I find it inspiring that folks are not afraid to love America. We live in a day and age where some feel that they have to apologize for it. I love this country the way that only a first generation son can.
That being said, let's not forget the real strength of this great country, the fact that America is a melting pot. There are amazingly few aspects of American life that have not originated in other countries or have been influenced by other cultures. Really, think about it...
When it comes to food products, what is purely American? Corn perhaps? Venison?
Take the iconic apple pie for example. That American classic is made from apples (originally from central Asia), Wheat Flour (originated in the near east 10,000 years ago), butter from domesticated cows (that originated in either the fertile crescent or Asia around 5,000 bc), and sugar (that originated in Polynesia and migrated to the Americas through India). Not one ingredient in standard Apple pie is uniquely American.
Not wanting to go on and on, My point is that this country is great because of our ability to embrace being a melting pot. Even our constitution, that definitively American set of common principles and the foundation of our country, was drafted using the ancient Roman republic (the most successful form of government known at the time) as a guideline.
Should one extend the thought and avoid eating bread, pork, beef, chicken, lamb, butter, eggs, milk, tea, coffee, or sugar? I ask, isn't it more AMERICAN to prefer European grapes that have been grafted onto AMERICAN root stock, and grown in AMERICAN soil by AMERICAN farmers?
Jim, I sure hope you take no offense with the above. I debated posting it and really do not want to offend you. I really do respect what you are doing.
