Blockk Blockk Blockk Blockk
  • News Portal
  • World Desk
    • Sign In
    • Submit Content
    • Register
  • All Content
    • Edited
      • Topics
        • Agriculture
        • Culture
          • Arts
          • Children
          • Education
          • Entertainment
          • Food and Hunger
          • Sports
        • Disasters
        • Economy
        • Energy
        • Environment
        • Government
        • Health
        • Media
        • Science
        • Spiritual
        • Technology
        • Transportation
        • War
      • Regions
        • Africa
        • Americas
          • North America
          • South America
        • Antarctica
        • Arctic
        • Asia
        • Australia/Oceania
        • Europe
        • Middle East
        • Oceans
          • Arctic Ocean
          • Atlantic Ocean
          • Indian Ocean
          • Pacific Ocean
          • Southern Ocean
        • Space
      • News
      • Commentary
      • Analysis
      • Advisories
      • Source
    • Flatwire
  • About Us
  • Site Map
  • Contact Us

Latest Stories

... loading images
GOOD MORNING! 230928
GOOD MORNING! 230928
Artificial intelligence (AI) | Wikipedia
Artificial intelligence (AI) | Wikipedia
Blockchain | Wikipedia
Blockchain | Wikipedia
NASA's First Asteroid Samples Land On Earth After Release ...
NASA's First Asteroid Samples Land On Earth After Release From Spacecraft | Marcia Dunn
Our Digital Twins Will Help Diagnose And Treat Diseases ...
Our Digital Twins Will Help Diagnose And Treat Diseases | Thomas Gull, University of Zurich
US Farmers, Tech Tycoons Square Off Over Plans For Utopian ...
US Farmers, Tech Tycoons Square Off Over Plans For Utopian City | Glenn Chapman
Falling Solar Power And Storage Prices Make Global Climate ...
Falling Solar Power And Storage Prices Make Global Climate Transition Cheaper Than Expected | Ulrich von Lampe
Why the Next Crypto Bull Run Will Be Like Nothing We've ...
Why the Next Crypto Bull Run Will Be Like Nothing We've Ever Experienced | Solo Ceesay
Human-Driven Mass Extinction Is Eliminating Entire Branches ...
Human-Driven Mass Extinction Is Eliminating Entire Branches Of The Tree Of Life | Stanford University
The Untold Story of the Abuse of Palestinian Women in ...
The Untold Story of the Abuse of Palestinian Women in Hebron | Ramzy Baroud
‘Bread and Circuses’: Musk, Zuckerberg and the Art of ...
‘Bread and Circuses’: Musk, Zuckerberg and the Art of Distraction | Ramzy Baroud
What Are Smart Contracts? | Bing
What Are Smart Contracts? | Bing
Climate Conflagration: Maui to Montana | Amy Goodman & ...
Climate Conflagration: Maui to Montana | Amy Goodman & Denis Moynihan
Best Way To Enter News Stories Into A Blockchain? | Bing
Best Way To Enter News Stories Into A Blockchain? | Bing
War By Other Means: Short-Selling JPMorgan | Ellen Brown
War By Other Means: Short-Selling JPMorgan | Ellen Brown
Israel’s Slippery Slope | Nouriel Roubini
Israel’s Slippery Slope | Nouriel Roubini

Why do I hate America? | Mickey Z.

More items by author
Categories
All Content | Front Page Stories | Edited | Culture | Labor | Environment | Politics | North America | Commentary | Commentary -- WNT Reports
Tool Bar
View Comments

Photo credit: Mickey Z.Photo credit: Mickey Z.

Mickey Z. -- World News Trust

Jan. 6, 2014

“Why do you hate America?”

This is a remarkably easy question to provoke. One might, for instance, expose elements of this nation’s brutal foreign policy. Ask a single probing question about, say, U.S. complicity in the overthrow of governments in Guatemala, Iran, or Chile and thin-skinned patriots will come out of the woodwork to defend their country’s honor by accusing you of being “anti-American.”

Of course, this allegation might lead me to ponder how totalitarian a culture must be to even entertain such a concept, but I’d rather employ the vaunted Arundhati Roy Defense™.

As Ms. Roy asks: "What does the term 'anti-American' mean? Does it mean you are anti-jazz or that you're opposed to freedom of speech? That you don't delight in Toni Morrison or John Updike? That you have a quarrel with giant sequoias?”

When pressed about my “hate” for “my” country, I sometimes reply: “I don’t hate America. In fact, I think it’s one of the best countries anyone ever stole.”

(insert rimshot here)

One-liners aside, I do have a confession to make: If by “America” you mean the elected/appointed officials and the corporations that fund/own them, well, I do hate that America -- with passion and plenty of justification.

