This short poem, "The American Way," was written in response to a comment made by Brit Hume on Fox News Sunday, September 16, 2001. Hume said that people who questioned the possible underlying motives of the 911 attacks were "un-American."
. The American Way The Islamic Extremist laments, “The American imposes himself on everyone.” No, No. This is our World too. Get used to it, its the American way. The Global Justice Protester laments, “multinationals are trampling the worker and ruining the environment.” No, No. Freedom means having free markets. Get used to it, its the American way. The French Farmer laments, “Mass-produced wines are destroying our rural way of life.” No, No. You could be more efficient and competitive. Get used to it, its the American way. The Conservative Politician laments, “Decadent Hollywood movies are ruining our value system.” No, No. We’re free to profit from free expression. Get used to it, its the American way. The Main Street Market Owner laments, “The Big Box store on the edge of town will be the end of Main Street.” No, No. Consumers want more choice, and lower prices. Get used to it, its the American way. The Fayetteville, North Carolina man laments, “The last military action caused 20% of the mom-and-pop businesses to go under.” No, No. Economics 101 says weak businesses naturally exit the market. Get used to it, its the American way. The Poet laments, “Its hard to get used to the American way.” No, No. You’re free. You can change the American way. The Pragmatist laments, "Good luck trying to 'change the American way' " No, No. Freedom implies a responsibility to try. Get used to it, its the American way. James George, September 2001 c
Original: The American Way: Short Poem