Bye Bye Miss American Pie
Requiem for What Never Was22 total reviews
Comment from Alma Barkman
Very well written! Living in Canada I can only daily observe on TV the struggles of the USA and its flailing attempts to retain its democracy. I do not believe you are committing heresy by stating the truth, which seems to be in short supply politically and otherwise no matter where in the world we live.
Have you ever considered writing a column? Sometimes local newspapers are open to that.
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2021
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Very well written! Living in Canada I can only daily observe on TV the struggles of the USA and its flailing attempts to retain its democracy. I do not believe you are committing heresy by stating the truth, which seems to be in short supply politically and otherwise no matter where in the world we live.
Have you ever considered writing a column? Sometimes local newspapers are open to that.
Comment Written 10-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2021
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Alma, thanks very much for the very kind review and six stars! It is truly appreciated. I would actually love nothing more than to write a column, and I actually submitted this piece to the opinion page of the NY Times, lol. I know that was shooting quite high, but I figured what the heck, you never know. Your suggestion to check local newspapers is a good one. Thanks, again, for the support and encouragement!
Take care,
Bill
Comment from Mary Vigasin
This is a true punch in the gut and so well-deserved. Fighting for liberty and justice has been a constant battle. We used to have to say the Pledge of Allegiance each morning in school but the words had no meaning and were not true.
Thank you for your honesty and willingness to take on a difficult subject.
Best wishes,
Mary
reply by the author on 20-Dec-2021
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This is a true punch in the gut and so well-deserved. Fighting for liberty and justice has been a constant battle. We used to have to say the Pledge of Allegiance each morning in school but the words had no meaning and were not true.
Thank you for your honesty and willingness to take on a difficult subject.
Best wishes,
Mary
Comment Written 10-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 20-Dec-2021
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Mary, so sorry for the late response. Thanks so much for the kind review and words. I couldn't agree more about the hollow meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance, especially the final line, "...and liberty and justice for all." Take care, Bill
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No need to apologize. I enjoyed your post.
Take care and best wishes,
Mary
Comment from karenina
I don't think it is heresy to point out the inequity that existed and indeed was transcribed and is perpetuated in our Constitution. Many of us were taught of the perfect America as young children. How proudly we all recited the Pledge of Allegiance! Aspirations for a better America do still exist. I see them in the spark of young eyes who refuse to buy into the bigoted past. I see them in individual acts of courage and bravery and kindness. In order to achieve better we must first acknowledge that the "illusion" of freedom and liberty was very much just that--for far too many. It remains so for far too many. Every one of us has a pebble of justice to throw into the pond...which was altogether too murky--and way beyond our depth. Many ripples can change the "tide" as it were. I will remain hopeful. I will do what I can in whatever way I can to try to be a better HUMAN-- I will resist all attempts at fake news and alternative facts. The true fact is, we rested our laurels on a dream that never was achieved. The debacle is there are some so invested in maintaining the illusion they do not wish to see change. Time to double back. Anne Frank had a wonderful quote, many have memorized one line. The rest is most pertinent to us today so I will (begging your indulgence) share it here--for hope is our greatest motivator.
Anne Frank wrote: ""In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart. I simply can't build up my hopes on a foundation consisting of confusion, misery, and death. I see the world gradually being turned into a wilderness, I hear the ever approaching thunder, which will destroy us too, I can feel the sufferings of millions and yet, if I look up into the heavens, I think that it will all come right, that this cruelty too will end, and that peace and tranquility will return again."
I thank you for baring your soul here. It's because you care. It's because you hurt.
