Skirting The Issues 8.11.04
By Melissa Garcia
I was shocked when a fellow 18-year-old friend of mine told me that she hated America. Although, now that I think about it, I do not think “shocked” was the right word. In most recent years, hatred for the United States of America from many people both inside and outside of the country has become more blaring and “in our faces.” Hence, my friend’s comment did not surprise me as much as it concerned me. In fact, I admit that I thought she was joking at first. Her comments were so extreme to me: “F- America; Go France!” Could she possibly be serious? Indeed, as I later found out, she was.
Honestly, I have never considered myself to be an outspoken patriot, but my friend’s sincere hatred and disrespect for both her and my country struck an angry chord in me. My first thoughts were, “Why?” and “She better have a darn good reason.” She simply answered, “It is just so corrupt.”
Never mind that right after that she walked away saying, “Vote for Kerry!”
What concerned me the most was that there stood a young adult, even still a teenager, and a “virgin voter,” who had such a negative view for the country that created and supported her dreams and opportunities. Yes, America is corrupt, but let us not forget that corruption is not solely derived from democracy, capitalism, freedom, or specifically the United States. Corruption is a universal problem. Name one country that has not had its share of scandal and corruption, and I guarantee that you have been deceived or misinformed. Heck, even a place as small and “holy” as Vatican City has its share of corruption.
However, this does not change the fact that currently the United States in the most hated nation in the world. I only hope this hatred does not just stem from corruption. There are many valid reasons for people to dislike the U.S., but there are also more than enough invalid ones. Historically speaking, previous world powers over the last 4,000 years have records of invasion and brutality that surpass those of the United States, and even in our own highly criticized, militant and meddling actions, we have shared wealth and effort in aiding our defeated enemies, such as Germany and Japan, along with other poor countries. Even if it is only because we can, the United States provides more monetary and humanitarian aid and debt relief to other parts of the world in need. Also, America could abuse its power more readily if it wished, but it does not. Critics will try to point to events such as the War in Iraq to dispute that claim, but I believe there is a distinct difference between overpowering and taking-over a nation and simply protecting our interests. What is wrong with looking out for what is best for us if it is also beneficial to another nation? Anyone who says removing Saddam was not beneficial to the people of Iraq is either not looking at the big picture or, well, just crazy.
Most anti-American Americans complain that we are arrogant and ignorant. Most of them also have paying jobs and educations (the qualities of which would probably now be questioned) that are only made available and supported by the United States government, economy, and people.
In the words of Neil Cavuto, “Tell me, when was the last time you saw a rickety boat leave this country for the shores of Cuba? Or throngs of wayward Americans seeking haven . . . in Mexico?”
People embrace America because of its opportunities, because of everything it has to offer. Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. You do not have to embrace our culture, our ideals, or even our politics, but if you are going to take advantage of our benefits and open prospects, please, show some respect.
As United States citizens, it is our responsibility to search out truth for ourselves, to question what we really know, realize what we really want, and acknowledge what we really have. We cannot blindly build our beliefs off of Michael Moore or Rush Limbaugh and take the easy way out by simply labeling ourselves as Republican or Democrat after our parents. It is important for use to see all aspects of the country we live in, to see America for both the good and the bad – after all, nobody’s perfect. The beauty of the United States of America is that Americans have the power to better themselves, both as individuals and as a nation. If there is a problem, it can be fixed – just look at our long list of amendments. However, we can only right the wrong out of love for our country, not hate.
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