Quonset

So the downside to living in New England is that it’s impossible to throw a rock without hitting something of historical interest.

Quonset Point being a good case in general. They built all those round huts featured in WWII and points aft, and are currently building subsections for the New SSN (Attach Submarine).

More likely resonant with people is its prevalence as a suburb of Providence, right on the water, and the possibility that there’s pollution happening. In any case, I’ve probably contributed to that - Quonset is an area that we used to use for weapons qualifications, squeezing hundreds of rounds of 9mm and M-16 ammo, depositing copper and lead into the hillsides.

But it’s here. Much like the ports in which American ships hid during the Revolution, and parties of militia

(“Oh hell, I’m going to cry anyway” says the LCDR’s woman. The LCDR pours a stiff drink into a juice glass, pours water from the tap into the drink, and offers it to his woman. “I might not get you back this time,” she weeps. He offers her the drink, and she sucks it down. “Leave me with a baby this time, at least’ she begs, as they kiss, and it fades to a rainstorm in the South Pacific.).

running about, killing Brits and bringing democracy to the modern age.

There’s a fine tradition up here, largely overshadowed by apathy and the urge to make a buck. I’ve spent more than one night wondering why Rhode Island, smaller than Houston in both population and area, gets two Senators, same as the entire state of Texas. In short, it’s history. There is some value in being able to relate all the way back to the Revolution. A large value in knowing that freedom is only won by blood.

Look, there’s little more that I love than the United States. I’d been saving this anecdote, but one of the folks I drill with was up this way (not known for its republican bent) over the Fourth. Flags everywhere. He (a good Houstonian) was shocked at the patriotism

(“Excuse me, John Paul, I’m going to be a trifle busy,” asks Kirk Douglas’ character, immediately before he gets killed by Japanese fighters)

I wasn’t. 250 years of democratic rule, a almost a quarter of a millennium. There’s something there, bound together by a love of freedom inherent in man regardless of religious bent. America is a special place, a special idea, regardless of what’s happening in Washington, DC.

(“Do you think we have a chance to stop it?” asks Wayne’s lackey. “We have to try” says the Duke.)

Don’t lose faith in your country. We are blessed, one way or another. Brave women and men have met every challenge we’ve faced in the last two and a quarter centuries, and there’s no reason to think we’ll change that now. So pray. Believe. And always think ‘God (of your choice, of course) Bless the United States.

Posted by jank at November 22, 2003 11:50 PM