that it can act and does act as it pleases that makes it so scary. The human
monkey is crap at self-regulation. Bullies are difficult to deal with if
they are bigger than everyone else.
But for all you say about Blair and us Brits Tim, us Brits will vote Phoney
B.Liar in next spring.
As for racism, classism and sexism - name that country that doesn't have
these things - I'll buy a ticket to go there today - I can think of quiet a
few off the top of my head that have
these things in greater quantities than America and horror of horror many of
them are not in the 'Western World'.
Sorry but whilst I do think there is a lot that needs to put right (as my
radio can testify to - it has sore speakers from my screaming at it) and
America has got far too big for its boots and I was profoundly depressed at
their election results and we must all keep fighting in whatever small way
possible to right those wrongs I don't think an exaggerated depiction of
America as the most sick, sexist, racist, corrupt society on earth is
helpful because it just ain't true!!! It's just the most powerful which is
an important subtlety.
G.
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