Loyal or Myopic?
I took the subway to work this morning and spent almost the entire ride with my head down in a good book. With approximately 20% of my ride remaining a man sitting next to me asked me for directions. Then he began a conversation.
From his accent and appearance I was aware that he was of a Spanish origin. I found out that he was moving to Toronto from Montreal and was originally from Los Angeles. He is a citizen of the USA. I learned a lot about him in a very short time.
He is 56 years old however he was proud of the fact that he didn’t look his age. He spent 14 years in the American air force and his son was currently in Iraq in the air force as well. He is of El Salvadorian ancestry and began working in the exporting / importing business after his military career. He speaks five languages (including Chinese [he wasn’t specific]). He is traveling most of the time and from his quasi-arrogant yet also amiable demeanor I got the impression he was successful.
I asked him one question, “So what is your impression of Bush and the war in Iraq?” He response was clear, “I respect the president and feel what he is doing in Iraq is the right thing. I will follow my leader in what ever is asked of me”.
Quite surprised that a Latino from El Salvador of all places would make such a declaration I made one final comment cum question before he got off at Union Station, “…but how, why…you have spent time in the military, you son is now there. Don’t you fear for him? ...and you're El Salvadorian…I would have thought you hated Americans and what they have done to your country and to your people?”
And he looked at me pleasingly yet solemnly responded, “I am American”.
amen!!
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