Editor,

I've recently read a dissertation by Ivan Simic regarding Americans, specific blemished American history, and the makeup of Americans today.

As a Tongan living in America, I've lived here most my life; and I'm uncertain whether Mr. Simic was recently offended by an American, or is he commenting on particular/peculiar stereo-type of elitist Americans? But do Americans really need to be reminded of who they are? I believe most Americans are quite comfortable of where we live in the world, how we live, and who we are among. America is the best example of the melting pot of humanity; of countrymen from all around the world, unequivocal in our migration to the land of opportunity, coming together to live together in undoubtedly the greatest civilization and society ever in the history of the world. No doubt about it, we know it, and we should be unapologetic about it.

If Mr. Simic understands American history, there was a defining moment during the Revolutionary War when General Washington and his beaten and defeated troops were retreating - the British redcoats on their heels by land and by sea. Clearly surrounded, if confronted by the redcoats, it
would have been the end of the war. Washington and what was left of his army cross the Potomac in the dead of night. It was a sudden shift in wind direction that kept the British Naval ships from confronting and annihilating Washington's small band of brothers. This shift in wind direction occurred not once but twice, preventing the British Navy from certain victory. Washington and his small army escape, the rest is
history. Add to that the band of men that formed the Republic that is America then and is survived today. The founding fathers of America are irrefutably the greatest minds of government ever to be assembled. And just so happens they come together during the same era in time, in the same location in the world, and united in their cause. There are other
poignant moments in American history, but these are as good examples of 'manifest destiny' as any other. No doubt in my mind the hand of God was involved in the formation of America. And yes, it was founded upon Christian principles, and Christianity flourished with the development of a young nation.

If you want to knock our excess, then don't call us when a natural catastrophe or crisis hits your homeland. If you think we're fat and lazy, then don't accept our grain or monetary support. If you think we're bullies, then don't ask for our military support.

I believe what the world ultimately envies about America, is that we have proven to the world the goodness, strength, and promise, a people from different ethnic background, different walk of life, different religious belief, different economic-status, different talents ...– that we can come together, united in a cause, ideals of order, debate differences, and form the greatest communities of society the world has ever known. The wonderful thing about a true American, is that we're all immigrants. And we have proven what a melting pot of humanity and ideas can accomplish together. United and together. We are you.

Don't be a hater.

Sincerely yours,

;Alipate Sanft

asanft [at] scpropsm [dot] com