Remember the Englishman who praised America? He wrote another fine piece!!

James Black | 03/25/03 | James Black

[RaceBannon]

Recently, we have heard of an Englishman who praised the United States in calling on support for the efforts of the United States and England in fighting the terror threat and Iraq, how his letter to the editor became famous and we all saw it here.

Well, I wrote him a thank you letter, and he responded back in February.

Yesterday, he sent me a letter suggesting a way we can all do some outward sign of our support for our two government's actions. Here is his letter below:

[RaceBannon]

Dear James,

A few days/weeks ago you wrote to me with kind words after seeing my Ôopen letter to America in your local newspaper or via e-mail sent by one of your friends.

At the time the great hope was that the situation in Iraq could be sorted by peaceful means. Most of us were desperate for a solution to be found to the crisis. This did not happened and we are now at war.

The people of the USA and Britain are once again forced together in arms to help solve the problems of the world. Once again we two nations will give our blood, our money, and our assistance, to help people who have been ruthlessly oppressed.

As in many earlier instances we will not be sending a bill or asking for thanks - true humanity does not require such things.

In my original letter I noted that I would stand by the American people should they face crisis again.

I think that time has come.

Like many people I feel helpless as I see our troops giving the ultimate sacrifice in my name. I want to let them know that, even though I am not in a desert with them, I am there in spirit.

Most of us will never be at the pointy end of battle as they are, but that doesnt stop us doing our part - something positive.

For this reason, I, James Black, pledge, that as of this day, Wednesday 26 March 2003, and for the duration of hostilities, whenever I receive a banknote of any denomination I will simply write in thick lines the letter V on it.

As we all know from previous experience, banknotes tend not to stay in our possession too long, so you can be sure that it wont take long before they will be seen by many others.

They will see the V and know it has been placed there to wish our armed forces a swift Victory.

The V also stands for peace, something we all want for the future.

The simple act of writing a letter V is not outrageous, does not smash windows, does not offend others, does not take up police time, and is easy to enact. Its effects, however, can soon be seen by all in the USA and the UK - and everywhere else.

I will place a V on every banknote I come across and I encourage the many thousands of people who have written to me since February to do exactly the same.

Lets show we want Victory, and we look forward to peace. I will write V on my notes - will you?

Regards

James Black

[RaceBannon]

Original article and letter here:

The Yanks are all right - British Journalist writes PRO-AMERICA editorial
Pittsburgh Post Gazette ^ | Sunday, February 16, 2003 | James Black


Posted on 02/16/2003 12:43 AM EST by pittsburgh gop guy


Forum: The Yanks are all right

Writing from England, James Black pledges solidarity with America during the challenges ahead

Sunday, February 16, 2003

Editor's note: The following text arrived by e-mail last week preceded by this note:

"Dear Editor: I am a journalist with the Daily Mail in Britain and this may be the slushiest thing I have ever compiled. But it is truly from the heart. I do hope you can find space to print some of it.

"I have just returned to Europe from a trip in the USA and have finally, after over 10 visits, realised what a fabulous and misunderstood nation you really are.

"OK, you don't really have the cheapest wine in the world, you would probably all sell your granny for cash your desire for entrepreneurship is so strong, and your television is full of ads. But what a sense of right and wrong - admirable.

"Regards, . . ."


Dear America: You quirky mix of 280 million misfits that have somehow blended (like the finest human whisky) into the strongest nation in the world, I am writing to offer you, in the best way I know how, four apologies and two vows.

James Black: jamesblack@btconnect.com

I, James Black, a European passport holder whose parents are Scottish, whose wife is English, and whose four children are free to be whatever they may want to be (directly because of the sacrifice of your nation), would like to let it be known that I am ashamed, yes ashamed, for pointing out to a colleague while visiting your country three weeks ago that Winston Churchill was wrong when he said the biggest difference between Britain and the United States was the fact we both spoke the same language. Instead, I told him, the real difference between our peoples was actually about 100 pounds per person.

I, James Black, who works as a journalist with the Daily Mail, one of Britain's national newspapers and (directly because of the sacrifice of your nation) is able to say exactly what he wants whenever he wants without fear of death or imprisonment, would also like to apologize for saying to the same colleague that many of the Americans I met were far less sophisticated and worldly than Europeans and that many of you thought Europe began with the letter "Y."

I, James Black, a man born free of social or physical shackles and chains, who is able to travel around the world and visit other countries and who (directly because of the sacrifice of your nation) is able to converse, discuss, even argue with people from other nations, would like to apologize for mocking your president and your political system. Yes, like many of your people, your president may not be the sharpest knife in the cutlery set, but I now understand that he and the good people of the United States operate not just from a high intellectual stance, but also from the heart -- a heart that knows the difference between good and evil. And importantly, for a trusted but unedged knife, your president was smart enough to have picked the best fork and the best spoon to sit with him at the world table.

I, James Black, whose friends, family and colleagues are allowed to set up home, take a job, even run for politician, in any part of the European Union (directly because of the sacrifice of your nation) without being rounded up because of their religion or shot on the spot for their place of birth, would finally like to apologize for the biggest mistake the people of my continent have ever made -- their total lack of respect for the greatest friend they will ever have -- the United States of America.

My anger at some of my fellow Europeans is palpable -- more than palpable -- I feel scalpable when I hear the self-centered, cowardly and just plain annoying words thrown out by "old-minded," "old world," so-called "leaders of the Free World." I may have made fun of America and Americans, but deep down I know this is only friendly banter between the greatest of friends -- and friends who should give their all to each other when called upon to do so.

