Dear People of the World (formerly Dear Americans)

What is the definition of Patriotism for you?

Is "Patriot Act" really patriot?

What do you think about pledging allegiance and singing anthem at school?

I do not like my country. I always pledge allegiance to myself, not my country.

But I think that's Ok. The individual always needs public services to benefit him or herself. People believe their country can protect them when they are in trouble. That is why an individual does contribute to their country. They do not want to serve the country that gives them troubles.

Patriotism itself is aritificial, and in fact just illusion. It is often misused by clever elites to manipulate the whole society.  

This is the season I can think the scenaries of our country are better than any other country in the world.

Streets and parks in the city are decorated with pinky-white cherry blossom trees. Please see the photo album. I have more pictures of cherry blossoms in the city.  

This is name of the organization established by families who lost their loved ones in September 11 Attack.

I learned about them by the documentary program of Japanese public broadcasting organization. I was very surprised to know there are people like them in U.S. They were against the war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Because of their activities, they were harrassed by the public. But they never stopped insisting on their opinions.

They say they feel sorrow and agony by the terror attack but that is why they were against US attacks on innocent civilians in the name of their loved ones.

I am really relieved to know America is still healthy. America has been in fact like 1930's Germany and Japan since 911 attack. But not all of Americans were like that. Peaceful tomorrows people, Jack Murtha and recent movie "Syriana" proved that.

If you are interested in them, please visit September Eleventh Families' for Peaceful Tomorrows.

I just recently bought the CD that contains the song of the below.

From the Halls of Montezuma
To the Shores of Tripoli;
We will fight our country's battles
In the air, on land and sea;
First to fight for right and freedom
And to keep our honor clean;
We are proud to claim the title
of United States Marine.

Very rythmical and powerful song, isn't it?

Then I want to ask,

What are they doing in Iraq?

Fight for right and freedom?

To keep your honor CLEAN?

See this! 

This is just like Japanese troops in China in 1930's.