Robert, I have found the museum for you...check out this link. Guns, knives, swords, western artifacts, native american artifacts...what more could a boy want?

http://www.state.ok.us/~jmdavis/index.html

Randi:
Thanks so much. Looks great! Have a lovely and meaningful Shabbos

Your last two posts and the knife Web site should be required reading for everyone who lives in NYC or LA and thinks they know America. I've had the good fortune to live in every region of this country and I think the best way to understand what we're all about is through some of the secular rituals (good and bad), you'll see in the Midwest and South. Other than knives, I would suggest the following, (remember this is still coming from a yeshiva-educated mostly-New York boy):

1) Spend an hour in a 7-11. It's not the same as being in a Korean market in New York. While you'll probably see the place being tirelessly kept by an immigrant family, which is an encouraging sign that the U.S. is still a place worth sacrificing for for people all over the world... you'll also see kids "hanging around" in a non-violent, but still aimless kind of way. Why in the video and internet age there are still so many teens hanging out at 7-11's I don't know, but it's a scene that should serve as the antitidote to every blue-stater who thinks our kids are still overscheduled with soccer practice and piano lessons. You'll also get an up-close look at what passes for nourishment in this country... not a pretty picture. And finally, you'll see a steady stream of people of all shapes and sizes coming in only to buy cigarettes and lotto tickets. While some people would find that 100% depressing, I think that some of it at least speaks to the immense optimism Americans have that no one else on the planet can match.

2) Whether you're a sports fan or not, go to a big-time college football game. The Rabbis have a lot of theories about what worshipping idols was like in ancient times. The consensus is that it was a cross between an orgy and blood sport. Big-time American college football has some of that going on, but it also has lots of positives like people gathering by the tens of thousands and not fighting or cursing 30% as much as those who go to pro games. There's also a lot of nostaglia and reverence for the past, (especially at homecoming games), and good old fashioned patriotism. Before every Perdue home game, they roll out the biggest American flag I've ever seen and a crowd of 70,000+ says in unison: "I AM AN AMERICAN!" It's a humbling sight. For the Shabbat observers reading this post, remember you can still book a hotel room within walking distance to most Big-10 or Pac-10 football stadiums. And you can find a good minyan on many of these campuses as well that conveniently in time for kickoff. (Seraphic friend get-together at UCLA-USC anyone?). I really recommend you check it out at least once in your life.

Jake: Thanks so much for your articulate note. We who have been brought up in the Yeshiva world are often completely ignorant of the "other America." As you say, it is important for some to be aware of it. I do not hunt, for reasons of Kashrus, but I admire th men who do and the culture that goes along with it. As for BIG American flags, I get tears in my eyes when they are unfurled. Have a Good Shabbos.

Robert, you are welcome. And, to Jake...I enjoyed your post, but you may regret opening up that UCLA/USC can of worms! (GO UCLA)

USC- Pay a fee and get a degree. ;)

I'm not getting in the middle of this one.

Robert, you're right, we can end this right now before anyone gets hurt!!!

Robert, thought you might find this site fun, having to do with the movie industry and your love for knives....my husband told me about him...he crafts knives, swords, etc. for the movies right here in Burbank. http://www.swordandstone.com/

I just started reading David McCullough's 1776, an account of the life of George Washington, specifically during that fateful year in the War for Independence. Your post is apropos, because I've been thinking a lot about what makes this country truly amazing and the freedom loving, optimistic spirit which animinates it.

Tamara:

Good point. Great book. Thanks so much for your comment.

Randi:
Thanks for finding that website - the men can keep their knives - the swords are cool :)

Rachel

Rachel...you're welcome...glad you enjoyed the site...i've always been a fan of knights,King Arthur, etc.... Robert can't scare us girls away!
Randi

GO 'SC!! Class of 84.

Tamara....I saw Mr McCullough in an interview on FOX NEWS...and the book sounds absolutely fantastic.

It's definitely on my "must-read" list.

Randi:
Exactamundo! I also love things from the Renaissance era - now if only they would make a glatt kosher Medieval Times.....
Be well,
Rachel :)

Quote: "We who have been brought up in the Yeshiva world are often completely ignorant of the 'other America'. As you say, it is important for some to be aware of it."

Mr. Avrech, et al.: It is important for EVERYONE to be fully aware of America as she is. There is no "other", despite the efforts of some (present company excluded) to Balkanize this great country of ours. This is why I reject, among so many other ridiculous MSM constructions, the Red State/Blue State point of view.

I'd ask for your indulgence if this post comes across in a strong manner. Standing up and asserting one's national identity should taking nothing away from one's religious identity.

Brian

Brian: In theory you are correct, however not everybody is all that curious about the world they inhabit and I'm not going to force them out of their four walls. Thanks so much for your comment.