LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

From the July 6 edition of the Herald

Travel abroad stirs patriotism
To the editor:
My name is Aaron Horn, and I have been a proud American for all 22 years that I have been alive.
   I have spent the vast majority of those years on the soil of this great country. Aside from spending two years pursuing religious education in Israel, I have always lived here.
   Recently, I took my first vacation to Europe. Though I left much behind, I did not envision myself missing my country as I traveled abroad. However, I indeed felt a certain pride and even a sense of relief upon returning. And when the customs officer who stamped my passport said "Welcome home," a profound sense of patriotism was conjured up inside me.
   This upcoming September, I will be entering my final year of undergraduate education in Yeshiva University, where I will be earning a degree in biology. I walk through the streets of Manhattan proudly as both a patriotic American and a religious Jew, and I am thankful that I need not worry that I will be forced to compromise either one of these pillars of my life.
   The countries that I toured in Europe were England and France. These two countries profess Western values that are mostly identical to our own, granting their citizens a multitude of rights and freedoms. Nevertheless, the rights and freedoms that every citizen enjoys in this country exceed those of any other place in the world, both in principle and in practice. A feeling of safety and comfort is present among the various Jewish communities here in the states, which was lacking in the communities of England and France. Over the course of two weeks, I was the subject of anti-Semitic remarks that completely outraged me, comments that the religious freedom in America would not tolerate.
   I know with certainty that this week, I will sit awestruck, gazing at the magnificent sparkle of the fireworks as they light up the American sky. With an American flag positioned outside my front door and a newfound appreciation for this country, I will join with millions of Americans nationwide in celebrating the birthday of this unique land. As a strong supporter of the American ideology, I will thank the nation that continuously grants all of its citizens the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I will proudly stand and salute when I hear the national anthem, knowing that America still values the democracy and freedom now that her founding fathers strove to instill in her over 200 years ago.
   The reason for my composing this letter is to express my gratitude to America for its constant efforts in ensuring that our nation remains a beacon of liberty, as it always has. As long as America proudly stands for the freedoms on which it was built, I will always stand alongside her.
Aaron Horn
East Windsor
President needs unlimited terms
To the editor:
As an American history teacher and veteran of foreign wars (USMC retired), it has occurred to me that in order to ensure that the war against terrorism is continued in a steady way, we need a constitutional amendment to have unlimited terms of office for president.
   President Bush and Vice President Cheney have done an unbelievable job keeping us safe and secure since Sept. 11, 2001 and we can be thankful for having two men of courage and conviction in their office. They should be allowed to continue if they desire to do so and the American people want them to lead. It will send a message to our adversaries and we will be able to remain safe and secure in our own country.
   Although I don’t always agree with all of President Bush’s ideas, it is my professional and personal opinion that he will be recognized someday as one of the best presidents we’ve ever had. He has traded popularity for steadfast devotion and dedication to America, and his commitment to attacking the root of the problem is noble and daunting.
   To get an amendment passed is an arduous process and the sooner Congress and the states get to debate and pass this necessary amendment, the better off we will be.
Walt F. Conner
Hightstown