Gawl dang, Wil Wheaton. I can't believe how intelligent (and eloquent) you really are. Your Open Letter is really right on - and the way you draw the parallel to your own received-in-the-nick-of-time letter is really insightful.

Keep fighting the good fight.

-=M=-

Its become ever important to me to realise that sometimes your best friends are the people who tell you what you don't want to hear. Thats happened to me a lot over the last few months and I hope that I too will be able to listen to it and learn. Thanks
as ever,
shaun
England

And as they say "d'oh", I read your parallel assuming that you had been asked to comment on a previous post of yours from earlier this year. Sorry for the confusion, but the fact remains you seem to be more in touch with this world than most of the rest of its inhabitants. Many thanks.

-=M=-

Simply,

I don't agree with the open letter. I do agree with Wil. I think the letter is wildly offbase, and ridiculous.

James

Yeah man, totally agree more than I care to extrapolate here. You know, its really weird that you might actually read this. You are a celebrity among celebrities, and I don't wonder why you didn't end up dead or a junkie. Though if I were cruel I might just say possibly because you aren't that good an actor ;)

Some insightful thoughts on the Open Letter, Wil.

My whole spin on the general reaction to this little manifesto is that there are people who were genuinely dismayed, and a bit resentful to have been lumped into a general category. Howeer, I also know that there are a lot of really obnoxious, pompous, ethnocentric people out there, and that the media is not helping.

Perhaps if Mr. McDougall had rephrased his accusations at "those people in America who..." instead of every single person who happens to have been born here, his letter may not have had the same effect... especially because "those people" to whom he was referring would probably react with indifference, anyway.

Still, it gives one reason to pause and assess one's demeanor and behavior. I certainly hope that no one sees me as the author of that letter apparently thinks he has, and I will do my best to never give them a reason to.

You know what I find most interesting here?

The fact that I posted about it and sort of remained as ambivalent as possible and watched people take sides and attack this and/or that as right and/or wrong, but no one really sat back on their laurels and said, "Hey, maybe someone's on to something here."

I'm not really surprised; it's almost equal to saying that Springsteen's new album is driven by a disaster to help revitalize his career.

You might as well think that you'd crucified Christ as to even suggest such a dastardly thing--when the end result is that is something that could have happened--regardless as to the type of character the man has...it just could happen.

Anywho, when people start to understand that someone else's reality is actual their perception of things, maybe then they're work to change perceptions instead of being so damned defensive.

Kudos, Wil, as always.

I have perhaps a unique viewpoint on the open letter to America.

I've lived in Canada most of my life, however, I am a US citizen. This last fact I have kept to myself recently, as those around me have growing animosity towards our southern neighbor.

The letter's core thesis is bang on, however the ideas are presented in a very inflammatory way encouraging some to not take it seriously.

Canadians (in general) and probably most of the world, view Americans (collectively, not each American) as bullies. You are the big bullies on the playground - you take what you want, you push who you want, and if someone questions you, then all of a sudden you are all innocent?

Don't take this personally. I know most Americans are decent people - remember I am one. But the foreign policy of the US is so aggressive and self serving that no other country can stand you. Most countries play ball because they fear the US more than they hate it.

I read recently in the news - we must remove Saddam Hussein before he threatens us. Remember when we tried to appease Hitler? Well is Saddam Hitler, or maybe Bush is. How can you justify war because there might be some future threat? This is a license for world wide genocide and as a Canadian I am scared to death of Bush's policy. Am I next on Bush's list?

Having read the letter I have to say that I must discount the style of rhetoric as showboating, while affirming, that as a Canadian, I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment.

John McGregor

Thank you for adding your voice to those americans who also realize that its time the US stops and asks itself why do some people hate them so much. The entire world owes a lot to the USA, and to see such a nation let itself be dismissed as a bunch of loud-mouthed, dollar-toting morons wouldn't be right either.

Wil,

I can hardly express my feelings about that entry.
At first, I´m still astonished about you presenting very personal issues from the past in an openly way to emphasize things that are moving you today.
And it works. This is one of the most sensible and sensitive opinions I´ve read so far. Others may or may not agree to what you write and think, but point is you did strength your opinion with very powerfull content.
Keep on with your way of moving in the world.
Perhaps you can move others.

Buck

I think what you said is very true.

Well said.

Hmmmmmm. It is strange to for me to say this, but I guess in recent years, I've developed a different point of view.

Years ago I would have stepped up to the plate and said, "You said it boy. America sucks!" However, in recent years, I've changed. I found the "open letter" distasteful. Reeking of terrible bigotry, it seemed to place blame for all the problems of the world on one group. That group just happens to be Americans.

I am an American, and most of the people I know are not that arrogant, loud, or obnoxious, as the letter suggests. I do not consider America a sick or evil nation. In fact, now that I think of it, I don't even know a single murderer personally, certainly conflicting with the notion that we are a nation of mostly murders. I am not fat. I do not eat hamburgers very often. I do not agree with everything the president says or does, but I do respect that he has some very tough decisions to make -- decisions concerning life and death, and ones that I'm glad that I don't have to make. Quite frankly, I live in a nation where I can disagree with what our leaders say, and I'm quite happy about that. I am quite thankful to be born American and to have the opportunities I've had.

Stepping off the soapbox.

- HunahpuMonkey

Though there are lots of specific things I dont agree with in that Open Letter, and understand that it lumps all Americans in together a bit unfairly, I have to agree with the 'vibe'. Friends of America, who aren't ungrateful for it's past sacrifices and commitments, dont like what it's doing now or turning into. The culture (particularly the litigious one, and the jingoistic nationalism) is beginning to stink. As a (flawed) democracy, your leaders reflect and represent you all. But this message wont ever get through to the top, so what are you going to do about it? Vote Nader?

Wil, your linking to your personal history is beautiful and wonderfully honest.

You wrote a Damn Good article Wil.

Well put dude.

It is the inflamatory nature of the letter that makes it so repugnant. It is so full of gerneralizations with no support. Wil, your argument is cogent and not stated to inflame passion but open dialogue. Your attitude is very, very much appriciated. Thank you.

Very well done.

I'm often ashamed to be an American, but I lack the cojones to leave. It's cushy here.

But that open letter... man. It'd be nice to have a change come from it.

But it's an affront on pride, and many people don't take those kindly. Like Wil's pal pointed out, there are several ways to take a letter like that, and one of them is with outrage, ignoring the points made within and continuing along the present course.

Change is scary. Pity we're such a bloated country. If there's any luck out there, younger generations will pick up the ball and run with it.

Like other have said the letter is a bit over the top. but it has a lot of true points. things do need to change. but sadly most of the country are ignorant morons who aspire to drive giant SUVs or gas guzzling sports cars. food industries have gotten so large and mechanized that food be it meat or vegtable is highly processed and filled with altered genes or hormones. the list of things go on. If peopel cared american could be a better place with elected officals who aren't in some corporations back pocket. many things coud be changed but they won't how small is the community in that nation that CARES. not many. if every person did even a small thing be it adopt a child instead of add naother to the already over populated planet, drive a fuel efficent car.(everyone shouldo this) but any how a very small portion of the US population give a care and not many more are able to over come thier coimplete ignorance of anything outside thier little world.

As a Canadian, I also completely agree with the sentiment of the open letter. The statement "an affliction of mass denial that brings shivers up the spines of millions outside your borders" sums up my own feelings well.

But I also realize the letter uses unfair stereotypes and inflammatory language that lump all Americans into a single negative image. That kind of portrayal is only designed to raise your hackles. You very rightly would feel defensive.

I know many Americans, and individually you are great. Truly. Your country has so much to offer, and so much is wonderful about it and the people in it.

But the problem is entirely that as a nation (collectively, not individually), your policies, actions and attitudes all too often frighten me and many others in the world. So please do not take our fear and anger personally. We can only hope that statements like these, and intelligent rational debate, will eventually lead you to change your nation for the better.

Trolls must not be fed
But from thoughful rejoinder
The US can learn

I spend alot of time on the internet and speak to people from all over the world. The other day I spoke to a chinese person who informed me that China blames the US for it's political climate (or something to that effect). I know the US is no angel but it seems to me alot of people like to blame "us" for far more than what we actually perpetrate. People may fear "us" more but there's also a bigger target on our ass.

Wil, you really should investigate the buddhist religions. You seem to be making personal discoveries that fall right in line with some of those philosophies.

Peace, Fetus.

Wow, that open letter is one big troll. Not that I think the US is perfect, far from it, but the intent of the letter is clearly more about provoking a response than actually expressing a deeply felt point of view.

One of the main things that can be criticized about it is that most Western countries are vulnerable to the same criticisms of the US, although not always to the same degree. Does Canada not also consume oil? Does the UK not also send its troops overseas (and is the UK not often even more aggressive and jingoistic than the US)?

This letter will only serve to polarize its readers into either the "right on, the US is totally evil" or the "screw you Canada you ungrateful bastards" camps.

