Missourian readers tell what they love about America III

I love America ...

For its eclectic blend: With every nation in the world living here, I've been able to experience many cultures with my senses. I can walk down the street and talk with China, Korea, England, Ireland, Germany, Nigeria, etc. My tastebuds have experienced the cuisines of Latin America, India, Taiwan, France and counting. Readily available on store shelves are rhythms and melodies in CD form. If I never step outside the U.S. borders, I can still experience the world's cultures through the stories of my family and friends.

For its generosity: The flood of 1993 is my experience. My street in St. Louis was surrounded on all sides with water from two rivers. We were given food and extra supplies since so many businesses in our area were flooded out. Though our homes were not flooded, we were not forgotten.

As an American, I can make a comfortable living and still have enough to share with the rest of the world. Charity and medical research organizations are evidence that we don't even wait for a crisis. Whether on American soil or somewhere else, in times of crisis we bond together and generously give of ourselves.

In response to the attacks on September 11, 2001, floods of money and volunteer efforts encouraged the rescue and clean-up crews and helped rebuild the nation's morale. Our presence in Iraq is no different with the soldiers handing out government and citizen-donated water and food.

For its natural beauty: America's landscape has it all, from the foliage and mountains of New England to the deserts and canyons of the Southwest, from the tropics of Hawaii and Florida to the artic tundras of Alaska. I plan to see it all: the sweltering swamps, broad plains, snow-capped moutains, cavernous hillsides, sandy deserts, tumultuous rivers, hot springs, geysers and waterfalls.

For its freedoms: My religious faith is my choice and I am free to share it with anyone I meet. If I were to cross the few boundaries set in place, I'm relieved that law enforcement's worst punishment is jail or a fine, nothing physically tormenting.

Julia Metelski

Cape Girardeau

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What is it that makes America such a great place -- that defines the American spirit?

It's an interesting question to pose to a 22-year-old male. After all, I've only lived a little over two decades. The Cold War was practically over before I was ten. What can I know about America?

What I do know is that there's no minimum age requirement on being an American -- from the day they're born, citizens of the United States have the right to enjoy all this country has to offer.

In fact, I think my youth gives me a perspective from which to relish the benefits of American life that the older folks may have forgotten. It allows me to identify with one of the greatest aspects of American life, the attitude that built our country and made rock'n'roll -- rebellion.

Our nation is defined by a fierce independence that has allowed us to become one of the most powerful countries in the history of civilization, and that independence comes directly from our rebellious spirit.

The great forefathers of this country, people like Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, were all rebels. They decided they no longer wanted to be the subjects of the British crown, and they took matters into their own hands, helping to foment the great revolution that formed the United States of America.

And that spirit has continued throughout the history of our nation. The independent thinking that began with those first great American minds has continued to make America thrive. It gave us the capitalist system -- a system that built an economy that has been one of the strongest in the world.

That's the spirit of America. Rock on.

Matt Sanders

Bloomfield, Mo.