The Willie Lawson Show  

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• Archived Blog Post

  Date / Time: 7/12/2008 4:56 AM UTC

  I have always been proud to be an American - Part One
  

  For 47 years I have been blessed to be an American.  During this election cycle I have talked to so many people that do not understand or realize what we really have here in America. Go back with me.....
  
  The first time I saw lady Liberty I was just 6 years old.  It was my first ride on a boat and I was so excited.  Our class was on a field trip to ride the Statton Island ferry and to see the Statue of Liberty. All of the week of the trip was filled what the statue and Ellis Island was all about. It was filled withe stories of the peole that came to these shores for hopes of a better life. It was filled with stories of how happy they were when they first caught glimpse the torch.  It made me feel special that I was born here.  My teacher made me feel special that I was born here and had all the benefits that are offered in the United States.
  
  During that same time we lived on the top floor of a two family house in Newark New Jersey. The father of the family downstairs was a police officer.  I remember his uniform sleeve had an American flag on it.  I asked him why.  I will never forget what he said to me.  He told me that it was because the United states was the best country on earth and we should be proud.  he was the black man I new that was important. People always did what he told them to do.  Its was cool when let us sit in his patrol car and listen to the radio.
  
  After some time Dr. King was killed and I remember watching the funeral on television. I remember watching tears stream down my moms face and the husband of the family she worked for as well.  He called me up on his lap and told me that this was still a wonderful country, and I believed him.  My mom later told me that they were a nice Jewish family.  I had no idea what she was talking about but I did know that he had told me some very important.
  
  
  Then it was the moon landing. I remember everyone inside watching this event. I lived in an all black neighborhodd here in Tampa by then.  Every television was on as Neal Armstrong planted that flag.  After the program had ened I saw the adults out talking about it and they seemed so excited.  I don't remember who said it but it stuck. One of the adults said, "This country can do anything!"  I still believe that.
  
  
  
  
  
  • Tags:
  • American
  • americanism
  • Obama
  • conservative
  • politics
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