Excellent post, Wil.

HunahpuMonkey, the second half of your last graf is certainly true -- we are not a group of thugs personally. However, our leaders certainly are thugs, as are all world leaders, or at least the ones who can act like thugs.

Because America has the most power, it can act like the biggest thug. It isn't us; it is the nature of the system. Our leaders ally themselves with someone like Ariel Sharon (or Saddam Hussein twenty years ago, see today's MSNBC) not because they want to see the Palestinians and Israelis suffer, but because they benefit. Our problem is we do not call them on this.

When our country -- our country, I'm an American and I would not have it any other way, except warmer in the Midwest in the winter -- has 50% of the world's resources and 4% of the world's population, it is, well, whiny to say we are the victims of bigotry. It is like Bill Gates complaining that everyone picks on Microsoft. We suffer all the way to the bank.

We are fortunate. We need to make sure everyone in the world shares in our good fortune, because it is a good life here. It should be this good everywhere.

Wil, I read your story first before reading the Open Letter. At first I thought the Open Letter was wildly melodramatic and I therefore almost stopped reading it. I kept going back to it though and frankly, the author is right. You're quote at the end is dead on.

This nonsense America is engaged in needs to stop and it's the citizens of this country that need to put a stop to it. While no country on the planet can please everyone is it really necessary for us to actively displease the entire planet? There is a bill that will come due at some point and I can gaurantee that if we stay on our current path we won't much like it.

Kman

This is indeed a door that can be either opened and walked through or closed and pissed on. The US is seen so much as a bully/monopolizing/trying to take over the world with our culture and economy -- the government needs to reevaluate how the message and the actions we do are being sent our and perceived.... we cannot afford to lose the next generation to hatred and fear nor can we afford to alienate our allies.

As always Wil, an insightful look... thank you SIR!

i get mad at the things our government does sometimes...i get mad at the reasons our government does what it does sometimes...sometimes it seems the only voices that are heard are the loudest, whiniest and richest...when the quiet voices of reason and wisdom are going unheard by the powers that be...but i can't give up on the USA...because i know most of the time the truth does come through...like it always has...it may take longer than i like...but sometimes the waiting for justice makes it all the more precious when it comes...am i proud to be an american...YES...do i believe we still have a long way to go before we can really be the society we have the potential to be...YES...we still have alot to learn...about ourselves...and about the other people who share this planet with us...and like everything else we humans learn...too often this wisdom is born from pain.

Wil,

I can't say that the open letter does not have it's points. A lot of America no longer cares about anything. We are a nation to consumed with are daily grind of going to work, going to school, paying bills, and grabbing a bite of fast food in between that we hardly take time to notice anything political, or even outside our own family circle until it smacks us right in the face, and when it does we get angry, why? If we are to lazy to care before why care now? That is why I agree with you. We should take a step foreward through that now open door and take a long look at ourselves, and reavaluate our
priorities.

Well said Wil.

Well until your next post......

Matt......

The "Open Letter To America" is merely a badly written parody of Gordon Sinclair's famous 1973 commentary.

"The rest of the world hates us." Thing is, and I'm saying this from the perspective of a world traveller, the rest of the world are idiots.

This guy seems to have his problems, but for some reason he wasn't killed for speaking his mind. What a horrible country we are.

Wil,

Thank you for perspective, and asking the right questions. I have found that the people who are the greatest teachers, aren't the ones telling you how it is... Great teachers ask the right questions to help you reach your conclusion.

We are all children of the Great Spirit, we all belong to Mother Earth. Our planet is in great trouble and if we keep carrying old grudges and do not work together, we will all die.
- Chief Seattle

I know it is difficult to accept but at least 99.9% of Mr McDougall's letter is true. For example, Bin Laden is labelled a terrorist and monster, yet former Israeli Defence Minister and now Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, is not. (When you say a prayer for the victims of 9/11, also say a prayer for the victims of Sabra & Shatila -- September 2002 is the 20th anniversary of that horrific massacre and Sharon is as much responsible for the deaths of those 3,000+ men, women and children, as Bin Laden is for the deaths last year.) This is all documented fact and if this is documented fact, maybe all his other accusations are documented fact. Use the power of the Internet and research first, before dismissing anything, or everything, out of hand.

Further more, McDougall *had* to make it inflammatory because it is the only way Americans would bother noticing it. If he had been polite, he would have been ignored. In much the same way a polite Palestinian protestor is ignored but a suicide bomber is noticed. You may abhor the latter's method but at least you noticed the message. The same goes here: abhor the method but *notice* the message. How you react to it, then act on it, will determine if he's got a point, or not.

As usual, well said Wil.

I am a Canadian and I do not agree with this letter. Not because the points made are not true (many are) but because they imply a malicious intent which I do not believe is there.

As a nation, Americans are arrogant ... but then again, as a nation, you've earned that right. Your biggest mistake is that you assume that the rest of the world wishes they were American. Trust me, the majority of people in every first world country are proud of their nations and would not become American for anything.

But back to the open letter (more accurately described as a rant). It is just infamatory ramblings that are not based on any facts. It presents no evidence ... nothing to argue against. It is not worth the effort.

Well, I can't say I like american policy, or even most of the mentality down there (being Canadian and all) but I do find the letter over the top. Something so very rigid and paranoid like this does not help anything, although it is interesting to see that americans tend to take it seriously for good or bad. High drama always has an impact. Just look at Jerry Springers ratings.

When the American government looks out for what is in the best interest of it's people, the other countries hate us for it.

When the American government takes care of other countries, the other countries hate us for it.

Could it be jealousy? I think so.

However, I do appreciate the personal story that you wrote, Will. That took guts. :)

Wil:

If more people would phrase their arguments the way you did, the world would be a better place. America isn't perfect, but I would rather live here than anywhere else. The writer of that hate-filled manifesto forgets one thing: the world is an anarchical society, and sometimes nations have to do the unpopular thing to protect others. Does anyone here argue that Afghanistan is worse off now than it was on September 10, 2001? If someone can say yes to that, I would like to hear it.
Like it or not, George Bush IS the president of the United States, and given the exhaustive recount done by both the Washington Post and the Miami Herald, he won Florida. But I digress.
Yes, Bush is too pro-business for my taste, and the political system in this country needs massive campaign finance reform, but for the most part, the right things get done for the right reasons.

But I am not responding to you, I am responding to that letter. Like I said above, you phrased your arguments cogently. However, isn't it possible that in this anarchical world system, some people hate us because we have a mostly open, tolerant society? And isn't it possible that some nations are inherently anti-status quo? Who should stop those people?

And when it comes to Israel and Sharon: remember, Israel is a Democracy, the Palestinian authority (leb by the Billionaire Arafat-what is his job again and how did he make is money? By robing his people?) is not. Palestine never was a country, it was a region of the British Empire. And, by the way, most Palestinians live peacefully and successfully in their native country, Jordan.

Just calling it like I see it.

Thanks, Wil

Wil,
A very honest and interesting story from your limousine days. It seems your girlfriend or critic opened your eyes and you agreed with the criticism, then set about making changes. I don't think McDougal is such a worthy and objective critic. According to him, the FBI and intel. agencies arranged JFK's assassination, likely arranged 9/11 to justify totalitarian laws, and might arrange for a nuke in one of our cities if 9/11 doesn't enable our "shadow gov't" to achieve all it's totalitarian, freedom ending objectives. I can think of a few conspiracy theories he didn't mention, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't agree with them.
We all have things we think should change in our country. Often, they're the opposite of each other. But, McDougal hardly seems like an eye-opener, or door opener we need. You seem to agree with that. He told us a lot more about himself than about America, IMO. Don't you think we should take a good look at the motives of our critics? Should European, or other nations, have a veto over our policy decisions? They seem to want one. Just because someone or a nation disagrees with us, or doesn't like us, doesn't mean their opinions are better than ours.
If we succeed through violence and bring greater freedom to people who had few rights, and whose welfare was generally poor, we've sown the seeds for a better future. Freedoms and rights are normally suppressed through violence, and change seldom comes in those cases except through those who can bring greater power and remove those who suppress freedoms. That will never happen without the loss of some innocent lives. The alternative is for the suppressed to live that way indefinitely, with little hope of better days during their lives.
There were few specifics in your fine post, or in the replies so far. But, it always comes down to specifics, things to do or refrain from doing. What if only 20% - 30% of Americans agree with doing nothing in some of the current situations our country must contend with? They other 70% or so might not be the fat fools McDougal seems to consider them (us). Who are the fools?

Interesting post, Wil. Maybe more specific issues later.

Roughy wrote:
"...when people start to understand that someone else's reality is actual their perception of things, maybe then they're work to change perceptions instead of being so damned defensive."
-Very well said.

Rhett wrote:
"The letter's core thesis is bang on, however the ideas are presented in a very inflammatory way encouraging some to not take it seriously."

