In response to the Monday letter in which the writer quotes and defends Barak Obama’s wife’s recent statement: “For the first time in my adult life I am really proud of my country” — nowhere in this quote did I see the letter writer’s reference to our nation being “less than perfect.” I think the majority of Americans would agree with this assertion. The outcry of criticism and, on my part, disbelief, was provoked by Mrs. Obama’s obvious head-in-the-sand attitude about our country’s history — not only during her lifetime, but since our great country’s founding.
The first and foremost fact that comes to mind is the ultimate sacrifice made by our veterans that afford her the freedom to make her beliefs and opinions known. It’s these sacrifices that allow the democratic process and give her husband the chance to “change the face of America.”
What about this country makes me proud? The 21-year-old double amputee who answered the call to this horrible, unpopular war in Iraq. The way our country and leadership pulled together and stepped forward to support the families and victims of 9/11. The millions of dollars in federal aid sent to Sudan and other African countries to fight famine and disease in recent years. The aid and support to the Katrina victims. The outpouring of compassion we witness daily from volunteer organizations in homeless shelters, on the streets and in our local hospitals.
To limit one’s pride to the possibility of change in the upcoming election is a short-sighted ideological attitude by both the source and supporters of such nonsense.
Ken Smith
Everett
> Give us your news tips. > Send us a letter to the editor. > More Herald contact information.Talk to us
