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Oyeyemi Oluremi is a newspaper reporter for the Sketch Press in Ibaden, Nigeria. He has been visiting the midwestern United States as part of a Rotary International exchange prgram. After spending some time at the Southeast Missourian officies Tuesday, he agreed to write about his impressions of the United States.

As a nationalistic and patriotic Nigerian, whose country has been a victim of colonialism, I hate imperialist America. Yet I am fascinated by its bravado and bravery. I am in love with its industrialization and technology.

As a political scientist, I love everything American, except the dominant role money has assumed in its politics. As a freedom lover, the echoes of the July 4, 1776, Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia rings in my ears while its excessive exudation leaves me dumb.

Yet the institutionalization of a unique and virile political system that guarantees this freedom holds up the beacon of hope for millions under various dictatorial regimes in the world.

As a journalist, the ever-shining star from the heartland of Virginia; the man who wrote the American Declaration of Independence; the man who preferred to live in a state without government but with newspapers other than the other way around; the man Thomas Jefferson and by extension the great country that produced this great genius, the United States of America, has irretrievably enslaved my love, admiration and imagination.

As a critical historian, certain chapters in American history repel me, yet I am fascinated by a greater part of it. Reading American history is like watching a movie to me. It has its "villains" as well as its "heroes," both in corporate and individual actions.

To this end, America still had its attractions despite its inducement of hatred. The Rotary International, as an organization, has a worldwide concern for peace and understanding, and to achieve this sends various exchange teams all over the world. Such an exchange team offered me this opportunity to visit the U.S. and have a first-hand assessment.

Before this visit, America to me was a perfect study in violence. The love of its leaders (and probably its people) for war and heroism, the cowboy image in the movies and the not-so-civilized treatment of native red Indians in America's early history, gave me the impression of a socially, economically and physically violent country.

To be frank, I was warned several times by my mother and fiancee on the eve of my departure to this country to take my time so that I would not get shot. They believe that every American carries a gun and shoots at the slightest provocation.

However, since my arrival, I have discovered the NEW AMERICA. Instead of gun-toting, weird-looking Americans, I discovered a warm people glowing with hospitality. A wonderful lot, very enthusiastic and willing to know you and to tell you about themselves.

From New York to St. Louis via Cincinnati, from St. Louis to Rolla, Willow Springs, West Plains, Poplar Bluff, Dexter, Mingo, Puxico, Jackson, Memphis and Cape Girardeau, base of the Southeast Missourian, I have met rich, powerful, influential as well as not-so-rich and well-to-do Americans.

I have met wonderful Americans such as Bill Bates, Everette Wood, Greg Sullivan, Harold Tipton, Jerry Dun, Al-Looper, Ken Bones, Don Schreiber, Jeff Sippy, Bill Craig, Steve Robertson, Charles Wilson, John Blue, Siah Davies, Dave Montgomery, Frank Martin III, John Gross and a host of others, Rotarians and non-Rotarians alike.

Instead of leaves and onions as dishes, I discovered the midwest American pizza and Louisiana cuisine, tasteful and mouth-watering dishes they are. I discovered the miracles of the McDonald's and Hardee's of this world in hamburgers, sandwiches, salads, among any other fruits and drinks, especially the non-alcoholic root beer.

Instead of wild Americans chasing after the red Indians with guns, I discovered Americans that have discovered that some of their forefathers have been reprehensible in the manners they went about their settlements. I met Americans who display a poor sense of history and make efforts to preserve the various cultures they inherited. I met a generation who appreciates the contributions of their various great men.

Instead of the predatory and vampire capitalism, I discovered that American capitalism has a heart. A heart for the young, for the aged, for the unemployed, for the forests and for the animals. I guess this is the balancing aspect that makes American capitalism enduring and resilient.

I am not surprised at the level of industrialization and technology. I am not surprised at the big, large mechanized farms. I am not surprised at the well-equipped hospitals, and neither am I surprised at the beautiful houses, the skyscrapers, fine city lay-outs and planned road networks, but I am impressed by them.

I am not surprised at the quality of American Journalism which exudes the American freedom. The freedom of speech, of religion, of association, of opinions and of private enterprise. But I am impressed by them. It keeps the American society alive and increases its strength.

There is no doubt, America has its own problems: racial questions, the drug menace, environmental pollution, galloping inflation, the declining educational system and the increasing breakdown of family ties. Yet you can not but be impressed by the sense of responsibility and concern of American leaders to help solve these problems. It is a confirmation of the biblical view that "there is no perfect in human nature."

However, of all the new discoveries I made about America, the "most fascinating" of them all is the impressive smartness, charm, beauty and strength of American women. The strength of a nation is directly proportional to that of its women who are always emotionally strong and stable to wave off their hubbies and sons to war because of their country. I salute their courage.

So far, I have discovered a NEW AMERICA. Many thanks to the Rotary International.