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Reviews from

Bye Bye Miss American Pie

Requiem for What Never Was

22 total reviews

Comment from reconciled

Excellent

Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hm...this reminds me of a sentiment Ronnie Vanzant had for Neil Youngs attempted shaming of Alabama...a Southern man dont need you round any how.
In truth Ronnie and Neil respected eachother...were going to release a song together...before the crash.
Neil had to be reminded that the past doesnt get to convict the future...and I hope you'll remember how much America afforded you...Our music will live forever, in spite of a minority of citizen's unappreciative nature.
Rehab the hatred for your white skin...and learn to recognize we are that which dwells within.
I think your poem of hope yet written...constipated in a mess of self loathing that cries out for help.
Love Michael

Comment Written 23-Dec-2021

Comment from AliMom

Exceptional

This work has reached the exceptional level

Well done. I hope others realize the truth of your statements and don't try to rationalize them away. I love your literary references and your strong language. You are clearly a person with a conscience. I haven't given up on American yet though. Rebirth is possible.

Comment Written 22-Dec-2021

reply by the author on 22-Dec-2021

Ahh, AliMom, I was just thinking about you. Just read your incredible work, "How Long." I intend to review it as soon as I have a chance, probably later tonight.

Thanks so much for the wonderful review, very kind words and six stars. It is so heartbreaking what is going in this country, and what you describe in your work. I agree, though, I haven't given up hope, either. I have a lot of faith in the young people. I really believe they are going to change things. Thanks again for reading and reviewing!

Comment from judiverse

Excellent

I am sorry you feel this way about your country. The days when Blacks were considered 3/5ths of a person are long past. I hope you look to the future instead of dwelling on past history. You have all the doors open to you. Harboring ill feelings only leads to bitterness. Sure, we can do better, and you have every right to criticize the country, but consider the freedoms you've won. It takes both sides to have an honest dialogue, as you suggest. I don't know what you envision for a new beginning, but I hope it will be one that leads to understanding on both sides. Best of luck in the contest. Just expressing my own thoughts regarding your complaints. judi

Comment Written 19-Dec-2021

reply by the author on 23-Dec-2021

Thanks for the review. You are completely misunderstanding the point of my piece, though. I wasn't dwelling on the past. I was clearly talking about the present My thesis clearly states this, and I literally said, "...the year 2020", did you not see that? The 3/5ths reference was meant simply as a historical frame of reference. That was the only reference to the past. One sentence. The rest was entirely about the present.

In terms of freedoms I have won, as a White, male American, I did not have to WIN any freedoms. White American males have always enjoyed a reasonable degree of freedom; others have not failed as well, though, and still don't.

I disagree that the days when Blacks were considered 3/5ths of a person are long past. Just because the fraction isn't literally written into any law, doesn't change the fact too many Americans still don't believe they should be treated equally under the law, and too many laws are implicitly biased against them.

I have to ask you, why does a person expressing legitimate and serious concerns about this country automatically translate into someone "harboring ill feelings"? This is exactly one of the points I was making in my piece. It does not facility open, honest dialogue.

Exactly, it takes both sides to have an honest dialogue, but that is impossible when one side constantly and arbitrarily dismisses the legitimate and serious concerns of the other side without discussion. That is clearly not honest dialogue - actually it is no dialogue at all.

You know what I do to try and initiate honest dialogue? When I am having a discussion with someone with an opposing viewpoint, even though I obviously have very strong views, I don't try to make the case for my viewpoint. Instead, I ask them about THEIR viewpoint and them ask questions to help me understand. Interestingly, even then, few are willing to answer the questions honestly, and often they actually get angry and defensive. Very telling, if you ask me.

Lastly, you express hope that I look to the future. Once again, I direct you to the literal words in my piece. Please reread the last sentence and the words: "...hope for a new beginning."

Trust me, I am absolutely looking to the future. I have great hope for the young people of today. They are much more tolerant of others than past generations and more informed on objective truth and reality. I am confident that they are the ones who are going to lead us out of these dark times.

Thanks again for reading. Bill

reply by judiverse on 23-Dec-2021

Thank you for those in-depth comments. At the end, you do mention the American dream is dead. I wonder what you would do to replace it. judi

reply by the author on 24-Dec-2021

Judi, your speculation is reasonable, and I am more than happy to provide a thoughtful, detailed response. I have given this exact thing an incredible amount of thought in recent years, which is why I was inspired to write this piece.

I have definite thoughts on how I would address the demise of the American dream, and was going to try and respond today, but then I thought it might be better to take a break from politics and enjoy the holiday.

Have a wonderful holiday and I will be back.

Bill

reply by judiverse on 24-Dec-2021

Your writing is excellent. Maybe you could devote an essay to expanding on your demise of the American dream and what you see in the future. As you say, after the holidays. May the new year bring some good things. judi

Comment from Paul McFarland

Excellent

This is a great piece. Don McLean lived close by up until lately when he had major problems with his wife. The American dream died for him when that happened. I am a little more optimistic than you, but we are in trouble.

Comment Written 11-Dec-2021