Carl's Word-My Country, right or wrong, my country

Here's a terrific response to Josh's view of the Russian/Georgia conflict. This is from my dad, Carl Uda. Again, I like hearing all sides to a story. My dad is great patriot and a war veteran. It has become popular to be un-patriotic and dis on our own country. I do not personally agree with all the policies America has had, but I still do love my country and consider myself blessed to live here. On a side note, I did hear a comment by an ABC anchor asking a reporter why we are so supportive of Georgia when they initiated this crisis. The reporter responded that it is because they have been such a close ally to the US and huge supporter of the Iraq war. After the US and Great Britain, Georgia has sent the most troops to Iraq.

Here's Carl's response:

"I think that it is great that you look at many sources for your information about the Russo-Georgian War. However, I would be careful about making the broad assumption that all American media is full of lies and all foreign media is full of truth. Personally, I have a lot more faith in the American media than most people. Call me gullible, if you will.


We should judge actions without bias for the system of government, but we should look at both past history and current actions when making those judgements. Having said that, I don't think a skunk can easily change its color or its smell. I believe that there are many Americans who stand with Georgia, There are many, like me, who are not totally cynical about the American Media. I hope we can all discern truth wherever it is to be found, whether it be in foreign media or the American media. For me, I hope we can trust Russia. Even Reagan trusted Russia. He said, 'Trust, but verify.' I think that is good counsel, 'Trust, but verify.'

There may be much truth in what you said about Russia and Georgia. You have to remember that when I grew up and witnessed history, I remember that Georgia, Ossetia, and Russia were all part of a larger union called the Soviet Union, also called the 'Evil Empire.' There are many good people in the former Soviet Union states, but there are still the hard core people who believe in the old ideology. So, maybe we are witnessing parts of the old evil empire doing evil amongst themselves. Whatever it is, it is horrific since many innocents must suffer, but I neither blame the USA nor am I ashamed that my country believes in supporting a democratic nation which has hopes and ideals to promote individual freedoms.

You know, I am glad I live in a free land where I can express my thoughts freely. I am glad you live in a land where you can express your thoughts freely. Obviously, in a country of millions, we have many millions of opinions and thoughts; however, as a nation, we all fundamentally believe in the Constitution of the United Stations and the Bill of Rights. We are held together by some unseen force or belief or power. Call it what you will.

I am proud to be an American and I have faith in the American way. America is not perfect, but I don't know of any other nation which can boast of our accomplishments. The fruits I see coming from America are much sweeter and more desireable than the fruits I have seen from the old Soviet Union and its fractured members. Call me a flag waving, proud, American. I am. I served my country when it wasn't cool to do so, just as our servicemen serve in Iraq when it isn't cool to do so. My fellow servicemen didn't come home from Viet Nam to ticker tape parades and acclaim. We came home. We didn't boast of our Viet Nam service. We were labeled as baby killers.

I grew up in the sixties when many people condemned our nation for going to war in Viet Nam and there were lots of civil unrest and civil disobedience. The images are disheartening in a democratic nation founded on some pretty wonderful principles. Yet, I have never seen a more ungrateful nation than that which exists today where people are quick to blame our country for everything from terrorism and rising gas prices to global warming. More people believe what the media in countries like Russia or Iran or France say than what the media in America says. I think it is a sad commentary on where we are headed as a nation. When people tell me what is wrong with America, I appreciate what is right with America. I have been to countries where they can only wish they could live in America.

So, what is my point? Why am I rambling on? Maybe I am stuck in the old Cold War mentallity. Maybe I believe that Saakashvili is a lying villain, a treacherous war criminal and murderer. After all, he belong to the former Soviet Union. Maybe, since I am stuck in my Cold War mentallity, I also believe that Putin and Medvedev are lying villains, treacherous war criminals and murderers, just like Arabs believe Bush is a lying villain, a treacherous war criminal and murderer.

John McCain, doesn't just speak for himself. I am one U.S. citizen who looks for opportunities to support struggling democracies against tyrant nations. I was taught when I was young, 'My country, right or wrong, my country.' I still believe that. I stand beside her and I hope the All Mighty will also continue standing beside her and guiding her.

I hope you will be open to contrary views and understand my love and loyalty to this country."