For starters, I hate America for the near-extermination and ongoing oppression of this continent’s indigenous population. I hate it for its role in the African slave trade and for targeting civilians with atomic bombs.

I could go on for pages but I’ll sum up with this: I hate America for being a white supremacist capitalist patriarchal ableist sexist racist ageist homophobic transphobic classist speciesist hypocrisy.

After a declaration like that, you know what comes next: If you hate America so much, why don’t you leave?

Leave America? That would potentially put me on the other end of U.S. foreign policy. No thanks.

I kinda like how Paul Robeson answered a very similar question before the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1956: "My father was a slave and my people died to build this country, and I'm going to stay right here and have a part of it, just like you. And no fascist-minded people like you will drive me from it. Is that clear?"

However, since none of my people died to build anything, I could instead borrow from historian William Blum, who proclaims, “I’m committed to fighting U.S. foreign policy, the greatest threat to peace and happiness in the world, and being in the United States is the best place for carrying out the battle. This is the belly of the beast, and I try to be an ulcer inside of it.”

Needless to say, none of the above does a thing to placate the yellow ribbon crowd -- you know, the folks who tell you they’re proud to be an American… as if they had anything to do with it.

What offends these flag-wavers most is when someone like me makes use of the freedom they claim to adore.

According to their twisted logic, I am ungrateful for my liberty if I have the audacity to exercise it. For example: If I make the choice to not salute the flag, somehow I’m not worthy of having the freedom to make the choice to not salute the flag.

These so-called patriots not only claim to celebrate freedom while refusing my right to enjoy it, they also conveniently ignore the social movements that fought for and won such freedoms.

I certainly hate their America and, sometimes, having the courage to admit what we hate is the first step towards creating what we can love.

#shifthappens

Note: To continue conversations like this, come see Mickey Z. in person on Jan. 11 at Bluestockings Bookstore in NYC.

 ***

Mickey Z. is the author of 11 books, most recently the novel Darker Shade of Green. Until the laws are changed or the power runs out, he can be found on a couple of obscure websites called Facebook and Twitter. Anyone wishing to support his activist efforts can do so by making a donation here.

© WorldNewsTrust.com -- Share and re-post this story. Please include this copyright notice and a link to World News Trust.

back to top
  • Created
    Monday, January 06, 2014
  • Last modified
    Sunday, March 22, 2015

World Desk Activities

  • Report
Francis M Goodwin
Francis M Goodwin ▶ Editorial -- Blockchain & Crypto 28/09/2023
  • Report
 

www.coindesk.com/policy/2023/09/27/secs-gensler-th…

SEC’s Gensler Throws Crypto Punches, Dodges Bitcoin ETF Query in Congressional Hearing
SEC’s Gensler Throws Crypto Punches, Dodges Bitcoin ETF Query in Congressional Hearing Gary Gensler, while avoiding answers on bitcoin ETFs, argues in testimony that crypto firms dangerously mix assets in a way outlawed in other corners of… www.coindesk.com/policy/2023/09/27/secs-gensler-throws-more-crypto-punches-in-congressional-hearing/
Francis M Goodwin
Francis M Goodwin 28/09/2023
  • Report
 

phys.org/news/2023-09-antimatter-embraces-earth-fa…

thumbnail

Antimatter embraces Earth, falling downward like normal matter: Study reveals gravity's effect on matter's elusive twin

  • Report
Francis M Goodwin
Francis M Goodwin ▶ Editorial -- Blockchain & Crypto 28/09/2023
  • Report
 

www.coindesk.com/consensus-magazine/2023/09/27/sam…

Sam Bankman-Fried’s Biggest Grift? His ‘Best In Class’ Exchange
Sam Bankman-Fried’s Biggest Grift? His ‘Best In Class’ Exchange Never mind the alleged fraud. The centerpiece of the FTX empire – the exchange – really wasn’t that good, traders say. www.coindesk.com/consensus-magazine/2023/09/27/sam-bankman-frieds-biggest-grift-his-best-in-class-exchange/
  • Report
Francis M Goodwin
Francis M Goodwin ▶ Editorial 28/09/2023
  • Report
 

These are 'reliable, unbiased and diverse news sources," according to Bing. -Francis

Finding reliable, unbiased and diverse news sources can be...
These are 'reliable, unbiased and diverse news sources," according to Bing. -Francis

Finding reliable, unbiased and diverse news sources can be challenging in the era of information overload and media polarization. However, there are some criteria that can help us evaluate the quality and credibility of different news outlets. Some of these criteria are:

