Comments on "American Letter" Essays

Kara, I really like that you point out how the media portrays America as rich, famous, and out to make a quick buck because it is so valid. America is truly a land of opportunity and I think we share similar ideas about how America presents equal opportunities for people to better themselves; however, it is up to the person to make that decision. Whether it’s a beggar who has removed himself from poverty, or a middle class worker who has gotten a promotion, these opportunities may have passed by if hard work had not been acted on and recognition had gone unseen. That in itself, I believe, is the American dream. Not a quick buck, but someone who has worked hard for what they have and taken advantage of the opportunities our nation bestows.

Christina, I completely agree with your stance that Americans are blessed with choices, a freedom that can never be taken away because choice was a founding principle. For this very reason, the Pilgrims came to America so they would have the choice to worship freely without constraints from the British government. I also really like your stance on Americans being selfish and selfless, because it points out the negative and the positive. Your comments on responsibility couldn’t be more accurate! I think many Americans downfall from a lack of responsibility because sometimes they are given too much. For example, a family on welfare chooses to stay on welfare because its easy income. They may have to make some sacrifices and live a poorer lifestyle, but no work is put forth and they still receive some kind of living expense, where as those expenses could be benefitting someone else who truly needs it. When too much is handed to us, we become lazy. I love your points on American being a mixed CD and our ability to come together as a whole, especially in times of need. Excellent points!
PS- I love your background! How did you do that?

Daniel, I like your personal approach towards your immigrant friend. My goodness, you are quite hard on our country, however, you make very valid points about our materialistic nature, sugary foods, and trashy TV. As far as the big houses on big plots, well I am glad we still have “some” trees here and hopefully the Americans living in those big houses worked to achieve such wealth. But don’t you think that the beauty of our country is that we have the opportunity to work for nice things such as big houses? Compared to some countries where there is vast tension between rich and poor, I think America is doing pretty well. The only reason I may look down on someone poor is because they aren’t doing what they can to better themselves. Obviously, I would have passion for those who are trying, and will even try to offer them my services. I disagree with your stance on the police just a little. I think that without the police, we would be screwed. Crime would run wild. Every country needs some type of law enforcement, it just depends how much they exercise that authority over people. And police cannot slap cuffs on you without a valid reason. Other than that, I love you voice in your blog. You put a humorous spin on things, especially with the accent twist.