Last week, there was an opinion article in this newspaper that blasted everyone who was not your stereotypical clean-cut, God-fearing, flag-revering patriot.

Though I may not perfectly fit into this image physically or ideologically, this does not mean I don’t appreciate this country and cherish the freedoms I have.

In fact, I love this country enough to heed and respect the cries of those with opposing views, pay attention to what’s going on around the world, and care about it enough to be concerned with what may occur in the United States of America long-term.

Unlike what John Ashcroft may tell you, questioning is a good thing. I would hate to imagine what this country would be like if people did not protest and voice their opinions when they saw something that went against their convictions.

This country would not even exist if this was the case. The United States of America is founded upon a system of checks and balances, a system which applies in more than just the three branches of government.

U.S. citizens have a responsibility to stand vigil and fiercely support democracy and our constitutional rights when they are in danger of being taken away.

I find it sickening, and opposing to what America stands for ideally, that there are people out there who wish harm upon those who have views contrary to theirs.

It’s also greatly disturbing and unfounded that many are heckling those who are paranoid of the government in this post-9/11 America. When people are being legally taken away and held for large amounts of time just out of “suspicions”, children are forced to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance every morning in many schools, such as those in this county, and some people are willing to churn out threats towards fellow Americans who disagree with the majority, it’s little wonder that some people feel that “they” are out to get them.

One of the greatest things about America is that it is a melting pot of so many various cultures, creeds, religion and countless other differences.

Truthfully, there is no stereotypical American.

Someone who grows their hair out, smirks at nationalism, and is a Socialist is just as American as some guy with flag stickers all over his Chevy Tahoe, a crew-cut, and a membership in the GOP.

Despite how people commonly respond to the loyal opposition, fighting and slander against those who have different viewpoints is not patriotic, does not promote peace, and only causes disharmony.

No matter where you stand politically, if you wish for long-term peace you must protect your civil rights and try to respect and understand those whose opinions differ from yours.

Name-calling and finger-pointing only bring us all, as a nation, further apart. We can all unite peacefully through tolerance and comprehension.

The next time you wander into conversation with some bearded hippie or some well-dressed yuppie, why not bring up politics and listen to how they feel on a certain subject and hear them out?

You may find yourself pleasantly surprised.

Rory Higgins is a freshman philosophy major from Martin.