Letter Of The Day

With a world constantly in battle, America's reputation is in a dire need of a tuneup. When I think of the United States, I see three different perspectives foreign nations can view of us.

The first reputation is the arrogant American. In the 2004 election, our presidential candidates boasted the United States as the most powerful nation. They remarked how we have the strongest military in the world. It sure sounds like a challenge to other countries.

Let's not give other nations a reason to test our opinion. We can be proud of our nation without bragging to be better than everyone else. Once we step down from our pedestal, maybe other nations will stop trying to knock us off of it.

Being the "most powerful nation" gives us a responsibility to help less fortunate countries.

Our second reputation is of the world's big brother. We want other nations to think that if they have a problem, we can help. The United States has helped many other countries and should be proud of that.

However, when helping one country means attacking another, that can make America look like we can't mind our own business. Standing up for someone doesn't mean pushing someone else down.

Finally, we have the reputation of spreading democracy. I am totally for democracy in America. I would love if other countries chose to give it a try. We have to remember, though, that other countries have different cultures. What works best for us may not be the best for a culture that has a different background. Let's not shove democracy down other nations' throats. Let them make their own decisions.

The more we look at ourselves, the less we'll have to look out for ourselves.

--By DREW SEVERSON, Garner
--source

from my own hometown paper too, albeit i don't know and haven't heard who Drew Severson is, i sure would like to meet him.