Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

I am one who continually said "Today, I am proud to be American." I am proud everyday. I am proud of the strides we've made as a country. Today, I would still be proud if McCain won. I think it was just overwhelming yesterday because no matter who won last night, history was going to be made and I was a part of it. It is another stride we are taking as a country and there is nothing to be prouder of.

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

ITA with this post and virtually everything that's been said. That's the problem with "phrases". They're often thrown around by people who haen't thought through what they're saying and its ramifications. Contrast some "phrase with the thoughtful posts we've read on this thread alone...) Not to mention, phrases are shorthand for real thought and expression, so they can be used by people who do and do not engage in such thought alike. My pet peeve is the recitation of blanket phrases. For example, personally, if I read one more sanctimonious "WOW. Just WOW" on LIF, I will cringe. I hate when things get so overused and/or under thought out that they become meaningless. Just my .2 cents.

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

I believe some people in this country are proud today because they honestly never thought they would see today

There are people in this country who grew up in segregated schools; who are still getting pulled over for the color of their skin; who still hear blatant racism to their faces who understandably were not too proud to be an American......


There is a lot of hope that they feel today. I was listening to 97.1 this morning (a hip hop station who has a lot of minority listeners) and they were saying they were proud that a person of color is famous and important now not because he's an actor, an athlete, a musician, but because of his education and drive to succeed. They were telling their listeners to study and not take education lightly, because now no matter who you are, with education you can be whoever you want to be

Message edited 11/5/2008 9:30:52 AM.

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

I did NOT vote for Obama. I am NOT happy with the results of the election. I am STILL proud to be an American today and every day.

I would hope that Obama supporters would be proud to be Americans every day, too. I'm sure like everyone else in the country, some are and some aren't. I wouldn't read into "Today I am proud to be an American" that someone is necessarily not otherwise proud to be an American. I think the historical significance of the election should make everyone feel proud to be an American, whether or not you agree with the outcome of the election. Perhaps what they are really trying to express is that today they truly feel even more pride and honor as an American because they are looking at how far we have come as a society. I don't want to put words into their mouths, but I certainly don't read into that phrase that the speakers aren't otherwise proud to be Americans.

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

There has not been a day in my life where I have not been proud to be an American - it was instilled in me by my parents and grandparents who were all very grateful to be part of this country and the "American Dream".

To me, it is like being proud of your children, you may not always like the things they do but you are always proud of them nonetheless.

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

Do I love being an American? Absolutely! Have their been times when I have NOT been proud of this country? You bet. I think the beauty of this country is that you have the freedom to feel WHATEVER you want for it...so yes there have been times where I do not feel like a proud American.

Maybe its because I've seen and felt racism first hand, that sometimes you feel ashamed of things that have happened in our country. (We have to look at the country thru its history sometimes, not just RIGHT NOW) It does not make me love my country any less than someone decked out in red, white, and blue and waving an American flag and signing songs....it just means that I can love my country and still recognize that its not omnipotent and it is possible for our nation to have its faults.

That being said, when I woke up this morning, I felt like our country has made an achievement by electing the first African American president, and that is something that even just 50 years ago seemed like a pipe dream. I admit I never thought I'd see it happen, because despite what we might think, this nation is STILL struggling with racial equality. To me this is an awe inspiring moment...and yes this morning I truly DO feel PROUDER today than I ever have to be an American.

Message edited 11/5/2008 10:29:32 AM.

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

I feel a gneral sense of pride in being American, but there are a lot of specific incidents that have made me either feel especially proud, or have eroded that pride.

After 8 years of President Bush, and losing our standing around the world, the war, torture, Abu Ghraib, there have been some really shameful moments.

I feel very proud today of what has been accomplished, both in choosing based on hope instead of fear, and of course for finally voting for the first Black President.