-I think that's the idea I was trying to get across in my original reponse to Roughy's McDougall post at Unrealistic Expectations. I haven't written like that in a long time, and it felt good.

Wow, Wil, you're good. That post deserves applause and a standing ovation. Your writing once again amazes and impresses me. Kudos for walking through that door and for having the intelligence recognize similar doors.

You seem to be at a really good place in your life right now. Remember that, especially when you have bad days. You're living the "American Dream" with intelligence, eloquence and courage.

As a Canadian, I do agree with the core meaning of the infamous Open Letter, but I cannot stand how it was written.

We're supposed to be polite, dammit. This guy's giving us a bad name. ;)

Seriously, Wil, I admire what you've said in this post. I don't dislike Americans, I don't even dislike the United States on the whole, but if more people thought the way you do in this post, I might actually *like* the US instead of seeing it the way I do now... A neighbour that I'm (sometimes) embarassed by.

What's wrong with you people? Why is it at all important that the rest of the world likes us? We are NOT the cause of all the hatred and stupidity that goes on in the world. That letter has only one grain of truth in it:

"Does this bother you? Not in the least."

Should it bother us what idiots and morons say? It shouldn't. Yes America is a super power, the only one left. And we support half of the rest of the world with our money. The Canadians and EUnicks, don't.

I don't like the way the letter said some of the things. It was kinda harsh I think. However, many of the base points in the letter I have thought myself. The real reason I have not said those opinions aloud to too many people is because I'm chicken. The cover reason is because I made a choice to live in society and in order to do that I have to keep my mouth shut on a couple issues. If I didn't want to live in society, if I didn't want to go to school or ever have a job, if i wanted to live in a padded room or get "dissapeared", then I could let loose everything I suspect about our collective (US and Canada) governments.

As a New Yorker I'm certainly well aware that there are no shortage of people out there who hate America. Some people can lay it out in rational rhetoric, others spew out hate filled purple prose like this manifesto.

There's nothing particularly original about it. Give the average bigot 5 pages to spew about the people he hates and he will produce something very much like it, whether it's against Blacks, Jews, Gays, Latinos or whoever.

What is mildly interesting is the acceptance it's enjoying from self-hating Americans. It's as if a black man picked up a newsletter from the KKK, nodded his head and said, "Well it's a bit extreme, but they have some good points." And of course self-hating people like that who will agree with their enemies's views of them, in part because they've internalized those prejudices, do exist in every community. Unfortunately it also seems that they've become a vocal minority in the United States.

That's why I laughed when I read the letter. After all it's so obviously a man working out his prejudices, seething with hatred and spewing out incoherent and rambling attacks combined with every America-bashing cliche imaginable. I stopped laughing when I read the responses from some Americans praising it. The letter itself is meaningless, the fact that there are some people out there who hate their country enough to respond to this rambling bigotry with anything but derision and contempt suggests some rather sad things about them.

I laugh at you all. At the person who wrote the Open Letter, those who support it, and those against. Most of you don't know what you are talking about. I'm one of them, but hear me out.

The problem with government and politcs these days is two-fold.
First, the world is huge. There are billions of people. Everyone has their own agenda. This results in politics that are almost undecipherably complicated. Millions of decisions are made, policies created, bent, and broken, for who knows how many different corporate, public, or personal reasons, and somehow we think slapping words like 'evil' or 'good' on the actions sum them up accurately. What a joke. Governments trying to save human life will associate with murderers. Governments will help you now so they can take your money later. Governments will support free speech, and then the next day not support free speech. Believing a government has 'wants', or that it 'likes' something is as useful as personifying a rock. It is INCREDIBLY hard to understand. It's like trying to predict the weather or stocks - you can do it sometimes, but there is no perfect model.

The second problem is that no government I know of is open enough. How many of you can honestly say you have made political choices based on first-hand information, or even second-hand? Where is the massive Internet depository of all political decisions and their history, and the tools to effectively parse that information? If you are looking for a way to solve the world's problems, the creation of a massive political information dissemination organization is a MUST. Until that happens most of your opinions mean jack.

I refuse to comment on our current situation because I KNOW I am not receiving decent information.

Let's start a relevant discussion: where do you go for your information? How would you rate it? What could be better? If people actually deign to respond to this maybe we can compile a useful set of links.

Mr. McDougall’s letter is a total pile of crap and the Americans who claim to be ashamed of this great nation make me sick! If our way of life, our nation, the very people of the U.S.A. are so bad, then why do so many people from all over the globe want to live here? I suspect that China, Iraq, Libya, Iran and most other nations don’t have people risking their lives daily to go there. Yes I’m waving the flag, because I believe in what it stands. And even with the troubles we have here in the U.S. it’s still the best damn nation on earth.

Oh yeah...I found nothing inspiring, prophetic or astute in Wil’s response. Some of you people are easily impressed.

Ruger

Bravo Wil!!!

I just wanted to say it is so interesting to read your posts everyday. You really put alot of time, effort and thought into your messages. I find that whether you are an actor or not, you are a very interesting person and I will continue to check in with you!

Take Care,

Arrina

I read the open letter and I have to agree with most of what is written in it. Not being an American gives you a different view and as Wil said, when you are outside looking in you can see things wrong with America that people living there can't or won't accept are true. So I have to ask myself, why is America the only country objecting to its soldiers being held accountable to the World Court for war crimes? Why when I travel in Europe and Asia do I see American tourists displaying Canadian flags or pins so nobody will think they are Americans? Why did the U.S. attack Afghanistan? I think I can answer that one myself. Oil. I believe the real target should have been Saudi Arabia but the U.S. knows that it would be impossible to attack them without losing their oil supply. So they have picked Iraq as their next target and once they have invaded and secured the oil fields who knows, maybe then the American government's view on Saudi Arabia will change. But I digress, maybe more Americans should take that letter and show it to some non American friends and get their honest opinion, no matter how much the truth will hurt.

I guess it’s my turn to step up to the mic …

Hello, my name is Danielle and I. Am. Canadian …

There seems to be a good mix of commentary from both Americans and non-Americans alike. The reponses range from whole-hearted agreement to whole-hearted disagreement to the open letter. Now here’s what I have to say, if you care to hear it.

Was the open letter on the money? Yes.
Was it over the top and inflammatory? Yes.
Will it do any good? Only if you see the spirit in which it was written. If you dismiss it as some upstart Canadian spewing stereotypical descriptions of Americans, you have not found the spirit. If you read it, and digest it, and see that an honest and close friend who cares about you has tried to start an "intervention" similar to a standard 12-step program, then maybe you’re getting closer. Instead of sitting by, and watching our neighbour destroy what it has worked for over 200 years to achieve, he has confronted your demons in the hope that you will recognize it in yourself and take the next step.

I have had the fortune to meet many Americans on a personal level. I’ve travelled to many of your states, I’ve stayed in the homes of my friends that I have met through the internet, and I have found that Americans are not that different than anyone else I know.

However, when a stereotypical non-American conceives of a stereotypical American, they see only particular archetypes: The fat cat politician in Washington, the fat cat Wall Street broker in NYC, the fat cat movie producer in Hollywood, and the cousin-marrying, sheet-wearing red necks of the southern states. And they see the fat cat tourist in Europe with their Amex cards, Aloha shirts, Bermuda shorts, and a maple leaf sticker on their luggage (as they try to pass themselves off as Canadians). Does that describe an American? No, not all of them, maybe only a handful. Do people conceive of the single mother in an urban jungle trying to make ends meet? No. Do they see man living on the streets because he’s had to sell all his possessions to pay for his dying wife’s medical bills? No. Do they see the farmer trying to balance weather, insect control, bills, and grain prices? No. Do they see the real, individual American? They see only what they want to see. Or, more so, what the media wants them to see.

Each American is an individual. An individual not that different from myself. Do I eat hamburgers? Yes. Am I overweight? Hell, yeah! Do I use oil and gas and other non-renewable resources? Yes. Does that make me an American? No .. that makes me, me.

Are people in other nations envious of Americans and want to move there? Some, yes, but most don’t.
Would I want to be an American? No (sorry). It’s not that I wouldn’t want to live in your country, it’s just that home is home and home is where the heart is. I love Canada and can’t imagine living anywhere else.

As for the Canadian and American relationship. We are joined at the hip, literally. We share similar histories, and we share ethnic backgrounds. You assimilate into your culture. We accept cultural diversity. We are cousins and best friends. And sometimes we have to sit you down, and help you learn some really tough lessons. Why? Because you need to step through that door.

" I was arrogant, rude, ungrateful for what I had, and I treated her like property. "

Well, in comparing your own sordid teenage angst tale to the present problems faced by the nation and the world, I think it is safe to say, not much has changed.

