Getting harder to be proud American

I was mildly upset a few weeks ago when Michelle Obama said that for the first time in her adult life she was proud to be an American. I am 66 years old and have always been proud to be an American. That is not to say that I have always been proud of and supportive of our government’s policies and decisions, but I do strongly support the men and women in the military, as well as the hard working men and women in private industry who made this country what it is today.

It was extremely difficult to watch the Secretary of the Air Force announce with pride the decision to award a military contract to a group that included Airbus. More than 40,000 jobs will be affected, including 9,000 in the Everett area. It appears that George W. and other elected officials are saying to these people here is your $600 check, please spend it and do your part to stimulate our economy. If you spend any more, do so at your own risk because we are preparing to send your job to France.

I really have to give a lot of thought about Sen. McCain and his involvement in this decision. Am I proud to be an American? Yes, but it isn’t getting any easier.

Mike Pendergrass

Lynnwood