Today in class the most amazing thing happened. Usually we are just hacking our way through a variety of Infectious Diseases or topics regarding the status of current Global Health efforts. But the other day we all talked about 9/11. It may seem hard to believe but I believe this event, more than any other in our generations history, shaped the world. Suddenly the big, impregnable America became vulnerable. They have huge compassion for the New Yorker. One girl was crying when I told the story about the downed flight over Pennsylvania with the men and women who charged the cockpit. I cried with the whole class actually. Its been interesting. This feeling of vulnerability and representation. I am "the American" here more than I am a name or personality, and as such I feel like I have to hold something up... its very strange, and constructed entirely by the society. "Thai" means "free" - therefore Freeland - has the deep founding in our own constitution. Yet today their stability rides on the backs of these military guys who descided to take over the Government last fall. Right now these military jocs are writing their constitution over and nobody has seen a draft yet. People are very worried and the situation isn't good. But more than any other philosophy, they embrace the Jeffersonian ideals of our country's founding. Many of the Thai can verse selections of the Declaration for you. Yet...they can't pronounce my name (nobody can), so my name here in Thailand is actually "Scott." Before my name or my personality, though, I am "the American."
Posts