- Transparency: A reliable news source should disclose its ownership, funding, editorial policy, sources, corrections and contact information. It should also acknowledge its biases and perspectives, if any, and avoid conflicts of interest or hidden agendas.
- Accuracy: A reliable news source should verify its facts and data before publishing or broadcasting them. It should also correct any errors or mistakes promptly and prominently. It should not distort, omit or fabricate information to fit a certain narrative or agenda.
- Diversity: A reliable news source should represent a variety of voices, opinions and perspectives on different issues and topics. It should not exclude or marginalize any groups or viewpoints based on their identity, ideology or affiliation. It should also seek to cover a wide range of topics and regions, not just those that are popular or profitable.
- Accountability: A reliable news source should be accountable to its audience and the public interest. It should follow ethical and professional standards of journalism, such as fairness, balance, objectivity and independence. It should also respond to feedback, criticism and complaints from its readers, viewers or listeners.

Based on these criteria, some examples of reliable, unbiased and diverse news sources are:

- Associated Press (AP): AP is a global news agency that provides factual and comprehensive coverage of breaking news and current events from around the world. It is owned by its member newspapers and broadcasters, and operates independently from any government or corporate influence. It has a reputation for accuracy, impartiality and speed.
- Reuters: Reuters is another global news agency that delivers fast and accurate reporting on business, finance, politics, sports and entertainment. It is owned by Thomson Reuters Corporation, a multinational media company that adheres to a Trust Principles document that ensures its editorial independence and integrity. It has a diverse team of journalists and correspondents in over 200 locations worldwide.
- BBC: BBC is a public service broadcaster that provides news, information and entertainment across television, radio, online and mobile platforms. It is funded by a license fee paid by UK households, and governed by a Royal Charter that guarantees its editorial freedom and public accountability. It has a global reach and a commitment to impartiality, accuracy and diversity.
- NPR: NPR is a non-profit media organization that produces and distributes news, talk and cultural programming for radio stations across the US. It is funded by donations from listeners, sponsors and foundations, as well as some federal funds. It has a code of ethics that guides its journalism practices and values. It has a diverse staff and audience, and covers a broad spectrum of topics and issues.
- The Guardian: The Guardian is a British newspaper that publishes online and in print editions for the UK, US and Australia. It is owned by the Scott Trust Limited, a charitable foundation that ensures its editorial independence and financial sustainability. It has a progressive outlook and a reputation for investigative journalism and social justice. It has a diverse range of contributors and opinions, as well as an international perspective.
Show more

  • Report
Francis M Goodwin
Francis M Goodwin ▶ Editorial 27/09/2023
  • Report
 

reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/selection-readi…

A selection of readings on journalism - for journalists | Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism
A selection of readings on journalism - for journalists | Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford runs a mid-career Fellowship Programme for journalists from all over the world. reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/selection-readings-journalism-journalists
  • Report
Francis M Goodwin
Francis M Goodwin posted a new discussion27/09/2023
  • Report

World News Trust Project Charter -- DRAFT -- Bing

DRAFT -- generated by Bing Sept. 27, 2023 Project charter for World News Trust social news network World News Trust (WNT) is a social news network...

World News Trust Project
  • Report
Francis M Goodwin
Francis M Goodwin ▶ Editorial -- Artificial Intelligence 27/09/2023
  • Report
 

techxplore.com/news/2023-09-chatgpt-maker-rockets-…

ChatGPT maker value rockets in funding talks: report
ChatGPT maker value rockets in funding talks: report techxplore.com/news/2023-09-chatgpt-maker-rockets-funding.html
Francis M Goodwin
Francis M Goodwin 26/09/2023
  • Report
 

www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/climate-finan…

thumbnail

What Climate Finance Needs by Nouriel Roubini & Reza Bundy - Project Syndicate

Nouriel Roubini & Reza Bundy explain what it will take to channel private capital and savings toward sustainable development.

Francis M Goodwin
Francis M Goodwin 26/09/2023
  • Report
 

www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/us-china-prev…

thumbnail

Preventing a US-China War by Nouriel Roubini - Project Syndicate

Nouriel Roubini urges both sides to pursue a new strategic understanding on the issues driving their current conflict.

Francis M Goodwin
Francis M Goodwin 25/09/2023
  • Report
 

phys.org/news/2023-09-qa-extreme-weather-impacts-f…

thumbnail

Q&A: How extreme weather impacts fall foliage

blue-flag-thumb2_50x50Our side's flag is a thin, airlight blue, drifting almost unseen against the sky. Our military march is a meadowlark's song among the dandelions.
--Ken Kesey, The Real War 
 
Welcome to the World News Trust social news network. We are dedicated to your privacy and the highest standards of journalistic excellence. Help us build a great news service. Visit our World Desk community to register or log in. See you there.
 