-Lupo

To comment on this would only be echoing what some people wrote better already.....> Rhett, Delphine Dave, and Mandy. I am from the US and now a landed immagrant in Canada. I love both countrys. Living here I worry horribly for the US. I don't want another 9/11
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black,
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages heance:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
~Robert Frost

Wil, I am reading your post with my best friend. And Iam inspired by two things; the way you put things into words,and your honesty, no matter how much it may seem to embarrass you. There are very few people that I know that could write a post like that so eloquently. Thank you for your inspiration.

Wil,

Thank you for your story. I think that was far more helpful than the open letter. I do believe that Americans have lost their sense of accountability and responsibility. It seems they would rather deny themselves freedom than have to think for themselves. I just hope there are more people like you who have relatively far-reaching influence that can help America become what it once was and the better America it could possibly be. It nice to hear from someone who values what it truly means to be American... thanks again.

KJMB

Well, i really dunno what i want to say at the moment other than HEEEEEE HE HEEEEEEEEE and WTF why would you post that!? I really have NO idea whay but then again I am SOOOOOOO NOT you, thank God! No sry that ws rude just kidding. BUT FOR REAL, you are the HOTTEST guy i have ever seen!!!!Well, beisdes River Phoenix but well... he died (as you know) and well... you got bumped to #1.

Oh, and by the way Caroline said that she was readng this with her best frined well.... GUESS WHAT..... that is SOOOOOOOO me!

In regards to Justine's comment, the urn is SO not a good look for you.

Carolina and Justine please go to the soapbox for any non-topic conversations.....Just so we can keep to the topic.

Mr. Verrey:

You make a very good point regarding the origin of information. I agree with a lot of what you say.

One of the problems, however, lies in the fact that nothing can ever be recorded dispassionately and accurately. No matter who reports an action, it is tainted by that person's viewpoint, their interpretation of events, even their choice of wording.

As far as I can see it, the only pure truth lies in something like math, and even then it can be iffy.

Despite this, I still see quite a bit of truth, at least from a certain point of view, in that Open Letter. I may not be recieving The Truth, but from what I understand, it makes quite a bit of sense.

One more voice about the open letter:

There are many Americans who are not that. They are routinely shoved aside, stepped on, bashed, smashed, and even killed by those who are.

And now we get to be bashed internationally for the sins of our bashers.

I'm a woman. Bush and his cadre are rapidly eroding my rights to a safe abortion.

I'm a queer. Thanks to Bush and his buddies shoving the political inertia in the wrong direction, there is a near-100% chance that I WILL NEVER BE ALLOWED TO MARRY IN MY LIFETIME. Our Attorney General is someone who plainly thinks that Matthew Shepard and Billy Jack Gaither brought it on themselves.

And now some piss-ass Canadian fuckwit is slamming ME -- make no mistake, that letter isn't talking about "the American way of life," it's talking about EACH AND EVERY INDIVIDUAL AMERICAN -- for the sins of a powerful group of hateful bubbas who would just as soon as me dead. A powerful group of hateful bubbas, I might add, WHO WERE NEVER LAWFULLY ELECTED ANYHOW. We did not even choose those pricks, remember?

Thanks. Just thanks a whole fucking lot. American doesn't want my kind. No one else does. I and every other feminist and dyke and fag have been relegated to the status of stateless floater. (Yes, I'm a goddamned queer, and I GET TO USE THOSE WORDS. YOU DON'T. TOO FUCKING BAD.)

International critics would do well to remember that Bush and the rest of his cronies, along with the cracker-bubbas who put him in power, may be dangerous to the world, but THEY ARE MORE DANGEROUS TO US, BECAUSE WE ARE A LOT CLOSER TO THEM. He may anger that Canadian shitwad, but he's fucking me and my kind over about a dozen times worse.

Not only do I get to watch my rights as a feminist dyke ripped from me, but I get to be identified with them by someone whose window on my nation is 25 inches across and comes with an off switch. Not only are the bashers in charge, but I'm getting blamed for their sins.

The writer of that letter can fuck off and die.

Yeah--you're really right. America is just one giant pizza factory. We love pepperoni, but know that most of the world doesn't, so we put it on every single pizza just to piss people off. And then we give them free pizza.

YEAH RIGHT!!! Like they want our stinkin' pepperoni!

So this should go as a lesson--forget giving other people free pizza. They can stone-fire their own dough and put whatever they want on it. Or hell, let them decide if they want to eat baby octopus or stuffed fig leaves or what have you. I mean, isn't it obvious that even starving people would rather starve than get a free pizza--with PEPPERONI on it??!! From us???!!!

The best thing is that even we seem to hate our own pizza, but none of us really know much about making it or cooking it. But hell, as long as we can trade our pizza for anything we want with all the other world leaders that we've made addicted to pepperoni by the "ultra secret spice" we put in it, all us citizens can fill our bellies with whatever we want. So we just talk about it a lot, and hate it a lot.

Don't you wish the pizza would just stop coming one day? I mean, that would be such a relief. I, personally, would really like to go hungry. And, to boot, the rest of the world would love it too. So we would have lots of people who would smell the pepperoni on us and hate it, but love the fact that we're going hungry. Cause they hate the pizza, and never want to eat any. Ever. None of them. And neither do I. I'm going to stop eating today to save the world.

Its so beautiful reading all of you children, listening to you stick your tongues up Wil's ass telling him how wonderful he is. Wil's agenda is to get you to read crap like the 'open letter'. Kurtz was right. Slaughter them all, pig after pig, cow after cow. Drop the bomb. Even on the Canadians.

I'll sum everything up in one word. Amen.

j.robinson-parran

64 comments, 90% of them mature and thoughtful, regardless of if you agree or not.

At least people are talking.

The other 10% of you, and you (and we) know who you are. Shame on you. Your childish name-calling and blanket generalizations serve no purpose, other than to validate the author's opinion.

But at least people are talking.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*****
Very well said!!! I read it and it made me think. You're right!! Keep up the good wisdom. I'll try to pass these quotes on to others. You're not so bad!! Anymore, that is. j/k!! Luv ya lots!! *cough*HOTTIE*cough*!! :-D ~~*Gooniegirl*~~
*****
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gooniegirl, can I ask you not to put the borders around your posts? They mess with the comments window.

Either way, have a nice day :)

Rather obvious point some people who don't like the letter seem to forget, is that it's OK to love your country, and even think it's the best in the world, yet still understand that it's got serious flaws. Some of the responses are along the lines of "well we're the best, therefore we're perfect, therefore no one's got a right to criticise us"

Me, I'm pretty proud of my country, but I'm not such an idiot as to think it's not in need of serious improvement. There's a difference between patriotism and blind, unthinking jingoism.

Oh, just in response to one particular post, Ms Jani Cortese, get that effing enormous chip off your shoulder, baby. I'm sure you enjoyed your rant, and are convinced that the world hates you, particularly that writer (and now probably me), but you can't see that virtually every single person who wrote positively in some way about the letter distanced themselves from the tone of the letter, and was able to distinguish between 'America the corporate state, with a compliant populace', and individuals with individual issues about their governemtn. We could all make that distinction, why couldn't you.

(another) Wil

KJB

I agree with you, in almost any aspect of our life, there is no 'Pure' truth that we can find.
I merely believe that we should strive to place ourselves as close to the source as possible.
I dislike the Open Letter (and most opinion pieces for that matter) because it puts us so far from the source that it takes us into fantasy, the realm of satire and Star Trek. Star Trek is great, and it has changed my view of the world, but I don't expect to see any transporters anytime soon, right?

It is easy to see patterns where there are none. Like finding the '666' all over the place in the bible base on syllable counting, or John Nash from "A Beautiful Mind" who thought he could see the secret spy messages in our newspapers.

Plausibly, with the information I have, I can come up with a firm belief that America is an international self-serving bully that rules by fear.

Plausibly, with the information I have, I can come up with a firm belief that America is the noblest country in the world, protecting us all from a nuclear apocalypse.

They may not be The Truth, but from what I understand, both of them make quite a bit of sense. They make for great stories. I could easily write a book about each of them.

Even though they are contradictory.

That is scary. It means I don't have nearly enough information to make a real decision. Even scarier, there are many other political situations (Israel vs. Palestine) that fall under the same plausibility problem.

Don't believe the Open Letter just because it sounds right.

It's no good if this is just a popularity contest.

I wouldn't be saying this if I didn't believe there was a real solution, and it has nothing to do with finding the 'truth', it has to do with applying specific solutions to specific problems. Don't worry about whether America is 'evil' or not. Just find out what specific reasons they had to say, bomb a place that was filled with innocent people.

Wow, Wil.

I would have to say that some points in that open letter is rather direct. Most of the world deems the US as bullies. I, as an Asian, living in a country that is fighting the balance of power between secular moderates and idiotic radicals, know that American people in general are not idiots, eat too much burgers, drive gas guzzling SUV (get a Honda!)

But the US government's policy (or should I say Bush's) has made everyone despise Americans. My best friend is a Yank (hell, Republican even) but we get along well after 15 years.

