The Rocket

Issue date: 3/30/07 Section: Opinion

I don't support the war. I feel there are certain policies that should be changed and improvements can be made to the system.

However, unlike the other writer who appears on this page, I have never been embarrassed to be an American.

My ancestors came over to this country for a better life. Many of them shed blood for the freedoms we have. When I have traveled outside of this country, there has never been a time where I felt ashamed.

I guess the fact that we're a cultural melting pot makes no difference. Americans have backgrounds from all over the earth. My own heritage is a mix of Italian, German and Slovak. If this place weren't that grand, I'd assume there wouldn't be so many people flocking to this country.

There are some small things in my everyday life I appreciate as well. When I get on a bus, I'm fairly certain that I will reach my destination without being blown up. I have the opportunity to travel wherever I want if I feel like it. If I don't like the way the country is headed, I have many different ways to voice my opinion and change how things are going.

When I work, I get compensated in the form of money. Some people argue that others might make more and that's wrong, but I've noticed that they're usually lazy bums with no work ethic.

I also enjoy that nice American thing we have where we get to eat every day. Food is a plus and helps me get through the day.

Although I'm leery of police, I know as long as I don't anger the officer, the possibility of me getting maced, clubbed or shot is very low.

But the article did have some merit. I do agree there is a stereotype of Americans thinking that they are a gift to the world. However, I feel that this can be confused with my friends and family. These are the hard-working Americans that are educated and do their best every day to help their fellow man.

The biggest difference between these two groups is that the people I know have pride in what they do, their country and their way of life. Respect, honor, common decency and the American work ethic are slowly decaying and it's sad.

I also agree that patriotism can be a bad thing, and that many people hide behind it and use it to justify our actions. At the same time, being ashamed of where you're from is equally as horrible, shows disrespect for what others have died for and also shows a lack of self-esteem.

There's also a problem with traveling to another country, because the citizens at the destination have pride in their country as well. Tourists in general aren't liked, regardless of where they come from.

I'll end this piece with the biggest reason I feel America is the greatest country on earth. Although others may not realize this, I have the freedom to voice my opinion in this column every week without fear of being censored or shot. I could be blowing things out of proportion, but then again, I may just be another embarrassing, ignorant American.

Tony Maiocco is a senior communication major and a regular contributor to The Rocket.

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