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Counter
Americans
Daniel James Wood
Having lived in America all of my life, I find it hard to be objective about us. At the same time, I find it very
difficult indeed to hear the harsh criticisms of us coming from abroad. It's become quite obvious that our friends to
the East, particularly Europe, don't much care for us and care less for our President. That's all well and good
because we don't have to please anyone but ourselves, and we have become quite adept at doing just that very
thing.
Allow me to begin this self analysis by acknowledging that we, as a people, are rude, crude, and rough. Yes we
are. We are self absorbed most of the time and very demanding. We want what we want, when we want it. But
by God (Yes, I said God, gasp!), no people on this planet work harder for the "good" life, as it's been called by the
rest of the world, than do we. And because of our desire to achieve and acquire, we also do battle with one
another on a daily basis. We fight on the way to work, we curse one another in traffic, we bicker in line at the
supermarket, and at any venue we deem to be competitive. Our politics are brutal and we seem to take great
pleasure in ripping our opponents to shreds without the slightest hesitation. And yet, we have no riots, no
massacres at the polling place, and no need for intervention in our elections. Our country is akin to one household,
where we can disagree bitterly and fiercely, and then suddenly make up when the dispute is settled, and go about
our lives. And no other peoples can match us for strength of character or courage of conviction.
We have demonstrated time and again that there is no event so great that we cannot handle it. The most recent is
the attacks of September 11th, 2001. For days on end, there was no fighting amongst us, and we worked as one to
get through those awful times. We provided the world with a glimpse of what angry Americans can accomplish
when we have a common cause. We have a unique quality in us all that pushes aside any quarrel or dispute we
may have at the time, and we work with one another like no others can. And we produce amazing results. There
were approximately two hundred and twenty stories of rubble at ground zero in September of 2001, and we
cleaned it all up by the spring of 2002. All the while mourning and attending funerals for our lost, while
simultaneously pursuing those responsible for our grief. Yes, Americans are a very special breed.
Our generosity knows no bounds, as we endeavor to help even those who wish us harm. If there is an earthquake
which levels a village, we are there to help. If there is a typhoon, we send our best to aide the victims. If
innocents are attacked by a dictator, we send our brave soldiers to emancipate. And for all that we do or try to do
to make the world a better place, we are reviled. Worst of all, the vilification comes not only from those we seek
to help, but from within as well. Our own press seeks to humiliate us, and Hollywood elites mock us on a regular
basis. All in the name of freedom of speech, which has been made possible by none other than our own might and
military, we have been made to look the villains of the world. Our collective reply has been so Christian as to make
the politically correct recoil in horror.
As a nation, all that we do in the world community has no ulterior motive. We do what we have to do simply
because it is right. We ask not for repayment, and none is ever offered. Yet we do it time and again. Slap us and
we offer the other cheek. Scorn us, and we love in return. Attack us........well, that is another story.
Americans have been the most powerful people on Earth for quite some time and yet we never use our might for
anything other than good. Simply to help and make things right. We are a just people, but we cannot be fooled.
We are a peaceful people, but can be a terrible foe. We can help others to live a life as we do, and that is our
wish. But if we are begged to destroy, we can oblige with equal ease. We prefer peace and prosperity. We pray
that all do.
Dan Wood
The Alien Plant
A Beautiful Sunset On Great South Bay
‘Twas Something Like Christmas
A Poem By Daniel Wood





‘Twas some months before Christmas and the Christian
avowed
Were under attack from the secular crowd
From cities to small towns across the land
The ACLU tried to get Christmas banned
They declared Merry Christmas was not to be said
Happy Holidays was to be used in its stead
At work every person was warned not to say
Anything other than “Happy Holidays”
They went to the schools and removed every song
To praise Jesus Christ was in every way wrong
At town halls Nativities were not permitted
With something generic were they to be fitted
The landscape was barren, devoid of all cheer
Until a few brave souls came for’ard without fear
It began rather small, but the movement soon grew
And it wasn’t long before the faithful all knew
That with their strong numbers they couldn’t go wrong
So they decorated like crazy and filled the air with song
When the protesters arrived they were madder than heck
“Take those Christmas lights down, you’re a pain in the neck!”
They huffed and they puffed, even cursed out the Elves
But the Faithful responded, “MERRY CHRISTMAS to
all…
Now go screw yourselves!!”
Tyson & Sprite