Figure this out. Bin Laden was aided by the US to fight against the Soviets in Afghanistan, Mad Ass Sadam helped by Bush senior when he was in the CIA, most of the arms and weapons in 80% of the conflicts are American... the list goes on.

As an Indonesian, I am aware of the many critisms a citizen takes when their government does something wrong (Timor, Aceh, West Papua, corruption, bombings, religous strife, etc... the list goes on). But I believe Indonesians are not going to let another dictator take over after 32 years of abject totalitarianism in the name of "preserving the security and sactity of the state".

I won't go to the US anymore although I love California (lived in Irvine). To get a visa means 8 hours of lines, 2 hours for interviews, and a 1-3 month wait while they check your background. I'd rather go to Canada.

Think of all the talent the US is missing out by putting up roadblocks. All the genuiene people who just want to start afresh.

With people like Ashcroft and Bush, I'd rather stay in my war ridden land and rid it out or go to Canada, where the government there has more sense.

What ever happened to peace on earth?

Someone once gave me three advices:

(1) be objective;
(2) learn from your mistakes;
(3) and never, ever stop learning.

I found these three advices seemingly appropriate
when reading a letter like that "open letter to
America"...The letter may be overtly inflammatory
or incorrect. But if we(*) decide not to learn from
its content or we merely throw back flamebaits to
the listeners of the other world, what will we become?

My point here, which totally agrees with Wil's, is
that it doesn't *really* matter whether the letter
is right or wrong completely. What really matters
is what we are going to learn from it; and most
importantly what we are *really* going to do about
it.

-B

(*)I'm not an American (nor do I wish to become one
at this point of my life). But I've been educated and
living in the U.S. for the last 12 years, which I
think would allow me to speak about the U.S. from the
one of foreign residents' in America sort of stand
point. Shamefully I understand this country better
than I do my own...

Open Letter to One & All;

I have read the “Open Letter to America”
And here are my thoughts;

I once read the definition of Nationalism;
the thought / belief that ones own country if far superior to any other country simply because the individual was born of that country.
You can replace the word “America” with just about any other country and in most parts, it would fit..
(like “Canada” should talk about their “crimes”)
“America” God allowed it to be through his desire for a place where people would have the freedom to worship… or “freedom of religion” thus allowing a safe haven for his word to heard and learned from.
Only a few hundred years ago, people were put to death for this “idea”
In Palms one can read that; “Vengeance is mine” says the Lord God Jehovah, I shall repay.”
now what I learned from that is;
all that was and is currently; evil, a crime, a injustice or just “BAD” will be taken care of
in his (Gods) due time and in his way..
“WE” have nothing to do with taking any justice away from him. “WE” have no rights to it at all…
Do you really think God has taken sides in anything that mankind has done..
And yes, Wil is correct, those with a greater “responsibility” will have to answer for there crimes..
Time is soon coming to an end, people, the bible reflects this time to that of Noah..
Who told of the end by flood… people laughed… until the rains came, the Arks door was shut
And the people, or world (of that time) or “system” died.
Mr. McDougall writes: “The vast majority of you are spiritually, emotionally and intellectually dead.”
And for the most part, this is true…
If you want to really learn anything, the next time any Jehovah’s Witness comes knocking
on your door.. take the time and listen… if you’re really “upset” and worried about what you
seen happening around the world.. just listen.. and ask any questions you may have..
Ok, yes they have been wrong on a few things, but at least they still are looking for the answers
or what one might call the “meat” of the issue…

If you have no worries, and are happy with the “milk” or basic knowledge that everyone
Holds to without question, just say, “No thanks” and they will go on there way.
But, the door (or opportunity) is closing…
Are you sure? Are you?

The day will be here when.. for the most part, life will be like that seen on “Star Trek”
A day when true freedom and justice will exist. A day when one can truly
“Live Long and Prosper”

with my best regards,

I am an American, but living in Sweden it is actually dangerous for me to wear anything with an American symbol on it, because of their strong distaste for my home country. Its scary at times, but it makes me want to show more Americans that things aren't exactly perfect.

Perhaps there is a new proverb we need to make up.

"A friend who warns you that you are an arsehole is a friend indeed"

Hi,
I'm Irish.
Not that 3rd generation pseudo hibernian oddity of which there are so many around the world. They are so amusing to us.
Americans do get some BAD press over here. The sanction against Europe because we won’t buy hormone-laden beef is one issue, the rape of Alaska is another. U-turns on international agreements, 200,000 kids in Iraq dead because of no basic medicine, (freely available before the embargo), blah blah blah....

The list goes on.

The Americans I’ve met here have mainly been tourists, no time to talk, just pose while I take a picture of them in front of Blarney castle, or Molly Malone’s statue on Grafton St.

Occasionally I meet a travelling student, Lecturer, or someone working here, and I get to see something that gives me hope. Americans can be objective.

I had an “argument” with a gentleman from Texas in Dohney’s and Nesbitt’s bar in Dublin one evening. The couple had been travelling through and came in to have a pint. I was reading the paper at the bar. We got chatting, politics came up after half an hour, (NEVER TALK RELIGION OR POLITICS IN AN IRISH PUB), an hour later we had finished the most informative and enjoyable “differences of opinion” I’ve had in a long time and started talking about the future, families etc.
We left the pub together, the last people at the bar. I got a taxi and went home happy. I'd made a friend I'd remember.
We knew we’d never see each other again, but I also know I’ll have similar conversations in the future, with other Americans.

Hope to "argue" with more of you, and make more friends.

Dev.

Nice to see there are americans who got the message.

when looking for a solution to the worlds great problems the first place one should look is in the mirror.

Wil! You are right about how the world look at America. Find the door and take a run for it. Join the world outside.

in reference to the post from dev of ireland...when participating in an argument about politics or religion with a 3rd generation pseudo hibernian irish person...you still need to come to the argument with a dictionary...and an encyclopedia...at least you do if its an argument with someone in our family...some things don't change.

"This is all documented fact and if this is documented fact, maybe all his other accusations are documented fact."
--Evil Jimi

It is also documented fact that in the 1930s there was a plan to split Israel between Jews and Arabs (with Jews getting 1/3) and the Arabs rejected it. This happened again in the 1940s. In the 1970s Israel offered Gaza to Egypt, but Egypt didn't want Gaza. Jordan has expressed zero interest in the West Bank, even though both countries originally had this land. The PLO charter *STILL* contains the clause that their primary goal is to drive ALL OF ISRAEL into the sea. This clause has not been removed. Two years ago Israel offered Arafat a very reasonable peace deal, which he rejected...and there's nothing completely wrong with rejection, but Arafat OFFERED NOTHING in return. The way peace negotiations generally work is when something is rejected, a counter-offer is proposed. But not proposing a counter-offer suggests, at least to me, that there is one side in this dispute with no real interest in peace. But it should come as no surprise, since the PLO charter has always stated they have no interest in peace. (Unless you define peace the same way Hitler did)

This doesn't excuse all actions done by Israel. But to suggest that the Palestinians are innocents is extremely misleading. A good first-move might be for them to change the PLO charter. A second move might be to finally make a counter-offer to Israel.

---
I agree with Wil that there is a lot of thought-provoking material in the Open Letter, but that its inflammatory nature will mean that it is listened to by fewer people.

Everybody who keeps bashing Wil's wife just needs to chill and leave him be. Fat girls need love too! I think it's great that a used-up fatty with a kid was able to land a *somewhat* normal guy like Wil. If playing "find the hole" in a tub of lard every night makes Wil happy, then who are you to judge?

Oil, Oil, it's all about Oil.

Just wait until Hydrogen Power Cells become the main source of energy, then it will be;

Water, Water, it's all about Water. The middle east will be forgotten.

The US will stick a big straw in the Great Lakes and - suck-a-slurp - gone!

But what do I know. Carry on people. We only need four billion more of us on Earth to suck it completely dry.

I'm going to go hug a tree now.

Water, Water, it's all about water.

81 comments, 90% of them from people who have absolutely no idea what America is about, and blame all the ills of the globe on the one country most third world shitholes wish to call home.

But hey, at least people are talking.

The other 10% of you, and you (and we) know who you are. Good for you. At least you don't visit this site to kiss the ass of some washed-up kid actor and serve his anti-America agenda. But keep those breast cancer donations coming!

And hey, at least people are talking.

Man I read that letter when it was posted on fark. . and it's still funny. Don't find whats so offensive

Mr. Wheaton, . SIR .... you have grown up nicely.

LOTS of people NEVER realize what you did.

WE are thankful she wrote you that letter..and I
would bet ANNE is too.

Well done.

Ummm, dude? What's the deal with the bowling shirts? It's not like I'm obsessed with your wardrobe or anything. Just curious.

People may agree or not agree with the Open Letter. However, since the roots of these anti-American feelings lie mainly in facts happened a lot of time before 9/11, everyone should wonder wheter there is something wrong in the American behaviour towards the rest of the world.