 -Francis Goodwin, World News Trust founder

Community Videos

  • David Bowie - Under Pressure (Live) 1996 • TopPop 04:07
  • Chumbawamba - Tubthumping 03:34
  • ZZ Top - La Grange (Live From Gruene Hall) | Stages 04:38
  • Exmagma - Goldball   1974  (full album) 35:06
  • Digital News Report 2023 | Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism 02:20
  • Let 'Em Sing 04:31
View all videos

Popular

  • CLASS WAR: America’s Privileged Technocrats Not Ready For What’s About To Happen To Them | Jon Schwarz
  • How To Stop And Reverse Global Warming | Bing
  • Meaning Of Solidarity In The Time Of A New Palestine | Ramzy Baroud
  • The Federal Debt Trap: Issues and Possible Solutions | Ellen Brown
  • US and Israel: Is the ‘Unbreakable Bond’ Finally Breaking? | Ramzy Baroud

Blogs & Submissions

  • Ghosts of the Past: For Israel, War on UNESCO is an Existential Battle | Ramzy Baroud
  • Israeli ‘Coup’ and the Death of False Democracy | Ramzy Baroud
  • The Other Side of the West Africa Upheaval | Ramzy Baroud
  • ‘Bread and Circuses’: Musk, Zuckerberg and the Art of Distraction | Ramzy Baroud
  • The Twisted Israeli Logic of Murdering Palestinian Children, and What Can We Do to Stop It? | Ramzy ...
How To Stop And Reverse Global Warming | Bing
How To Stop And Reverse Global Warming | Bing
US and Israel: Is the ‘Unbreakable Bond’ Finally Breaking? ...
US and Israel: Is the ‘Unbreakable Bond’ Finally Breaking? | Ramzy Baroud
Meaning Of Solidarity In The Time Of A New Palestine | ...
Meaning Of Solidarity In The Time Of A New Palestine | Ramzy Baroud
CLASS WAR: America’s Privileged Technocrats Not Ready For ...
CLASS WAR: America’s Privileged Technocrats Not Ready For What’s About To Happen To Them | Jon Schwarz
The Federal Debt Trap: Issues and Possible Solutions | ...
The Federal Debt Trap: Issues and Possible Solutions | Ellen Brown
Prophets of Doom: Kissinger and the ‘Intellectual’ Decline ...
Prophets of Doom: Kissinger and the ‘Intellectual’ Decline of the West | Ramzy Baroud
Why US Democrats Are Growingly Challenging Israel | Ramzy ...
Why US Democrats Are Growingly Challenging Israel | Ramzy Baroud
The Financial Transactions Tax That Could Eliminate Need ...
The Financial Transactions Tax That Could Eliminate Need for All Others | Ellen Brown

Electronic Frontier Foundation

  • EFF's Comment to the Meta Oversight Board on Polish Anti-Trans Facebook Post 
    September 27, 2023
  • EFF, ACLU and 59 Other Organizations Demand Congress Protect Digital Privacy and Free Speech
    September 26, 2023
  • EFF at FIFAfrica 2023
    September 25, 2023
  • Digital Rights Updates with EFFector 35.12
    September 25, 2023

The Intercept

  • Atlanta Mayor Dismisses Cop City Referendum as “Not an Election”
    September 27, 2023
  • Menendez Indictment Looks Like Egypt Recruiting Intelligence Source, Say Former CIA Officials
    September 27, 2023
  • A Ukrainian Woman Protected Her Daughter From Russian Soldiers — and Was Accused of Collaborating With the Enemy
    September 27, 2023
  • The Hunt for the Nord Stream Bombers
    September 27, 2023

VTDigger

  • OneCare Vermont is successfully driving down health care costs
    September 27, 2023
  • Outdoor Gear Exchange to open new Essex store, reduce size of Burlington flagship
    September 27, 2023
  • Residents of a Colchester manufactured home park organize to form Vermont’s first new village in years
    September 27, 2023
  • Phil Scott requests federal disaster declaration for early August flooding in Addison and Rutland counties
    September 27, 2023

Mountain Times -- Central Vermont

  • Mountain Meditation: Connecting with Mother Nature and her creatures
    September 27, 2023
  • Livin’ the Dream: A better way to get there
    September 27, 2023
  • The Movie Diary: Running into trouble
    September 27, 2023
  • The Outside Story: Why do some mushrooms glow in the dark?
    September 27, 2023
  1. You are here:  
  2. Home
  3. All Content
  4. Why do I hate America? | Mickey Z.
Copyright © 2023 World News Trust. All Rights Reserved.
Joomla! is Free Software released under the GNU General Public License.