This election has had a lot of low points, but because of the historic firsts (We were either going to ahve the first african american or the first woman in the 1/2 spot), it would definitely be a high point. Though I have to admit, Palin did not inspire much pride in me as a woman.

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

You know, there have been many times during my life when I have not been proud to be an American. This doesn't mean I don't love my country, but I have not been proud at all of some of the choices we as a nation have made. The 2004 election was one time, I felt deeply discouraged and ashamed, yes ashamed that we would elect Bush to a second term. I felt extremely ashamed at what happened to the people of New Orleans and surrounding areas in the aftermath of Hurrican Katrina--that was a low moment for us as a nation. I am not proud that we are fighting a war in Iraq that never should have been started at all.

I do not think this is unpatriotic, it just means you have the right to your opinions and you are a participant in our government. If no one ever questions the decisions we make, nothing will ever change and the country we are so proud of ceases to exist.

Honestly, I resent any implication that those who are unproud of our country at moments are behaving in an unamerican way.

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

While I deeply love my country, no I have not always been proud to be an American. There are times that the leadership & actions of this country made me ashamed. However, it doesn't make me less of an American because I can see the faults.

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

I am proud OF America today! Voters came out in record numbers to make a difference and have a say in a government that is failing them in so many ways. Just 54 years after separate but equal, an African American was elected president. People voted for a ticket with a woman as a VP. For the first time in 8 years, an election was completed without confusion as to who won. There is a lot to be proud of today!!! I was not a big Obama supporter nor was I a fan of McCain, but today I feel inspired, not because a certain candidate won, but because Americans as a whole took action to better their futures and the futures of their children and to teach their children that all barriers can be broken!

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

No offense Don but I think you are nitpicking a little here....

People are just saying because of this historic moment they would like to publicly express how proud they are to be an American...

I'm sure all of us here are proud but extra proud today. If that makes sense.

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

Message edited 11/5/2008 12:20:09 PM.

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

Honestly, I have to say that while I voted for Obama, I wouldn't say he was "my candidate". When he won the primary, I cringed because I truly did not believe that this country had overcome its racial prejudice enough to elect a black president.

I am very proud to say I was wrong.

I am an American everyday. I am happy with that. My DH is not American, my parents aren't from her. I understand and appreciate the freedoms that come with being an American every day.

And while I enjoy and appreciate my freedom, I am not proud everyday.

When an American does or says somthing stupid, I'm not proud. When i was in Italy and a bunch of American college kids got half naked and jumped into the Fountain De Trevi and started splashing each other- and all the people walking by, no- I was not proud to be an American.

And when Americans do something wonderful- be it helping a neighbor i need, providing aid to a needy country or electing the first black president, I am proud.

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

I can say that I don't normally go around saying I'm a proud American, but it doesn't mean I'm not. My grandparents came from Haiti 45+ years ago to give their family a better life and opportunity. So I am always thankful and know that I am blessed to be an American.

But I'll say that for me on this day, I'm really proud to be an American. I am in complete awe and humbled by the history that was made last night. Not just for the fact that the candidate I voted for won, but for what it means for my children. Years from now when they are in school and open that social studies textbook, they will seen a man who looks like them among the pictures of US presidents. It's not just a possibility anymore, it's a reality.

There is still a long road ahead of us when it comes to race relations, but the ceiling is broken. I can't help but think about the slaves who helped build this country, the activists like DH's grandmother and Martin Luther King who fought for this day. I am eternally grateful for the sacrifices that were made, so that Barack could stand on that stage to accept the presidency. And that is why I'm especially proud and humbled to be an American today.

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

Re: Here's a phrase that I've heard multiple times today, that has me scratching my head

Posted by QuoteTheRaven424

"Today, I am proud to be an American"



Aren't we supposed to be proud to be an American EVERY day, despite the leadership?

Does this mean that if McCain had won -the Obama supporters would not be proud to be an American?

I voted for Obama, but I'm proud to be an American every day. The leadership shouldn't matter.