Set the wayback machine in the 70s, does anyone remember a Randy Newman's song entitled "Political science" ?
As you can see, Mr. Newman was already quite aware of this problem...

Here an excerpt from the song:

"No one likes us
I don't no why.
We may not be perfect
but heaven knows we try.
But all around even our old friends put us down.
Let's drop the big one and see what happens.

We give them money
But are they grateful?
No they're spiteful
and they're hateful.
They don't respect us so let's surprise them;
We'll drop the big one and pulverize them......"

Geez. I'm so glad I tuned into postNG Wil - I had no idea you were as conscientious, eloquent and open as you are. Bravo, my man. I've been through a very similar awakening myself in recent years and understand the sentiment completely.

A very thoughtful response, Wil. I'm glad some one cared about you enough to tell you the truth. You might have woken up to the truth of how others saw you and how your actions effected them, but I'm afraid the U.S. won't heed anyone's words.

Well, all this discussion made me actually go back and read the Open Letter. The first time I saw it, I made note of the tone of the letter and skipped on past it. After reading it, I think it was obviously written to anger Americans rather than to make them sit down and think about how they are perceived in the world, etc. If the shrillness is removed, do I think there are some valid criticisms in it? Yes. Had I already thought that these things were wrong? Yes. Do I think there are some totally crackpot criticisms in it? Yes. Am I offended that the author totally skipped over a rant on Area 51? Absolutely! (Well, not really, but some of that conspiracy stuff...)
Mostly, I think the letter would have been vastly more effective if it had been written in a calmer, more well-considered manner.

Although many people in the world think of America as a bully, always imposing our will on others, (and I can see why they feel that way), they should consider that being the last "superpower" puts us in a really difficult position. Whenever anything goes wrong anywhere in the world, people yell for us. If we get involved, some people aren't going to be happy. If we don't get involved, some people aren't going to be happy. There doesn't seem to be any real solution - we just have to do what we think is the best thing to do. Sometimes we'll be right, and sometimes we'll be wrong.

P.S. I didn't vote for George W. or his "shadow government", but I don't believe the terrorist attacks on the WTC were government-sanctioned. Geez...

I have to wonder what was so "anti-american" about you. You stated that you don't agree with everything that the open letter said. Reading your past entries you strike me as an intelligent, creative, and patriotic person. You don't agree with a policy before thinking about it. Similarly, you don't condemn without donating reason and thought to the matter in advance. I respect that. I might not agree with you on everything, but I respect you nonetheless! (-:

I enjoyed the counterpoint between the letter from your friend and the letter to America. You are a very good writer, Wil. Have you ever considered pulling a Steve Martin and writing features for major magazines?

It's people like Wil that really make me want to get on with my life, to continue my education. I know I have the potential, I just have to get started. This book's to you, Wil. Thanks.

OK, this "letter" really, as shown at the end, addresses violence--or, perhaps more accurately, American foreign policy, particularly military strategy. The key points Wil makes are: 1) We are "arrogant, irresponsible and unaccountable," and 2) for these reasons, "most of the world really doesn't like us." Lastly, it is suggested that this situation can be remedied by walking through some ambiguous door, and taking "a long, hard look at ourselves."

I'm sorry, but this argument is based on so many broad generalizations that it is very difficult to discuss. If certain policies were isolated, these posts would have a lot more direction, I think. Nevertheless, I'll give my response an honest shot.

As it is, the conundrum of "being American" has permeated the psyche of us US nationals, and this "letter" and the majority of responses prove it. For some reason, many Americans are ashamed of their own national identity or overapologetic to those who would stigmatize them. You know what? There are also people in the world who absolutely love pizza and others that absolutely hate it. Does that mean either side is right? Not necessarily.

What is further disconcerting is the fact that along with this eager willingness to accept fault, blame and guilt comes a tendency to project all this on the government, the military-industrial complex or something we as individuals don't form a direct part of. The proposed solution to the "problem stated" is one that seems woefully external to all Americans--"it's the government's fault and they need to turn things around and take a good look at the world." What will we as citizens do? Answer: play video games, or insert "x" self-driven activity here. (Note: especially in Canada and Europe, citizens lead much the same lives.)

Two main points to follow this:

a) In spite of the criticisms of many, there are plenty of things the US has done and continues to do that benefit the world. The initiative America has taken in revolutionizing much of the world's research, technology, and building infrastructure in other countries is astounding. Now, much unhappiness many exude comes from American importation of technology through multinationals. At first, in these cases, the distribution of profit IS skewed--almost all nationals are employed in labor rather than management. Obviously, this system is evolving continuously, and cases of the real world have proven that industry and technology can be gradually absorbed and taken over by what started as mere "host" countries to it. And what is the alternative? Pumping free money into the public or private sector of other countries has proven to play into the hands of the grossly corrupt and not benefit the middle (if existent) and lower classes.

Speaking to US military policy--we have the biggest guns in the world. Where do we go from here? If we throw them in a heap and burn them all, we no longer have any means to cause justice by coercion when necessary (Those scoffing at this opinion, violence IS a legitimate means of achieving justice; consider this: you are walking down the sidewalk when someone steals your purse or wallet off your body. You yell after the culprit and begin chase, but to no avail. Your hollering attracts the attention of several policemen across the street and down a couple of blocks. They tackle the robber, in full sprint still, after yelling at him to stop, wrestle him to the ground where he is still struggling, take your wallet or purse back and return it to you. Voila. Notice that the police did not shoot the thief in the head--killing is not the only means of violence, and the presence of weapons merely creates an imminent threat.) So, with the knowledge of this comparative advantage we must determine when to use it. This is a very difficult thing, and I won't try to lay out any solution. I will, however, re-address the tendency we have to criticize, this time concerning American military action. A friend of mine once blathered for months about what a stupid injustice taking lots of guns over to Afghanistan was, and that no one deserved to lose their lives over the actions of a few. She then rejoiced when Afghani women in Kabul were able to exercise more equal rights and not be absolutely bound by traditional rules of conduct (not so coincidentally occurring with the entering of troops into the capital and the ousting of the Taliban). Was this merely a trick of journalism to pretend these things happened at the same time, or a cultural injustice to believe that men and women both as human beings are entitled to have the same rights and freedoms? Perhaps. But I think this example illustrates how we all like to have our cake and eat it too, and it's never a military cake. Wouldn't it be nice....but the US is not Costa Rica.

b) OK, sure, the US government has made mistakes (who in the world hasn't?). Can or should we, as US citizens, absolve ourselves from this situation? I don't think so. Although there are a lot of ignorant armchair loudmouths and back-seat drivers in this country, there are also a lot of activists who know that our political system allows for a myriad of inputs. Change is possible. The voice of the people, if loud enough, does have an effect on public policy (for those who don't agree, think REAL hard about the definition of public policy. Then ask yourselves: have you ever written or made an appointment to visit your Congressman?)

The point here is: talking about things is a great way to evaluate our own thoughts and opinions and disseminate knowledge on many subjects. But this is just the first step. APPLYING this knowledge is the important part. So if you really believe that such injustice is happening, do something about it. It's obvious there are enough bandwagon-jumpers who visit this website to get something going if you all wanted to, if you all chose to inform yourselves completely and correctly on the issues you truly want to address. However, from the starting point of this "letter," there is a hell of a lot of specification and clarification to be done.

So more power to you. But think twice about a) what the US does for the world (and the consequences of the hypothetical absence of these activities) and b) your own, very serious role to play in this "problem." Just don't be one of those people who makes an internet post or forwards a "save the starving children" e-mail, but never lets their activism past the computer screen.

Wil,

You're right. The letter certainly has brought out the best and most rational in many of the posters here. However, along with the good come the bad and the ugly.

Folks, there's a difference between honest disagreement and name-calling jingoism. Figure out what it is. Do it *before* you let someone whose sense of outrage got the better of his or her rational thought processes waste space in your brain. Zero in on their main ideas, not the garbage in which they dress their ideas. If that's not possible, then consider whether or not the person is worth tangling with in the first place.

There is no relation between talking politics and dissing someone's wife (as FatChicksRule has done -- she apparently doesn't know the difference between boorishness and expressing pride in her body attributes).

Honest people should be able to disagree without resorting to sandbox tactics.

And, for what it's worth, I found the Open Letter thought-provoking, but misguided in its attempt to rationalize hate. No doubt there are some ideas expressed in it that are uncomfortably close to the truth. But, they don't justify the writer's faulty action in lumping a whole nation of people under a label that is neither accurate nor kind. I feel sorry for him, not angry at him. I don't like it when our so-called president lumps a whole group of people (Islamics) under an "axis of evil" title, nor do I think it's any more justified when a Mullah does it ("Great Satan America"). Those kinds of statements are made simply in order to gain power for the person who utters them -- be they mullah, president, or ranting letter-writer.

