Benefits of citizenship

There was a festive mood in the Rush H. Limbaugh Sr. U.S. Courthouse on Tuesday as 17 people were sworn in as new citizens.

Newly certified citizens were from Mexico, the Philippines, Canada, India, Somalia, Pakistan, Egypt, Vietnam, China, Peru and Sri Lanka.

All of these individuals have taken the necessary (and numerous) steps to be part of our nation.

Candidates must meet certain requirements in addition to being legal residents in order to be granted U.S. citizenship, including being present in the country for at least 30 months in the previous five years, showing good moral character for five years before applying, and showing willingness to support and defend the constitution and the country. They also have to be able to prove through interviews with the government that they can speak, read and write English and know fundamental U.S. history and government principles.

Among the new citizens were Herb and Reno Anderson, owners of a motorcycle business in Cape Girardeau.

"I am honored and proud to be considered part of a country that has given more freedom to more people than any other country in the history of the world," Herb Anderson said.

With all of the political bickering and financial shortcomings of the country right now, it's easy to get caught up in the negativity swirling about our national conversation.

These 17 people remind us how important individual rights and freedoms are, and why our country is great.

Congratulations to our new citizens.