warning: not for those tender at heart.

[blatherinbuddha]

Pavlov had it right. With the salivating dog-theory, that is. The phrase "God Bless America" is a good example of this. First someone said "God Bless America", then sang it, then someone wrote it down, then it caught on. Now it's used everywhere. On bumper stickers, t-shirts, flags, and lawn signs. Politicians use it to gain attention and show support. And after seeing and hearing this phrase over and over, it's become a great attention graber. When someone says "God Bless America", it stirs up an emotion of some sort. For many, it's unearthed pride. The phrase gets defeaning cheers, even if said from the most vapid of people. Kinda nationalistic, very "patriotic". But what if the phrase was "God Bless Everyone, Everywhere", would people salivate as much? Probably not. The phrase isn't as individualistic. It's not as great of a motto. But is it more politically correct? Maybe. Maybe not.

I guess the more something is reiterated, the more it's believed. The more it's believed, the more it's used. It's this giant circle of "God Bless America" spinning 'round and 'round. Does it give a false sense of pride? Does it cloud up the and push aside the demanding issues? Or does it stir up much needed American pride? Is this motto necessary to our continuing journey forward? Too much to think about. Too much to consider.

Gotta love the Olympics. Especially gymnastics. I think I was a gymnast is a past life.

God Bless Everyone, Everywhere. No Exceptions.

Signing off.
Nora Pilak.