Wil,
Thanks for sharing your experience, Wil. I do not generally comment, but I see the analogy perfectly and agree in part. As an American, I see our own foibles and follies; however I feel the letter is too extreme. But, I have enjoyed checking out everyone else's opinions. Oh and, hey, don't stop the analogies! Thanks again. I really do enjoy what you have to say, not as an actor, not as a teeny idol, not as a comedian, but as another parent and PERSON. Total package. This is my first visit to the site after an extremely busy summer, but I was not disappointed in the least. Same life stories, same thoughts on the world around us. Thanks Wil. J.

I definitly dont agree with that open America letter at all!

For the flip side:

http://www.andrewsullivan.com/main_article.php?artnum=20020811

Written by a Brit, living in the USA.

Here's an idea. Let's withdraw all our forces from the Middle East, Europe, and the Pacific (saving trillions of dollars), erect giant fences around our borders, and sit on our hands while Islamists continue to rape and murder women, gays, Jews, and anyone else who doesn't worship Allah (maybe they'll spare the appeasers in Europe for the time being). Let's continue to allow millions of Christians to be slaughtered in Sudan (the count is two million in the last seven years) and allow the Chinese to go undetered as they continue to threaten the freedom-loving people of Taiwan. Yeah, let's yank those arrogant, brutish, and bullying soldiers of our risked their pointless lives to rescue millions in Afghanistan from starvation, disease, and tyranny. And hey, screw the Israelis, those racist bastards who actually have over one million Arab citizens worshipping as they please (where else is a Jew or a Christian allowed to worship freely in the Middle East). We should just cut off all financial support immediately and let those brave suicide murderers continue to blow up those greedy Jews and their sinful Pizza Huts. It's just a "cycle of violence" anyhow and both are equally to blame. Yeah, really good post, Wil. Right on. How very thoughtful.

an additional comment from a canadian,

what disturbed me about the letter was the writers assurance that the problem lay entirely with america. Canadians eat too much fast food, drive too many SUVs, and participate in many of the same follies as the americans. The writer is correct, but maybe he should be addressing a similar letter to all of us.

As for the political comments, I sincerely believe that that's the result of the united states government, not the average american. Your awareness of issues and courage to speak up to your government can change the world though - no citizens of any other nation have that power.

Everybody who keeps bashing Wil's wife just needs to chill and leave him be. Fat girls need love too! I think it's great that a used-up fatty with a kid was able to land a *somewhat* normal guy like Wil. If playing "find the hole" in a tub of lard every night makes Wil happy, then who are you to judge?

Do we need to re-evaluate some of the things that we're doing as a nation, unquestionably. Our unthinking arrogance on the world stage is not only morally reprehensible but strategicly flawed. But was the Open Letter to America some sort of friendly intervention from our Molson drinking neighbors to the north, no I don't think it was. Friends tell you when you're fucking up and need re-evaluate your life course. Bigots, bullies and a-holes point out all your flaws and shortcomings and then use them to sneeringly beat you over the head with (all the while ignoring their own transgressions and imprefections...when exactly did Canada attain moral purity? Was that before or after they decided to seemingly tie their entire national idenity to -not- being the USA?). The open letter to me, seemd more akin to that fat bitch tuba player in HS marching band who liked to pick at me to see how rilled I'd get than it did to a friend who told me I needed to stop being quite so sarcastic if I wanted more of a social life.
Honestly, it looked like a typical parti-factual green party screed dressed up with an "I'm fron Cananda, eh. So that makes this more legit" logo. Are there kernals of truth there, yes, but was it really meant to do more than sneer, belittle, and pump up the author's ego at the expense of others? Others he's never met and knows nothing at all about, beyond his own nasty sterotypes (Bring that noise to me dickweed, I've spent most of my adult life working for progressive causes and trying to help the little guy getting ground under by the mutli-national, extra-national mega-corps. What have you done beyond penning rambling, self-congratulatory screeds and thumping a 5 gallon pickle bucket at the USA-Sux street fair?). I sincerely doubt it.

Our flaws, our transgressions, are real and they have more impact because we're bigger. But I would venture to suggest that pattens of consumption in the great white north are not dramaticly different from our own. Does any one seriously suggest that people in Cananda don't drive cars and SUVs, use energy produced in coal fired power plants (and sell the excess down south), eat fast food and meat raised in feedlots and massive hog confinements, watch bad tv, enjoy cheap and plentiful prescrition drugs (paid in part by the premiums passed on to us in the USA by the drug companies) and grow GM grain drenched in RoundUp and Lorsban (and then dump that grain on the cheap while keeping trade barriers up to US grain)?
Fine, hold us accountable, but hold yourselves accountable as well. It's damn convienient having the US around to point to and snigger at, keeps you from having to put your own house in order.

And just one other thing, I suspect strongly that this will provoke howls of indignation, since questioning the saitned Ralph in some circles is verboten, but this smug canadian bastard lost any ounce of credibility he might have had with me by lauding the Ralph as some sort of moral and politcal pargaon. The Ralph is a hypocrite of the lowest stripe, He wouldn't let his own people, who he worked like dogs and treated worse, organize a union to protect their interests and fired those who led the effort. I'm a 3rd generation union member, my family has suffered during strikes and I know what it is to lose a job and eat nothing but store-brand saurkraut for 2 months because of pissing off the bosses. And while a scab is bad and a boss is worse, nothing is worse than that sort of grinning boss who pats a brother on the shoulder while stabbing another in the back.
Progressive causes can do far far better than that cowardly union-buster.

Of course some other countries have legitimate grievances against the US government and their policies, but many people here disagree with Bush and a majority didn't vote for him. I don't think people should spew that kind of hatred against all Americans because of politics.. certainly most of us don't want to harm anyone. Also I doubt the writer of that open letter believed everything he was saying, as if every problem in the world was caused by the US. Some poor uneducated people in poor countries don't know any better, but I can't believe an educated Canadian really thinks we staged Sept 11 or are responsible for Argentina's corruption.

"The simple fact is, America, most of the world really doesn't like us. We're arrogant, irresponsible, and unaccountable. We loudly an constantly remind the world that we are a Superpower..."

I agree with this. I am Canadian, and before I even meet any Americans...I already knew this to be true. I had learnt this from family friends, aquintances...and the jokes about Americans that were passed around etc.

It doesn't even matter that some of the Americans I met were not like this at all...it just seems to be a widely accepted fact that the majority of Americans, or the US as a whole is arrogant and loud about how great they are.

I couldn't read through the whole 'Letter to America'. I keep thinking, that I would be a hypocrite to read that and nod my own head, when Canada has its own corruption.

America, being famous for their own faults, becomes a scapegoat to others who are probably blind to their own countries faults. Maybe its the mentality: Well look at the US...we're not as bad as them!

Maybe you just make the rest of the world look good. =) (That was meant as a joke...from an odd sense of humor.)

Jennifer

it's takes a leap of faith to make a new friend of an old enemy...any jumpers here?

I mostly agree with Wil's response. I also think that the Open Letter would be a lot more effective if the raving paranoia were edited out. There are some attempts to make good points, but the writer also tends to oversimplify complicated problems. The Israeli/Palestinian issue is very complicated. It's not just a matter of "these are the good guys, and these are the bad guys".

So it's hard to really respond to each point in the Open Letter, since it's mostly the same paranoid conspiracy theories that we've all heard before. I guess my response would be "Reality check! Think before you speak!"

If the whole point of the letter is that the United States needs to fix some problems, this could have been stated in about 1 paragraph. To that, I would respond "damned right!". We can fix a big one in 2004. The arrogance in foreign policy has been more obvious in the current administration. It might help if we elected an executive that actually respected international law.

If only everyone had a friend who could show them their door. Or more people could see it for themselves.

Earth would be a happier, healthier place.

This Open Letter may do one good thing, at least. Beyond the knee-jerkers and the rabidly arrogant, will be those who realize that at the base of it all is a call for America, as a country, to take a long, hard look at itself, and at how it acts towards other countries and peoples.
America may not like what it sees, but It needs to see it.
The power and infuence that America weilds is so great that it must be used responsibly, and to do that America needs to be objective. It needs to see that all that glitters is not necessarily gold...and America glitters very brightly.
The arrogance that other countries see does exist, as does the greed and the sabre-rattling, the weapons stockpiles, and the hypocrisy. The first step in dealing with a problem is admitting it exists. If all the good things that America does and can do every day, are overshadowed by all the corruption and petty arrogance that everyone sees, then all that good doesnt seem quite as worthwhile. So people bitch and complain, some go further, with terrible results.
No one, no-where, is perfect. It an unpleasant truth, but its better to admit that and then move on, than to insist that you are perfect.

Wil: Isn't it time to up your Walk-a-thon target a bit so that we have a positive target to aim for, instead of saying "Unca Willie wants us to reduce to $10,000" ;-)

This would have been a really good letter, with some good points if it hadn't started off..."from a Canadian". Instead, it's just funny. I guess the stereotype of "stupid Canadians" always trumps that of "selfish Americans"

Oh yes please wilful, please responsd to MY post, I just can't live without your opinion.

