How to Avoid Being Overrun by America-Haters.....

.....or, "Why Being Anti-Bush-Regime is Not the Same as Being Afraid of Patriotism". This is in response to an editorial from a Tampa newspaper. I won't say here who sent it to me lest she be further ridiculed. Also, I've attached the editorial after the response I wrote.

"There are some in this country that are targeted as being anti-patriot because we have a few disagreements with the Government. Do not forget that our right to dissent from the Government is guaranteed to us by the Constitution of the United States. That is one of the freedoms America seeks to introduce to other countries. Just as Bush supporters get to proclaim their love for him whenever they like, so too should non-supporters, especially if they are American citizens, and if they are not citizens but have lived here for a long time or are fleeing regimes much worse than anything we can imagine, I don't see why we can't grant them an opinion as well. After all, we can't just kick them all out, so best that we all get used to reality. This does not mean that we are against flying the American flag near our homes or that we are offended by patriotism, and let me say, anyone who is offended by patriotism in their own country or another is just a fool. I think it is important that every country's citizens have a certain amount of pride in their nation, and that is a right that comes with sovereignty.

We live in a country of immigrants, as the author does well to recognize, with many different beliefs and ways of living. It is unfortunate that we all can't respect each others differences, and it is even more unfortunate that people write entire editorials to foster hate, so that they can write more editorials later on denouncing all the hatred in the world. Just as the author implies, if you don'tlike what the reality of the world has become, best to discover a new planet and set up your home there. He is right there, and he should follow his own advice. It is funny that he starts out being very politically correct, issuing the statement "I am not against immigration" in an attempt to cover up the fact that his whole editorial expresses hatred for immigrants and anyone else who isn't exactly like him. I especially love the ending "if you don't agree, delete it," meaning, "if you don't see things my way, shut up," not one complete sentence after he says "It is time for Americans to speak up." Exactly the response I would expect from a conservative like himself. Far be it from him to be constructive. And I hope that as an American citizen, no one will begrudge me my opinion. Furthermore, the author's reasoning that America's multiculturalism has diluted thesovereignty of this country is the response of the weak. Pride in your nation is something you must take yourself. If you want to save yourself from being overrun by "America-haters", respond with more pride, but make sure you don't turn that into hate. Make it constructive, and see how your detractors dare to respond to that. I humbly think that what is diluting America's sovereignty is people spending too much time whining instead of taking opportunities before them to change what they don't like about their environment. For example, if you have been granted the right to vote in this country, I would suggest that you take that right and vote rather than whining about how the Democrats make bad leaders, or vice-versa. Voting in open, free elections is the cornerstone of democracy, and I agree that that is one of the great things about the US that other countries envy, and a right that I am not prepared to have compromised, for it is the right to control, or at least attempt to control, my owndestiny. Furthermore, political "dissidents" and critics exist in every country, and indeed, America would be nothing without them. Having just returned from the UK, and from working at the United Nations where I am exposed to news from many papers from across the globe, I can make a safe guess that some of the other developed countries don't have such a huge problem with other cultures living in their country as the US does, and maybe one day someone can write an entire editorial about why that is. Perhaps someone can write an editorial about how the inevitable process of globalization has contributed to everyone bending over backwards to not offend everyone else, or maybe one on how it is just common decency to tell a Jew Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas, and we shouldn't waste time complaining about that. Respecting each other is a talent, not a defect."

And now, the original editorial:

IMMIGRANTS, NOT AMERICANS, MUST ADAPT. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Americans. However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the "politically correct! " crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to America. Our population is almost entirely made up of descendants of immigrants. However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand. This idea of America being a multicultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. As Americans, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle. This culture has been developed over centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom. We speak ENGLISH, not Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language! "In God We Trust" is our national motto. This is not some Christian, right wing, political slogan.. We adopted this motto because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture. If Stars and Stripes offend you, or you don't like Uncle Sam, then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where >you came from. This is OUR COUNTRY, our land, and our lifestyle. Our First Amendment gives every citizen the right to express his opinion and we will allow you every opportunity to do so! But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about our flag, our pledge, our national motto, or our way of life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great American freedom, THE RIGHT TO LEAVE. It is Time for America to Speak up If you agree -- pass this along; if you don't agree -- delete it!