Dear Editor,
Wow! Not many other words can sum up the cascading effects of Silaja Cheruvu’s article. Over the years, I have only seen a few subjects stir up apathetic clouds that hinder the growth of well-rounded students. After students read Cheruvu’s article, I saw them engage in intellectual discussions all over campus regarding “What it means to be an American.”
How great that an article stirs up people so much that they actually will reevaluate their lives, principles and the doctrines of a nation just to defend it against a letter to the editor. Imagine stepping outside of this country and justifying the United States’ action internationally. Granted we can all go to binLaden.com and read about what images come to mind when the word “America” is uttered in some nations. But is it really impossible to understand the word without the subjective American cultural jargon like “dying for your rights” and/or “indivisible nation.”
The greatest benefit that came from the article is a re-evaluation of our culture and our actions as individuals and as a nation. So, the next time your fellow American gets drunk or asks you to pass a joint then all Americans, with our pledges of allegiance and our First Amendment rights, have an obligation to respond appropriately. We are all under scrutiny.

Author