And no, I'm not going to keep my voice down EVER. EVER. Got it? Bush IS working to destroy my rights, and because some smirking, spoiled little cretin like you who has always had his civil rights guaranteed finds it amusing doesn't register with me in the slightest.

Would you go up to an Afghan woman and bitch in her face about the Taleban, calling her a bloodthirsty terrorist? No? I suspect that Canadian prick would have no problems sauntering up to an American fag or dyke and spitting in their face over George W., though.

Oh, I'm sorry -- America is a fairly well-off nation with a lot of power, so that makes it okay.

And all those self-hating liberals here at home (don't forget, I wouldn't vote Republican if you put a Contitutionally-protected gun to my head) who get off on being the Center of Attention yet again seem to agree.

In the old days, Americans used to reveal their arrogance by taking credit for everything. Nowdays, they reveal it by taking the blame for everything.

**THIS POSTER COMES FROM 198.26.120.12, which resolves to a .mil address. Aren't you glad and proud that someone who should be defending our country is posting this type of drivel?**
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Everybody who keeps bashing Wil's wife just needs to chill and leave him be. Fat girls need love too! I think it's great that a used-up fatty with a kid was able to land a *somewhat* normal guy like Wil. If playing "find the hole" in a tub of lard every night makes Wil happy, then who are you to judge?

Sigh.
You know, I agree with the letter to an extent. I am American born and raised, and have always loved this country. But, I want to emphasize, it is the country, not the government. The country is full of beauty that is unique to this land, and worthy of awe. But, the problem is, the country is being led by a bunch of moronic simpletons who think with their wallets and ambitions and not for the greater good.
One thing: I am so sick of Canadians complaining about how bad America is and how much crime there is here, etc. ad nauseum. Yes, we have problems, and everyone here knows we do. But, it is pretty odd that the only time we here anything from the Canadians is when they are on one of their America bashing kicks. It is boring, repetitive, and shows a lack of self security and esteem with Canada itself. You have lower crime, a national health system, and so forth. But, you don't have to contend with the world looking to you every single time there is a crisis to assist them, and you don't have to worry about a huge influx of immigrants from around the world flooding through your borders. You also don't have to worry about anyone ever invading you militarily or otherwise because you have Big Brother down here to bail you out.
This also goes to the rest of the world. I am sick of the constant criticism. I agree that the American government is being unfair in backing the Israelis at all costs, without really listening to both sides. I agree that the American government is using 9/11 as a springboard to create and enforce gestapo control tactics on it's citizens. I agree that their are many many hypocritical stances the American government has taken over the past year especially. But, that can not negate the fact that this country sends aid, and protection when needed, is home to many people from around the world, and is looked to as a general success. Considering the fact that America is as prosperous as it is, and is one of the youngest countries in the world - only 226 years old! Compare that to the the ages of European countries, and then compare relative prosperity.
I am no blind sheep flag waver that agrees with the government no matter what it does. I get nauseated when I hear people on tv and in person spout nationalistic views to support their various prejudices. But, I also realize that this country is not the only one in the world with flaws.
The Open Letter to America, is probably written by some Canadian who is pissed off because they're jealous of the US. The actual content within the letter shows they are not exactly a Mensa member. I am not trying to be insulting, but the pettiness of that letter shows itself to be nothing more than a rant.
That person needs to get their priorities in order and a serious perspective analysis.
Take from this post what you will.

Wil,
How dare you try to propagate your anti-American sentiment! What could you hope to accomplish by this? What do you mean that the American government overtime has done anything to add to the problems of the world? How can you sit in your cozy house -located in the United States of America- and criticize this great nation! If you and all those suck-ups above hate this country so much, why don't you just leave? Oh, yeah, because you know how great you have it here in comparrison with all those other so-called nations out there. All of you people do a good job of telling the rest of us what is wrong but you never can see what is good & you have yet to come up with a solution to all these so-called problems.
Guess what, the US makes mistakes sometimes! So what! We are the world's police! Can you imagine how much worse the world would be without us? All we are trying to do is fix what other countries like England screwed up during their years of colonial conquest. And everyone of you people should be grateful to us. There are only 2 foreign policy theories we should really be considering. Ignoring all you jelous idiots or just nuke all of you into submission.
Obviously none of you are capable of thinking for yourselves. Wil makes a weak parallel between his personal life and the current state of major world powers and you start falling all over him! How completely arrogant of Wil to even attempt such a thing! Like the two situations are even remotely related!
I don't know if I am more aggravated by US citizens and their self-hating, liberal rhetoric or by you freaking foreigners who know so little about us yet go bitching about what we do instead of paying attention to your own damn governments. If your own governments weren't so messed up, we, the United States, wouldn't even have to consider getting involved in this crap and doing whatever we deem necessary to fix it. And so what if we work it so things go to our advantage. If we are the ones out there risking our soldiers everyday then why shouldn't we?
You people. This is what happens when you take the Bible out of schools and mothers out of the house. Kids grow up with out structure & discipline. They turn into whiny, sniveling, self-absorbed, insecure liberal fools who spout off fancy words and talk about things that are over their heads in a pathetic attempt to make believe they are intelligent. You people make me sick! Wake up!

Ahem. Sarcasm. Where would we be without it? According to one of my friends, snivelling in a corner somewhere.
Okay, I'm sorry. I'm sure I insulted some people. There are those who disagree w/ what the majority are saying & their arguements are well stated & make some valid points (particularly the one about how sometimes the use of military force just might be necessary). I was just trying to get into the head of a certain group of people who believe this stuff or who are incapable of presenting a dissenting arguement in a reasonable manner. (It's too common among all sorts of people, conservative, liberal, religious, not-religious, so on).

Anyway. I've given it some thought. I admit I get really upset at times when some people (US citizens or those from other countries) make certain complaints about us -our gov't, military or Americans in general. Sometimes it seems all they want to do is rant & bitch. It seems they really don't know what they are talking about. With some US citizens its as if they are just following a popular trend of 'rebelling against the establishment' and pretending to be hippies or political revolutionists/activists. And with some non-US citizens it seems like just plain uninformed bigotry passed down thru the generations.
But then there are other times. There are those with clear minds, people who are intelligent and informed. These people use fact to support theories/opinions. They have complaints that are legitimate. They are pretty reasonable in what they say. They don't want to demonize anyone/thing. They just see a problem and care enough to want to discuss it, get it recognized and try to find a way to fix it permenantly in a way that will hurt no one or at least as few people as possible.
Sometimes its the US that has the problem that needs to be fixed. Sometimes the problems belongs to/is caused by some one else. No nation is guilt free -every nation has participated in some way to at least one major problem in the world. I do not want to argue over who is more guilty. That won't help. All nations need to stop being so damned prideful & indignant. All need to start taking responsibility for themselves (as individuals & as a whole nations/ethnic group). Ok, so some one did soemthing to you that isn't fair & may even be criminal (and the perpetrator may well have been the US). It sucks. The perpetrator should admit their guilt and try to make amends. But if they don't, then don't use that as an excuse to do something you know is wrong. Being a victim is not an excuse for victimizing others. Also, being a superpower who does do plenty of really good things -or at least attempts to- does not excuse a nation from doing other things that are just outright wrong (and while in the short term may bring some benefits to a few but in the long run will become self-destructive).
There are a lot of fantastic things about the USA. My aunt's former neighbor emmigrated from China. One day my aunt aksed her neighbor how she likes America. The neighbor said that while she does miss some things in China, she is quite happy here. She has a little girl and she says if she remained in China, she may not have her little girl (a child I've met & who is adorable).
But there are plenty of bad things, too. The election debacle of 2000. Even if you voted Bush, wanted him to win, feel that he did win fairly in the end & is the legitimate President & think he's doing a fine job now; if you think objectively (and I'm positive you can) then you understand something needs to be done about our electoral process to make sure that mess doesn't happen again. It should be clear who the President is after all eligible votes are counted. There should not be such controversy. A Supreme Court Judge -liberal or conservative- should never have to be the determining factor in appointing a President. That is an internal problem. As far as external problems, well, there is the habit of giving weapons to people we are pretty sure aren't good just to get some money or oil or something else.
Even tho I think the US is the best place in the world to live, I understand that there are lots of others who don't share that thought. And they don't need my approval to think that way! If you live in England and you love it there, good for you. You should. Tho the English gov't/ruling power has done some bad stuff overtime, the British have also done some really good stuff. And much the same can be said about other nations and people who live in them.
I think it is great to love the land one comes from and feel proud of its heritage and its potential to become even greater. But its also great to take off the blinders and see the things that aren't so great and have some desire to try to do something to fix it.
Yes, things have always been screwed up. Some problems are just so big & complicated. Some really don't affect us, at least not now. We could come up with a solution to some problems but others will surface. Not everyone is going t