It's a hard time to be an American.
Today marks 12 years since 9/11 changed our DNA forever. Like all of you, I remember. And I'll never forget. It's always a day of reflection in New York, and everywhere. It's a hard time to be an American.
Yesterday I voted in the primary for the mayor of New York. I'm hopeful that my vote will count and I still believe in the process and get chills each time I pull that lever and express my opinion. There's so much change that needs to happen- if you live here or follow NY politics, you know this "tale of two cities" phrase has been a hot one for the various campaigns. This city has become the provenance of the rich, and now we all hope to reclaim our beautiful city for the people, and not just for "those" people. It's almost like 2008 never happened. It's a hard time to be an American.
Last night, President Obama took to the airwaves and warned of a possible strike on Syria. I found the timing of this announcement disturbing- on the eve of one of our darkest days, he dimmed the shades even more. I'm not sure why we need to go in or what is true or why in hell Russia is taunting us like a schoolyard bully, but let's pray this conflict will be resolved, though I don't see how dropping a bomb on anyone is going to help. It's a hard time to be an American.
As an American who works in advertising, I find myself trying to understand this country as a brand. Chrysler famously told us a few Super Bowls back that it was "half time for America". Then the farmers came in and pulled at our heartstrings. Then people talk about making stuff here even though most things paid her can only be afforded by a select few. Then Miley Cyrus decided it was not enough to "Party in the USA", she had to blur the lines in a nude bra and panties, twerk with abandon, and do things with a foam finger many of us could not comprehend (Oh, and Lamar Odom is a crackhead, wtf?). It's long past half time, but we're not having such a great game. It's a hard time to be an American.
Almost two weeks ago, I had to go to the emergency room for a horrible virus sustained in Japan. I waited almost 8 hours in there, next to a guy with shackles around his ankles and a police escort, and a poor old woman with every disease known to modern medicine being forced to wait in the emergency room, with a husband on dialysis, because there was not a room ready upstairs to meet her needs. Oh, and I was at this hospital emergency room in the first place because my local one closed down and was no longer taking patients. It's a hard time to be an American.
And on the subject of Japan, I found myself incredulous the whole time I was there- there was quiet, no horn honking, no yelling, and a general sense of respect for fellow human beings. I was quite aware of being in a country that was not at war. With anyone. I was amazed by the elegance of the food, the care taken with every purchase to make sure I was happy, and the bow of respect I received from each and every person I met. And the fact that they have so much respect for the best parts of our culture- the gritty music, the love of the outdoors, the freedom of the open road and all the stops along the way. Why are we not celebrating those values when we need them the very most? It's a hard time to be an American.
And as I sit here, wondering how to make the most of this 24/7/365 existence we have all succumbed to, pondering 9/11 and a possible strike in Syria and why the healthcare system is such a mess, I have hope. Perhaps a new mayor will help this city be somewhat more accessible again; not just a petri dish for a bunch of hedge fund guys. Maybe people will be a bit nicer today because it's a tough one in our collective soul. And maybe Obama will find a way to work this whole Syria mess out- I'm scared to death of this situation and sure you all are too.
And though it's hard being an American, I still somehow cherish it. I cherish my right to vote. I cherish my friends and families. I cherish the stoic faces of New York's finest who were out in full force on the West Side Highway this morning. And most of all, regardless of whether Obama's "Hope" platform is no longer brand correct, I still have it. I can't help it. I'm an American.
Cause that's what's up this tough day in the 212, right here in the US of A. I will never forget all that we lost 12 years ago, but trying to look forward because together, we have so much to gain. XO