July 4

Yes, this was the celebration of US Independence Day. No doubt a rousing, patriotic speech had been composed for the US President, George Bush, reminding the nation of American history and the pride and sacrifice that America's forefathers undertook for values like liberty, freedom and democracy.

However, such planning and expectation for 4th July did not hide from the American people a clear sense of unease, fear, insecurity and trepidation. Whilst the Department of Homeland Security was expected to issue terrorist plot warnings, Mr Bush talked up the US offensive dealing with international terrorism in order to safeguard America and the whole world.

And suddenly the gloss was taken off all the celebrations and the inhibitions of the local American became apparent. Though 9/11 forced America to review and strengthen domestic security, the increasing spotlight and public awareness that has arisen about the very real 'dark side' of US foreign and domestic policy has made many Americans review their national pride and patriotism.

Distinct communities in America, like the Hispanic and black communities, ponder on the constant discrimination and wealth disparity that they still face. The so-called notion of the 'land of milk and honey' is now seen as the poison chalice.

Other communities, like those from South America and Africa ponder on the economic and political destruction of the countries they left, at the hands of a vicious and materialistic American foreign policy and US multinationals that suck and exploit the local economies.

Other communities like those from the Arab world ponder over the destruction of the social foundation of their 'mother' countries, characterised by family break-ups, increased crime and moral fragmentation resulting from the influx of American 'western' culture that invades the lives of all through Hollywood, MTV, internet and the like.

Still other communities like those who left Afghanistan and Somalia to live in America ponder over the physical invasion of their countries, the blood of their people and the dishonouring of their women... by the US on the pretext of introducing freedom, democracy and stability to the country and the region.

Communities like those from Iraq see the violation of their religion and the desecration of their religious symbols and buildings under the command of the US military.

There are those communities like those from Palestine who ponder over the US protection, support and green light to inhumane and illegitimate states like Israel to occupy and force their family and people out of their lands.