?Letter to Americans? by E. P. Thompson :: essays research papers

earn to Americans by E. P. ThompsonDated back in 1986, Letter to Americans is as if its written in the last three-four years. In it E. P. Thompson explains why he is anti-American in his beliefs.First off, he starts with that he is in two minds about this state of his. Even his friends uncertainty he is anti-American, thinking he is joking. We also read how the author traces American ancestry on his mothers side- he goes back to his great-great-grandfather who lived in capital of Nebraska times. Most of his ancestors are white Protestants from the upper class.Second of all, Thompson presents his idea (which he defends throughout near the whole text) that military troubles had started a long time ago. He gives examples with the Middle East, Ireland and even England.One of the strongest parts is the questions-passage the sender asks Americans what made them change, why the national-exaltation He doesnt look for the answers.Terrorism is the next problem that is discussed in Letter t o Americans. Thompson gives an interesting example with the death of an American serviceman which was highly noticed and at the same time the death of sixty-three other lives (non-American) is left almost unmentioned.E. P. Thompson doubts the moral of war. Or he doubts the moral of anti-terrorist war. In the next lines we read how disappointed he is that hes half-American. But he also doesnt like being half-English after the heroine is walking tall- Margaret Thatcher is accepted as a betrayer of national honour.The author doesnt forget to mention the blood between USA and NATO. He thinks that Americans welcome NATO as a weapon for Americas affairs, not of the worlds. In his final words, it is suggested that either atomic number 63 should invite USA to leave NATO or Europe should expel America from it.It is somehow strange for todays reader to find out that the authority with Americas foreign affairs hasnt changed much. As some clever people have said, The History book on the shelf is ceaselessly repeating itself. Even after nineteen years, Americans think of themselves as citizens of the strongest nation in the world. Even after the September the 11th. Even after Iraq. And Afghanistan. The next pound thing that could happen to the new American history was Bushs re-election. I doubt so many American people are that reticent I lived in USA and most of the people I met there dont like his deeds.