So, I come to my two vows.

I, James Black, a man whose grandfather fought in both World Wars, and had the good humor to suggest that the Americans were late for both events, but the sense to point out they ensured victory when they finally did show up, make my first vow.

I will never forget, or dishonor the amazing and courageous sacrifice of the people of the United States in coming to the aid of the world over the past 10 decades. These are the men and women who left peace and prosperity in a land of plenty to face bullet and shrapnel on the beaches of Normandy and around the world. I will honor the debt my small island nation owes for your unswerving devotion to aiding our continued freedom. Your help came when we stood small and alone against the plague of Nazi aggression. Your assistance served in making us strong when the battle was finished and the peace began, and you continued your protection from a "colder" enemy in the decades that followed.

I have stood, and I will stand again, with my own family, in places such as the cemetery of Colleville-sur-Mer, an eternal resting place for over 10,000 teen-aged and 20-something Americans who gave over all their future so that my children and I could have a future today, and I will again pledge my eternal gratitude.

I, James Black, a man who simply wants his children to live in a future where all good and constructive things are possible, a future where we can discover, we can invent, we can enjoy, without fear of fanatics or madmen or the weapons and pain they may wreak, pledge my assistance to the United States in its fight against evil.

This pledge is not some brainwashed verse, but based on the honorable history and proven friendship the United States has with Europe. Further, it is based on the fact that the people and leaders of the United States have the foresight to see that the world, even life itself, is futile without someone to love, things to build and create, and things to look forward to -- and none of these things are possible in a world awash with nuclear, chemical and biological arms controlled by those who despise the life we lead.

I may be one person, I may speak for one, but there are millions like me who thank the United States of America and wish your nation and your people all the best over the next few months -- and will be there by your side when the times get tough.

Yours with all my gratitude,
James Black
Wychwood Park
Weston, Cheshire
CW2 5GH Britain

P. S. It is said that today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday. Perhaps you should be proud as a nation that you have something to do with the fact it didn't turn out so badly after all -- and nor should it again.


Now, Quick everyone, lets find a picture of Churchill making the V-SIGN!!

[Constitution Day]

Now, Quick everyone, lets find a picture of Churchill making the V-SIGN!!

How's this?

[lodwick]

[RaceBannon]

[SendShaqtoIraq]

Did you know it's against the law to deface U.S. Currency?
Defacement of Currency

Defacement of currency is a violation of Title 18, Section 333 of the United States Code. Under this provision, currency defacement is generally defined as follows: Whoever mutilates, cuts, disfigures, perforates, unites or cements together, or does any other thing to any bank bill, draft, note, or other evidence of debt issued by any national banking association, Federal Reserve Bank, or Federal Reserve System, with intent to render such item(s) unfit to be reissued, shall be fined not more than $100 or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.

Defacement of currency in such a way that it is made unfit for circulation comes under the jurisdiction of the United States Secret Service. Their address is: United States Secret Service, 1800 G Street, N. W., Washington, DC 20223.

Unfortunately, it doesn't say exactly what is meant by defacement. I would guess as long as the serial number isn't covered, it probably wouldn't be a problem, but I'm not sure I'd want to take the chance.

[RaceBannon]

Hey, Look at mine right after your!! Same day, two differet shots!

I got mine from

http://www.winstonchurchill.org

[American in Israel]

Thats ok, he will be writing on Euro's. -grin-

[Constitution Day]

That is an *excellent* website, and has his speeches too.

Thanks for posting the link for others!!

[Roy Tucker]

Yes, like many of your people, your president may not be the sharpest knife in the cutlery set, but I now understand that he and the good people of the United States operate not just from a high intellectual stance, but also from the heart -- a heart that knows the difference between good and evil. And importantly, for a trusted but unedged knife, your president was smart enough to have picked the best fork and the best spoon to sit with him at the world table.

And that would make Tony Blair, the dessert fork?

I always thought that the big difference between we Americans and the British is we still had our real teeth at age 40.

I will take his backhanded compliment to our President by reminding Mr. Black of the saying that "First class people hire first class people. Second class people hire third class people."

[llabhgiH]

I don't think England went to the Euro. They still have their old system of pound notes and such.

[Cacique]

ping

[Keith]

it's ok...here is the important part of the law...

"with intent to render such item(s) unfit to be reissued,"

a simple black "V" won't make it unfit to be reissued. Should be ok.

[Winniesboy]

"I always thought that the big difference between we Americans and the British is we still had our real teeth at age 40."

That Englishmen all have bad teeth is one of the enduring myths about us that Americans, apparently affectionately, insist on treasuring long after the reality has moved on - along with London smog (gone since the 1960s), awfulness of British food (now some of the best in the world)etc.etc. We don't mind, really.....life is to short to be annoyed about such things. But you're welcome to examine my teeth at any time - now 59, and like most of my compatriots, in excellent shape.

[Sacajaweau]

Crossing out numbers could probably make it invalid. A "V" shouldn't hurt a thing. "Intent of the Law" appears to be
destruction of paper currency.

[Countyline]

Good piece written by an european living in England ... thanks.

[ensign]

Yes the Big Fat Pound Sterling! And long may we keep it. I've just written V's on all the currency in my wallet - away from the head of the Queen and the serial number.

[RaceBannon]

Hey Ivan, dont think I pinged you yet!

[RaceBannon]

for your reading pleasure

[Dubya]

Thanks for this post.