What is our most poignant american symbol? (debate?)

[shrubber]

Aside from Old Glory, which symbol of the United States best or mosts represents this country and what it stands for?

 

[AirForceRocks]

Hmmm...I would say the Statue of Liberty or in the "really old document" category, the Declaration of Independence.

 

[Arabella Figg 2003]

the Statue of Liberty.

or more properly, Liberty Enlightening the World.

we are a nation of immigrants. so many of our immigrant forebearers sought liberty and saw the Lady in the Harbor as the embodiment of their American ideals and dreams.

 

[MAC3]

Not a debater but wouldn't it be the White House? Although rethinking it should be our military since they defend our freedom and all that we hold dear!

 

[minniepumpernickel]

Yes, the Statue of Liberty! Didn't France give us that statue? To all you anti-France people.

 

[shrubber]

The Statue came to us a lot later on though, and a case could me made that a gift might not be the best choice.
Just a thought.

 

[AirForceRocks]

Originally posted by minniepumpernickel
Yes, the Statue of Liberty! Didn't France give us that statue? To all you anti-France people.

And your point would be...what exactly? They gave us a statue over a hundred years ago, and we've more than paid for it, with American blood, in the years since then.

 

[preshi]

When I think America I see a Bald Eagle in my head.

 

[minniepumpernickel]

Originally posted by AirForceRocks
And your point would be...what exactly? They gave us a statue over a hundred years ago, and we've more than paid for it, with American blood, in the years since then.

We wouldn't have an America had it not been for France at one time. I guess it's the proverbial water under the bridge. (sigh)

Shubber, what do you mean?

 

[ThreeCircles]

I would vote for the Statue of Liberty as well. Or, the Constitution.

And, Viva la France!

 

[two4ruff]

Up until today, I would have said a bald eagle (see my earlier thread )

I'm currently looking for a new symbol...

 

[AirForceRocks]

Originally posted by minniepumpernickel
We wouldn't have an America had it not been for France at one time. I guess it's the proverbial water under the bridge. (sigh)

And there wouldn't have been a France twice in the last century, if not for the United States. So again, what is your point?

 

[Arabella Figg 2003]

If it were not for the aid of the French during our Revolutionary War, our efforts might have failed.

If it were not for the aid of the US the French might not have thrown off German rule.

that our relationship has cooled in the last few years does not negate the prior history. didn't Bush just visit France to celebrate the anniversary of D Day? the French are not our enemies.

my grandmohter, may she rest in peace, knew she was in America when she saw the statue in the harbor. it is one of the most recognized symbols in the entire world.



The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she

With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door

 

[minniepumpernickel]

Originally posted by AirForceRocks
And there wouldn't have been a France twice in the last century, if not for the United States. So again, what is your point?

My point is to say the opposite of everything that you say!

No, I was just testing your knowledge of history. It's just nice to know that you've a least cracked open a History book at one time.

 

[Patty3]

I would have to say the Statue of Liberty as well. I am definitely trying to boycott buying anything from France.

 

[AirForceRocks]

No, I was just testing your knowledge of history. It's just nice to know that you've a least cracked open a History book at one time.

Judging by your posts on many subjects, I'm pretty sure that I've forgotten more history than you ever learned.

the French are not our enemies

You're certainly entitled to your opinion, but I disagree.

 

[minniepumpernickel]

Originally posted by AirForceRocks
Judging by your posts on many subjects, I'm pretty sure that I've forgotten more history than you ever learned.

So does that make us equally ignorant, or you senile and me undereducated? (just kidding) Don't get your panties in a bunch..

 

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by Patty3
I would have to say the Statue of Liberty as well. I am definitely trying to boycott buying anything from France.

Well, you better add Disney to your list. TWDC just laid out over $183 million dollars to prop up the Disneyland Paris Resort. Bet you anything some of your hard-earned money spent at the Walt Disney Company was in that $183 mill!

 

[ThreeCircles]

Originally posted by AirForceRocks
Judging by your posts on many subjects, I'm pretty sure that I've forgotten more history than you ever learned.



You're certainly entitled to your opinion, but I disagree.

Wowzers! Those two statements are kind of at odds, non?

 

[Arabella Figg 2003]

I am truly disgusted by this misplaced hatred of the French. no, they are not our best friends. but they're not lobbing bombs at us either.

to deny one of our most treasured symbols because it was a gift from France...well you're denying a piece of our history.

do you know how many American school children contributed pennies and nickels to pay for the base of the statue?

do you know that the poem I quoted was written by a Jewish woman who enjoyed a freedom here in America she could not enjoy anywhere else in the world in the 19th century? (yes, Emma Lazarus was Jewish).

do you remember the shock you felt when you saw the ending of the very first "Planet of the Apes" movie? why was it so horrifying?