sixwordstories | (no subject)

*nods*

Yeah. It is.

I'm glad someone agrees.

I do, to a point. I would give my life for my country, but not for the government.

...

You've lost me.

*sighs*

I know, in your world, they are inseparable. But in mine...

They're miles apart.

Are things truly that bad in America?

Depends on your point of view, I guess.

I was asking yours.

*sighs*

Look...I can only speak for myself, okay? It's just a different time and a different place from the one you know.

America is its people, not its leaders. Do you understand?

I certainly wouldn't ask you to speak for anyone else.

England is her people as well. But she is also her history and her God, both of whom have dictated her monarch.

America's people determine her government. So aren't they still one and the same?

That's how it's supposed to work, yeah. But...

*shrugs*

Things change, Crispin.

But I hope it never does for you. I hope England is always bright and beautiful. I hope you always believe. I hope you always trust.

*is alternately touched and disturbed by the sentiments Anson is expressing*

T-thank you, Anson. You're very kind.

I honestly didn't expect this to be such a point of...contention.

*smiles and rests a hand on his shoulder*

It's something people get passionate about, yeah. But I'm glad you brought it up. You did good. You said what you believe, and you stand by it, and that's what an honest man does.

Or pointless.

How so?

It is so easy to die. It is so easy to run into battle and lose your life, to lay there on the ground in your own red blood. But your death doesn't change a damn thing.

Only those alive can protect their country, change their country.

...

But it is noble! You have given everything for your country in pursuit of those who wish to destory it!

Unless your death has stopped the pursuit, it is still a waste. A country is just land if all its people are dead.

*beat*

Well, the women are still there. And the children. And the old men. And the young men who didn't fight.

You're presuming they weren't killed by "those who wish to destroy" your country. You hadn't forgotten them, had you?

Those Huns will never cross the Channel! Never! We will defeat them if it takes every man we've got!

*wipes the foam from his lips*

Your fervor is admirable, but you are as rash and stupid as any other boy your age.

Unless your country is ruled by tyrants.

To die for the people of your country, the ones that need a protector... That is honorable.

King and country are one in the same.

A king may be a tyrant, and a king can fight.

You should die for those who cannot fight. Those who must be protected. For those without power, not those with it.

I would think it would depend on your own views and causes. In any case, to die for some deep personal conviction...that would take a great deal of...devotion.

OOC: I never thought I'd see "nationalistic" as a LJ mood!!

How can one not feel strongly about the place of one's birth?

occ: Hee. HE IS ALWAYS IN THAT MOOD

Bella shrugs.

I've moved around so much that I really don't have strong patriotic feelings about one place or another. Having to die for England, Switzerland, Germany, and France all at once would be quite painful...as well as rather fruitless, I would imagine. I do quite like London, although I'm not sure if I'd die for it or not.

OOC: That icon cracks me up.

*chortle* Yes, it is difficult to fight one's self.

But such things are not be expected of you regardless. It is not in the feminine psyche, that drive for death or glory.

ooc: It's his lie-back-and-think-of-England face

*rolls eyes*

You obviously haven't met my mother.

OOC: Excellent description! *laughs*

Oh-ho-ho. Mothers are the exception. I assure you my own could give the even the meanest Boche a run for his money. You don't want to get in between her and a slice of gâteau.

Bella is suddenly and painfully reminded of Milton Milford. To avoid doing anything else, she laughs.

An admirer of Horace, I see.

But what of Wilfred Owen, or was he after your time?

Yes.

Who is this Owen?

(ooc: He's writing from 1917 and is therefore clueless.)

I have favoured Cicero myself, but de gustibus non est disputandum.

A poet. An Englishman, like yourself. A servant of his country in war as well. *slight shrug* I doubt you would find him of great consequence, though.

*smiles* It is a pleasure to meet someone so very versed in the Classics.

Oh, I wouldn’t be so sure about that! I love poetry. Old, new, whichever. I'm rather fond of Rupert Brooke at the moment.

*smiles in return and makes a slight bow* A sign of an adequate education, one hopes.

Ah yes, The Soldier... I can see that Brooke would appeal to you. 'Some corner of a foreign field/ That is forever England.'

The word you're looking for is stupid.

If I were talking about something else it would be.

Take yourself for instance...

I'd rather be stupid than suicidal.

It most certainly is, young Crispin.

I knew you would agree, sir. Most others are being…contrary.

I can't think of any higher service a man or woman can provide for their country.

*looks up*

I suppose all can't be soldiers, but your statement s till rings true.

Well...I must admit I too cannot be a solder, cannot attain the glory that high service can bestow.

…But at least I have the good sense to feel bad about it.

Some things cannot be helped. And don't underestimate yourself. There are other ways to be of great service to your country.