Globalization is the term we hear describing the world we live in today. Everyone coming together, setting aside personal differences, and working as a team to solve problems is the dream of this movement. It’s not a bad idea, except for the fact the cultures of many societies are simply swept under the rug.

            Nations from around the world have their differences. These differences include language, culture, and in many cases, religion. Finding common ground is often difficult. However, the one issue many of these countries have in common is criticizing America.

            Our nation has become the world’s punching bag on many issues. These nations see us as the ultimate evil in the world; it’s amazing at how many people from those countries enjoy coming to our spot of ground to live and to get an education. 

Once these individuals return home they begin using what we give them against us. We give millions of dollars in aid to various countries, but as we were attacked on 9-11, citizens of those countries were dancing in the streets in celebration.

Many European countries often tell us we need to simply mind our own business and not get involved with other nations activities. This is all well and good, but if it wasn’t for America getting involved –on two separate occasions I might add- those European nations would today be speaking German. Other nations criticize us, but when they get into trouble, America is the first call they make.

I don’t apologize for being an American because of this and many other issues. If it wasn’t for America sending food and medicine to other countries around the word, people would starve to death or die of curable diseases. 

Our nation faces criticism from within as well. Years ago, when immigrants came to this country, they wanted to have a better life. They left behind the oppression of their native countries and adopted the language and the culture of America. 

Unfortunately, many of the immigrants today want to keep their native language and culture while enjoying the benefits of America. We give them their freedoms – rights not returned in their native countries by the way- and they use those freedoms to criticize us and our way of life.

 We welcome those who want to join us in this great land and become part of who we are as Americans. However, I would like to say to those who would rather use their freedom of speech, which we give to all, simply to criticize us; this is our land, our flag and our way of life.

Most of us work hard to make a better living for our families. We salute the flag and many of us still bow our heads in thanks at the dinner table. Our culture may be upsetting to others, but it is just that, our culture, and we shouldn’t apologize for it.