Karenina
reply by the author on 20-Dec-2021
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I don't think it is heresy to point out the inequity that existed and indeed was transcribed and is perpetuated in our Constitution. Many of us were taught of the perfect America as young children. How proudly we all recited the Pledge of Allegiance! Aspirations for a better America do still exist. I see them in the spark of young eyes who refuse to buy into the bigoted past. I see them in individual acts of courage and bravery and kindness. In order to achieve better we must first acknowledge that the "illusion" of freedom and liberty was very much just that--for far too many. It remains so for far too many. Every one of us has a pebble of justice to throw into the pond...which was altogether too murky--and way beyond our depth. Many ripples can change the "tide" as it were. I will remain hopeful. I will do what I can in whatever way I can to try to be a better HUMAN-- I will resist all attempts at fake news and alternative facts. The true fact is, we rested our laurels on a dream that never was achieved. The debacle is there are some so invested in maintaining the illusion they do not wish to see change. Time to double back. Anne Frank had a wonderful quote, many have memorized one line. The rest is most pertinent to us today so I will (begging your indulgence) share it here--for hope is our greatest motivator.
Anne Frank wrote: ""In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart. I simply can't build up my hopes on a foundation consisting of confusion, misery, and death. I see the world gradually being turned into a wilderness, I hear the ever approaching thunder, which will destroy us too, I can feel the sufferings of millions and yet, if I look up into the heavens, I think that it will all come right, that this cruelty too will end, and that peace and tranquility will return again."
I thank you for baring your soul here. It's because you care. It's because you hurt.
Karenina
Comment Written 10-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 20-Dec-2021
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Karenina, so sorry for the late response. Thanks so much for the very kind review and thoughtful comments. Great quote from Anne Frank. Thanks for sharing. Despite the doom and gloom in my piece, I do hold out hope. I am placing my faith in the young folks. They seem to be much more tolerant than past generations. Many are educated, informed and passionate.
Take care,
Bill
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Thanks for responding! I could sense the hope between your lines. I agree. I see it in my own children (adult) and grandkids. My son married an African American woman who is like a second daughter... They've given me three beautiful grands--the most beautiful mixed race children ever! THEY don't see color, or even problems. Even when others on occasion have mean things to say they hear it with a hopeful heart.
This is the future. When we are all one race...the human race. When differences are embraced and treasured! God Bless--Karenina
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Karenina, your words have helped uplift me and remind me many others feel the way we do. So beautiful about your son and his family. Be well! Bill
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You as well Bill. BTW? I read your CRT comments on the forum. I'm proud to know you!
Karenina
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Aww, thanks so much, Karenina. I'm proud to know you, too! You have put a truly nice ending to what has been a rather rough day. Bill
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Glad to hear it lifted you a bit!
No more rough days ever!
(I hope.)
Comment from estory
I don't really agree that we have to be perfect in our lives, but you do come up with some honest looks at our failings over the centuries, failings that undermine the ideal. The problem is that people are by nature imperfect. The only perfection can be reached through Christ. There is no political answer because all people, on either side of the aisle, are corrupt. estory
reply by the author on 20-Dec-2021
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I don't really agree that we have to be perfect in our lives, but you do come up with some honest looks at our failings over the centuries, failings that undermine the ideal. The problem is that people are by nature imperfect. The only perfection can be reached through Christ. There is no political answer because all people, on either side of the aisle, are corrupt. estory
Comment Written 10-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 20-Dec-2021
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Estory, so sorry for the late response Thanks for the kind review. I couldn't agree more that people are by nature imperfection. My piece wasn't about expecting perfection from people, though. I don't expect anything remotely close to perfection, but I don't think it is unreasonable to expect a certain level of commitment to human rights and racial equality from the greatest country the planet has ever known. Regards, Bill
Comment from Sherry Asbury
You are adamant and didactic in your passion. I was very taken with this write. Are we now to sit back and let the animalistic losers ruin our country. Everyone has a responsibility to stand up and speak up. We have become a weak people who let any idiot with the power of money or speech to try to rule us through fear and injustice. Do not kneel to the ignorant - listen to what this man is saying and then tell yourself that you have an obligation to do your part.
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2021
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You are adamant and didactic in your passion. I was very taken with this write. Are we now to sit back and let the animalistic losers ruin our country. Everyone has a responsibility to stand up and speak up. We have become a weak people who let any idiot with the power of money or speech to try to rule us through fear and injustice. Do not kneel to the ignorant - listen to what this man is saying and then tell yourself that you have an obligation to do your part.
