George Putnam
Friday, June 7, 2002

It is this reporter's opinion that in the midst of dislike and criticism of the United States, at a moment when the French, in particular, criticize our president as a "gun-happy cowboy who is promoting a unilateral policy of international violence," who better to speak up for the USA and our people than those who have come to our citizenship by choice. They have lived elsewhere, have known the privations – yes, even slavery – under totalitarianism.

One such person is my friend, Soviet Jewry activist, proud American and Lithuanian-born Si Frumkin. His family suffered first under Stalin's communism, then under Hitler and the Nazis. As a young boy, he was subjected to slave labor in the Dachau Nazi concentration camp. Twenty days before we liberated his Lithuanian homeland, his father died of starvation. Si was 14 when the U.S. Army liberated him from the labor camp.

When he speaks, Si speaks from the heart. Listen to his words:

"Europe gave us two World Wars. It gave us fascism and communism – the two murderous ideologies that were responsible for hundreds of millions of victims. Europe gave us nationalism and colonialism, developed the pernicious philosophies of cultural relativism, socialism, Marxism and the dogma that government bureaucrats know best how to spend the money citizens earn. Europe gave us new meaning to the words 'appeasement' and 'Munich.' It added new words to our language: 'Gulag,' 'Holocaust' and 'police state.' "

My friend, Si Frumkin, speaks of America's gifts to humanity by contrast. We gave the world computers, working satellites, the Internet, air-conditioning and inexpensive automobiles for the masses. Our TV, movies and music entertain hundreds of millions around the globe. And, yes, we also developed the nuclear bomb, which prevented Europe from becoming an extension of the Soviet empire.

Perhaps there's a bit of jealousy when Europe's elite, especially the French, criticize America, because Europe is no longer the center of culture, economic power, military might and technology. They can't face the fact that they cannot compete with American productivity – our ability to provide better and more comfortable lives for ordinary people.

And perhaps they've forgotten that America has saved Europe again and again from being enslaved by totalitarian gangsters, Nazis and communists.

My friend should be an example to us all. Si Frumkin says, "I used to be a European. Now I am a proud American – proud to fly the flag of the United States. We, the immigrants, did that long before 9-11. We know what it stands for – a better life, hope for a better future, more opportunities for the millions who manage to come here from the old world. And like the hero of 'Gone With the Wind,' an American classic seen by millions worldwide and representing just a small example of our despised American culture, I say to the French and others who don't like us: 'Frankly, my dears, I don't give a damn.' "

Thank you, Si Frumkin! You are one of our very best Americans. You made the choice.

NOTE: Si is a journalist who publishes a periodical called "Graffiti for Intellectuals" for the Southern California Council for Soviet Jews. Founded in 1969 by Si, SCCSJ is the only membership organization in Southern California dedicated to the struggle for the rights of Jews in what was the former Soviet Union. While emigration was restricted and human rights violations were commonplace, the SCCSJ organized massive public demonstrations and letter-writing campaigns, and maintained direct contacts with Jewish activists.

The legendary George Putnam is 87 years young and a veteran of 67 years as a reporter, broadcaster and commentator ... and is still going strong. George is part of the all-star line-up of Southern California's KPLS Radio – Hot Talk AM 830.

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