The following was Twitted this morning by Allen Wastler, the Managing Editor of CNBC.com
Allen Wastler "-@AWastler 4h4 hours agoyes! RT @btcharvest: an unAmerican book? "How to Renounce Your U.S. Citizenship in Two Easy Steps" http://www.amazon.com/Renounce-Your-U-S-Citizenship-Steps/dp/999532895X " #FACTA #cnbc
I find such a response interesting coming from an American, especially one who is involved in a large media organization. The most important aspect of referring to one's 'literary' efforts as unAmerican would be with respect to the First Amendment which Americans seem to hold so dear.
It seems that the concept of freedom of expression is honored when one looks at a reprint of the U.S. Declaration of Independence hanging on the wall. Or, when one is attending school and learning about what made their country so great. However, when someone actually presents an unpopular viewpoint it becomes "unAmerican".
In this particular case, the underlying issue, renunciation of U.S. Citizenship is a matter provided for by U.S. Law. The right of every American. I doubt the U.S. Congress would enact unAmerican laws! How can any discussion about one's exercise of their rights under the law be questionable, much less unAmerican?
Of course, I am not American, so the First Amendment is not applicable to me. For those who are unaware, I am the author the book. However, I doubt the American perspective is that only Americans should have freedom of expression and and all the other occupants of the Earth should be put down for their viewpoints, supportive or not of the United States.
I might propose the concept that the only possible unAmerican speech possible is suggesting that another one, or his literary works are unAmerican. However, I prefer to speak of myself and not pass judgment on others.
And on that point, I will simply say that I am delighted that I've stepped outside a system that so often reveres its founding principles while attacking those who exercise their rights.