Comment Written 10-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 11-Dec-2021
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Sherry, Thanks very much for the very kind review. I couldn't agree more with your sentiments. Regards, Bill
Comment from LisaMay
This is nothing short of exceptional - clear-eyed, well written observations. It must make heartbreaking reading for Americans. I live in New Zealand, but I have witnessed the accuracy of your words from afar (and from a visit a few years ago), building to the current climate and climax of self-destruction.
This certainly sums it up:
"We are a society rife with contradictions rolled up in hypocrisies. Honest dialogue has degenerated into an endless cacophony of sound bites, memes, and talking points meant to justify personal agendas that are subject to constant revision as the need arises."
Your metaphor about the compromised immune system in closing is very apt.
reply by the author on 10-Dec-2021
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This is nothing short of exceptional - clear-eyed, well written observations. It must make heartbreaking reading for Americans. I live in New Zealand, but I have witnessed the accuracy of your words from afar (and from a visit a few years ago), building to the current climate and climax of self-destruction.
This certainly sums it up:
"We are a society rife with contradictions rolled up in hypocrisies. Honest dialogue has degenerated into an endless cacophony of sound bites, memes, and talking points meant to justify personal agendas that are subject to constant revision as the need arises."
Your metaphor about the compromised immune system in closing is very apt.
Comment Written 10-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 10-Dec-2021
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LisaMay, thanks so much for the wonderful review, six stars, and extremely kind words. Regards, Bill
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It made for disturbing reading because of its accuracy. The truth hurts.
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It certainly does. I am sure I upset a lot of people. One must never tear down the facade. Thanks, again!
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They'll be upset because the scab has been picked off to expose the rot and the pus is oozing. The facade was the scab... it might look like it can heal but the stuff it is hiding will come out.
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Great metaphor.
Comment from jlsavell
Bill, I do not believe that a better piece could be written to drive home the reality that America- home of the free- never truly meant freedom nor equality for all.
Our people, our country is where each individual is indoctrinated at birth which paints a sealant of an axiom so inaccurate, it keeps reality from being honestly and honorably scrutinized.
The tragic irony, some factions hell bent on supremacy create an alternative meaning of CRT, demonize BLM, dehumanize immigrant and refugees, elevate Christian morality and superiority to the point, religious freedom is subverted to only 'if'. This, while the same faction approve of one administration ripping our democracy to unrecognizable- so much so- there's a new starting point and rules of engagement to strive to be better than yesterday are based not on the trials and tribulations of our struggles and dastardly past, but on the unmitigated belief system of superiority by elements which choose to undermine the goal of the American dream.
Add to this, highly indoctrinated religious fanaticism which not only spews vitriole and hatred in a most alarming way- through misinformation from climate change to pandemics- influences the gullible masses 'we are the world and god backs us'. Of course, it has always been this way- because screw the millions of lives across the globe who have blood running through their veins and love just as fiercely as we do, god is selective and he wouldn't think to not support us in our superior endeavors.
One need to look no further of this misaligned belief system than right here on Fanstory- in the forum- where some of the most uneducated participants have proven themselves over and over to be racist, bigots, conspiracy theorist while maintaining they are so patriotic and Christian. A runaway thread with 160 pages of more. To add insult to advocating decency and truth, stories are praised and promoted to bolster this wayward paradigm and many of Fanstorians praise it.
True intellectual honesty and facts are supported by very few. It isn't a matter of negating free speech, it's a matter of decency and responsibilty toward our fellow man.
Again a magnificent piece. Have to go now
Have a great day.
Hope this makes sense, written from my cell
Jimi
reply by the author on 10-Dec-2021
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Bill, I do not believe that a better piece could be written to drive home the reality that America- home of the free- never truly meant freedom nor equality for all.
Our people, our country is where each individual is indoctrinated at birth which paints a sealant of an axiom so inaccurate, it keeps reality from being honestly and honorably scrutinized.
The tragic irony, some factions hell bent on supremacy create an alternative meaning of CRT, demonize BLM, dehumanize immigrant and refugees, elevate Christian morality and superiority to the point, religious freedom is subverted to only 'if'. This, while the same faction approve of one administration ripping our democracy to unrecognizable- so much so- there's a new starting point and rules of engagement to strive to be better than yesterday are based not on the trials and tribulations of our struggles and dastardly past, but on the unmitigated belief system of superiority by elements which choose to undermine the goal of the American dream.
