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Please Forgive This Rant
By anitamckay on 2009-11-11 08:38:15
I went to Grenada for the first time in 2004. That trip, I was captivated by the country and the people I met. I have since
returned a half dozen times, learning more about the true history of the small island nation and making some excellent
friends in the process. I will be going back in a few weeks, and the same thing happens that always does.
When I mention Grenada in conversation, there is often one of two responses: "Oh! I've always wanted to go to Spain!" or
"Tt must be interesting in - ahem - Grah-nah-dah." (when I've just said "Gren-AY-dah)
When I write about going, I mention Grenada and receive return e mail about Granada.
Like I don't know where I'm going or know how to pronounce it.
Like people haven't heard of the country.
Things tend to come together when people ask me why I decided to go to - ahem - Grah-nah-dah in the first place. When I
explain that one of the reasons I was curious about Gren-AY-dah is that the US invaded the country, light bulbs go on. Many
people realize that the US has not actually invaded Spain, although we have warred with that country.
"That's right," they say, "Reagan invaded Grenada. Wasn't it something about a medical school?"
Not really, but people can't be blamed for believing what they are told by their government or read in the papers.
From this experience, I have a modest proposal which will cut down on military incursions by the United States: Before the
US may invade another country, 85% of our citizens have to pass a test about the country. The test would include finding
the country on a map, being able to pronounce the name of the country (sounds like gutterals and clicks impossible for the
American vocal system excluded), knowing the size and population of the country, and knowing the country's history. The
last part of the test would be an essay on the reasons for going to war with the country, including an accurate assessment of
whether any of the reasons given by the government are based in facts.
Could I have found a solution to the age-old problem of war?
