A message from Uncle Sam
Adam Cahill
A Domer's Outlook
I'd like to introduce myself. I am your Uncle Sam. You may not recognize me because I'm a very busy person. In light of that, I will describe myself.
I'm an older gentleman, going on 227 years old. But don't be fooled by my age. I am as alive today as I have ever been. The reason I come to you today is not to talk about my age, but the experiences that have come with it. I grant you this: You can only gain wisdom through experience. And I've experienced it all, believe me.
I have millions of nieces and nephews who unfortunately can't live as long as I can. And from the time of my conception, my family members have fought and died so that I could live. I had a very difficult birth and adolescence, experiencing at least four major wars in the first 100 years of my existence.
Let me tell you, it's tough to see my family go through so much for me. With it brings a great deal of responsibility. But it is also nice to have the knowledge that so many people care about me. I mean so much to so many that I can't possibly fulfill everyone's expectations of me. It breaks my heart and pains me to say this, but my family needs to bleed, from time to time, in order to grow and heal.
One time, over 600,000 of my nephews were killed as a result of a family dispute. Disputes with other families have caused pain, too. During World War I and World War II, large chunks of my nieces and nephews were taken from my family. It was a terrible burden to bear, but I know that their sacrifices helped me make a better family for them. These wars accomplished something for me and for my family.
You might wonder why I have to go through all these trials and tribulations. Couldn't I find a way to get around all the pain without sacrificing the end result? The answer is no.
I'm a complex individual whose family members' facets, morals and ideologies pull and tug at me relentlessly. I'm the end result and ultimately decide all the arguments. It's the only job I have to do, but it's a hard one. Many times, one facet needs to relinquish to another, causing pain. But I know, just the same, that if I don't do anything to help, more damage could and would be done. I've learned to accept that.
I live in a world where things aren't black and white. Political ideologies within my family and other families are bound not to overlap, and conflict, in whatever form, is inevitable. It's a harsh truth to face, but it needs to be accepted. The thing that I've learned, though, is that gray is not only okay but should be sought after. I embrace it knowing that free wills are destined to quarrel from time to time.
So, in response to these pro-war and anti-war demonstrations, I only have one response — I simply sit back and smile. I know that they only have the best interests of good ole' Uncle Sam at heart. You are exercising your right, as my family members, to voice your opinions to me and I embrace you for it. Thank you and God bless you, children. I've never been more proud to be who I am.
However, I want to caution you in these protests and demonstrations. I am and always will be looking out for your best interests — no matter if you think otherwise. So, please don't disrespect me. Please. In my past and most likely in the future, our family's flag has been burned. Burning our family's flag at these protests, forcing me to arrest you does nothing to get you closer to your goals. It only makes me pissed off and I don't like being angry. March and protest, but do it respectful and with respectfully toward your goals.
In all my years, I've had my fair share of the good and the bad. I had it rough from the beginning and have seen many trying times since. But one thing is for certain: I will never stop being your Uncle and I will always listen to what you have to say. I may not agree with you, but I will listen nonetheless. You gave me life when I had none, prosperity when I was poor and happiness for over 200 years. And for that, I promise my trust for you even when you show me disrespect. I will never give up in you because of those who have died saving me. I owe them that. I owe you that. It's what I was born to do.
God bless America.
Adam Cahill is a junior majoring in history and American studies. His column appears every other Wednesday. He can be reached at acahill@nd.edu.
The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.
All Viewpoint Stories for Wednesday, April 16, 2003