Add to this, highly indoctrinated religious fanaticism which not only spews vitriole and hatred in a most alarming way- through misinformation from climate change to pandemics- influences the gullible masses 'we are the world and god backs us'. Of course, it has always been this way- because screw the millions of lives across the globe who have blood running through their veins and love just as fiercely as we do, god is selective and he wouldn't think to not support us in our superior endeavors.
One need to look no further of this misaligned belief system than right here on Fanstory- in the forum- where some of the most uneducated participants have proven themselves over and over to be racist, bigots, conspiracy theorist while maintaining they are so patriotic and Christian. A runaway thread with 160 pages of more. To add insult to advocating decency and truth, stories are praised and promoted to bolster this wayward paradigm and many of Fanstorians praise it.
True intellectual honesty and facts are supported by very few. It isn't a matter of negating free speech, it's a matter of decency and responsibilty toward our fellow man.
Again a magnificent piece. Have to go now
Have a great day.
Hope this makes sense, written from my cell
Jimi
Comment Written 10-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 10-Dec-2021
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Hi Jimi, thanks so much for the wonderful review and six stars! I couldn't agree more with your points. I truly appreciate the very kind words and support. Take care! Bill
Comment from royowen
I if we think that our particular country escapes the ravages of the human condition is always a complete lie, whatever country has once been "great" is the greatest fallacy of all. Ask the the historians if they think national nirvana has ever been reached, so you're right, a nation is only as great as a country filled with saintly people, show me that country, I'll emigrate. Well done, great write, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2021
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I if we think that our particular country escapes the ravages of the human condition is always a complete lie, whatever country has once been "great" is the greatest fallacy of all. Ask the the historians if they think national nirvana has ever been reached, so you're right, a nation is only as great as a country filled with saintly people, show me that country, I'll emigrate. Well done, great write, blessings Roy
Comment Written 09-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 09-Dec-2021
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Roy, thanks so much for the very kind review and comments. Regards, Bill
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Most welcome
Comment from Michele Harber
I have to admire your taking a controversial topic and, rather than turning it into a battle, merely expressing your opinion and draping it in perfectly chosen metaphors. While the points you make are very direct, your use of metaphor (and your skilled writing overall) keep it from having that "in your face" feel that invariably leads to conflict. After preparing to write the country's epitaph, I was relieved to see you allow for the possibility of rebirth and new beginning. This is a very impressive piece.
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2021
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I have to admire your taking a controversial topic and, rather than turning it into a battle, merely expressing your opinion and draping it in perfectly chosen metaphors. While the points you make are very direct, your use of metaphor (and your skilled writing overall) keep it from having that "in your face" feel that invariably leads to conflict. After preparing to write the country's epitaph, I was relieved to see you allow for the possibility of rebirth and new beginning. This is a very impressive piece.
Comment Written 07-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2021
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Michele, Thanks very much for your very kind words and review. Regards, Bill
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My pleasure, Bill. Your point was very well stated.
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Thanks Michele!
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You?re welcome.
Comment from Elizabeth Emerald
Devastating indictment--spot-on. Compelling and provocative--I hope the judges have the guts to declare this a winner. Brilliant segue from the song.
title typo: Bye Bye Miss [America=>AMERICAN] Pie
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2021
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Devastating indictment--spot-on. Compelling and provocative--I hope the judges have the guts to declare this a winner. Brilliant segue from the song.
title typo: Bye Bye Miss [America=>AMERICAN] Pie
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 07-Dec-2021
reply by the author on 08-Dec-2021
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Elizabeth, thanks so much for the wonderful review and very kind words. I truly appreciate the encouragement. Regards, Bill
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I also meant to mention, thanks so much for pointing out the typo. What a bone headed oversight on my part. I couldn't change it quick enough. Great catch, Elizabeth! Thanks, again.
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I neevr maek tpyos.