Yael wrote:
> jim lama said americans don't say "america" but i would beg to differ. > i think it is really rare that americans say "USA" - i think they almost > ALWAYS say "america" when referring to their country. > hard to provide evidence for this, really, right? I thought about this after reading it and lama is pretty right on, I think. Most of my experiences have been with me and those I have been talking to or discussing anything with, using "The United States" or "The US." Very rarely is America used in that way, in my experiences in this region of the United States. because bush said he wanted it to be in > plain english because "the boys back in Lubbock ought to be able to read > it." boys? BOYS? No fan of George Bush, not when he was governor and not now. Read as if he was trying to be funny and witty, for he acts as if he thinks he is the latter. In these parts, the general population of men are often referred to as "good ole boys." "George is a good ole boy." Usually they were the ones who wore cowboy boots a lot. In high school, they drove pickups and had cb radios in them. Usually wore wranglers and had he man type occupations when they "grew up." Liked the beer and the partying, and country and western music. Usually went to church on Sunday after having a wild time on the Saturday night before. Usually conservative in politics with little room for racial diversity (and none, not an ounce for people with different sexual identities) except when the football team took the field. These "boys" are the ones, that even after growing older, don't sit in the stands but literally stand up the entire game hanging onto the fence, yelling encouragement to the boys on the field. "Good ole boys" like to fly the flag. Good ole boys, good or bad, are a main part of the fabric of Texas culture. Matter of fact, some of them did grow up to be quite good men. Some didn't. Same as everyone else. George Bush was definitely one of the "good ole boys" while in Texas. I gave him a D in Texas. In Washington, the jury is still out. Maybe he will surprise us all. As for me, I have to hope that he does and keep believing that he can bring us through all of this in one piece. Hoping. Thinking it is time for a female in Washington. Maybe Dianne Feinstein. We'll see, won't we? mack
