|
|
American Life
Histories: Manuscripts from the Federal Writers' Project, 1936-1940
Item 13 of 28
[Dennis Potinos]
{Page image}
{Begin page}
August [20?], {1939?].
Dennis Potinos, (Greek)
Proprietor
[Rector's?] Cafe,
Cathedral Place,
St. Augustine, Florida.
Rose Shepherd, Writer.
DENNIS POTINOS (GREEK) PART II
"Yes, America is a grand country, the best country, and the richest
country in the world today," continued Mr. Potinos. "Although the
best thing of all is the form of American government, the freedom of the
individual. As long as one understands the government and understands the
people, there is nothing to worry about, and nothing stands in the way of your
success and your progress in business, or otherwise.
"[When?] I speak of these things in relation to the Americans, it
brings to mind the glory of ancient Greece, and the Greece of my younger days
-- the free speech, assembly, expression of thought and political ideas, the
splendid athletics and other features and ideals -- similar in American to my
beloved homeland. I am very proud that I live in America, since it so nearly
resembles in thought and ideals my ancient ancestry.
"I am looking for America, in the future, to set an example to the
world -- to influence the people of the world -- to help the people of the
world in down-trodden countries to acquire a different form of government,
guaranteeing their freedom.
{Page image}
{Begin page no. 2}
"I think President Roosevelt has been inspired by the Divine Providence
to initiate new conditions for the American people and for the world, also.
"He is one of the greatest humanitarians the world has ever known. To
my individual opinion, he [hascertainly?] saved the country from panic and
revolution. God has given the people of America/ {Begin inserted text}
the wisdom {End inserted text} to grant him such power that he took
advantage of it at the right time and saved the country from a great calamity.
"For myself, my business has been fine; I have made money since
Franklin D. Roosevelt has been President of the United States, and if those
following him will be half as good presidents as Roosevelt, the country will
always prosper.
"American has a [great?] task to fulfill on earth. It is a new empire,
with immense force -- power -- wealth -- opportunities for education -- and the
people who live in such a country as this cannot be deterred -- cannot go
backwards.
"I do not agree with so many people fussing and criticising the country's
actions in regard to foreign policies. In my opinion, we have no business to
mix in and interfere with the politics of other nations or other lands.
"America is trying to preserve the freedom of the western hemisphere
for all time to come. The average citizen does not know or understand just what
that means -- what the nation shall do for its children, and those of future
generations -- to preserve for them political freedom, the right to work, and
the right to live without entanglement of foreign powers.
{Page image}
{Begin page no. 3}
But the great men in Washington know what they should do! The policy of the
United States government is that aggressive nations shall never acquire this
country; especially, that South America shall never be able to invade this
country. The world now has come so close together through inventions and the
discoveries of science that life now is different to what it was a hundred
years ago, or even fifty years ago; just so, the policies of nations will
change. Just so, the United States, of whom some nations of the world are most
envious on account of our prosperity and progress, never could be a party to
turning the government over to a ruthless foreign power.
"In the war which is to come, I am sure America will have a big part to
play, as an object to the other [nations?], for the uplifting and betterment of
the world.
"The United States, at the beginning of injustice in any conflict, will
clamp down on the dictators, and just as [soon?] as their policies collapse,
they will hold out their hands to these poor countries and say: 'We help you,
and supply you with food and money to carry onyour life of independence.'
"I am looking for that very thing in Italy, the same in Germany and
other parts of Europe.
"The war in prospect is forced on the people by the dictators who are
mad -- who came into power by promising their people impossible things.
{Page image}
{Begin page no. 4}
"The issues of the war will change. When the war is ended, in fact,
before, the armies of the world will fight for other causes than those that
originated the war.
"The United States [Army?] and the French Army will [be?] the standard
[bearers?] for the high ideals of mankind. The English Navy and the United
States Navy will fight for the freedom of the small nations. This is the era
given by God to the English, the French, and the Americans to do their duty for
mankind.
"When our small island was in trouble and the English flag was there,
it was the flag of hope; more so, is the flag of the United States.
"I believe also this one thing -- In this world engagement of war, the
Greek nation will come out with a much better [future?].
"Greece and her people have always loved freedom, and they want to
live, like to live,in peace and have a place in the world of affairs."
(To be continued)
Information
about SGML version of this document.
|
|