American history, why?

More from Philadelphia, this time wandering around the historic centre of the city. It was astonishing the level of jingoism and almost propaganda that was there. From an archaeological and historical perspective, the buildings are extraordinary, and there are sites of historical import. What drove me to distraction was the sense of self-righteousness behind the whole thing. There's this sense that America discovered and perfected democracy, and that every other nation looks to them for guidance. I found this particularly true at Institute of the Constitution, a swanky museum about that singular piece of paper. They go on and on about how "all men are created equal" (except non-whites and women, but we fixed that eventually, so it's okay), and how it was the first democracy, completely ignoring the precedent set by, at the very least, the Greeks. And they try and wipe over the whole race and gender thing by claiming that since they got it right eventually, it's still fine. Well, I'm pretty damned sure America was one of the final nations to abolish slavery, and not exactly quick off the bat on the suffragette thing either. The entire thing felt like a Jerry Bruckheimer movie. Explosions, sweeping scores, moving speeches.

They also spend a significant amount of time talking about how the people control the Government, the power is separated by the three branches of Government, and how the amendments stop abuse of power. Yeah, nice one guys. Lets completely ignore the problems of rampant gerrymandering, and how the current President has broken the balance of power, ignored the checks and balances, plunged the nation into an illegal war, and violated a number of amendments. None of that matters, we're America, we discovered Democracy!

The Liberty Bell was another of the same sort of thing. An entire building filled with reasons why the Liberty Bell is important, and a symbol of liberty and freedom the world over. Sorry to break it to you folks, but no it isn't. It's a cracked bell. I'll bet 90% of Americans couldn't tell you why it was important anyway, let alone the rest of the world. Turns out it was the bell that they used to call the Philadelphia legislature. Oooh, I'm so impressed.

I'm not trying to be disparaging of American history, nor its importance in terms of the international movement towards Democracy, just that a slightly more international viewpoint would benefit everyone.

Anyway, on with the pictures

The already mentioned Institute of the Constitution

With a huge ol' American flag

Grave of Ben Franklin

The Liberty Bell

Food Time! This is the Philadelphia Cheese Steak, thinly sliced beef, onion and melted cheese with mayo and ketchup on a roll. This was from a small stall called "Mom's", and was absolutely fantastic.

Oh man, donuts are so good. Custard filled, chocolate topped. Wicked.

Valentine's day. Everybody picking up last minute things for their honeys.

Philadelphia: This city bleeds history

In Philadelphia, and strangely enough the city is not entirely crafted out of cream cheese. This is the city that founded America, and it's strange how damned proud the locals are of their past. There really is a sense of self-righteousness here, the whole Manifest Destiny thing, that they were placed in this land by God, and fuck the rest of the world.

Plus it's blisteringly cold. Not as cold as Minneapolis (-11°F before windchill), but I'm just feeling it worse here.

Fantastic Museums though. A bit heavy on the American colonial stuff, but some great sculptures.

Pictures!

The stairs Rocky ran up! And those are fucking HUGE columns in the distance.

George Washington on a horse

The Thinker, in front of the Rodin museum. The stuff in there was entrancing.

The NZ flag on a street lined with the flags of many nations.

Giant Ass Star Wars exhibit and the Ben Franklin Institute. Yes, I'm a geek. You're surprised?

A Gyro from a street vender. Bad lamb, tzatziki, lettuce and tomato on some pita. Decidedly underwhelming, but I was starving and cold.

A statue of Raptors outside the Natural History Museum. Dinosaurs are just kinda cool.

Finally, just for Chris, a comic book shop. On the sidewalk. In the snow, rain and frozen rain. I don't know what the deal was, but that's pretty hardcore.