To the editor:

In response to Chris White’s letter of June 12, he is right! America’s show of “superiority” has been demonstrated by invading, bullying and attempting to “Americanize” the entire world.

Recently, through my work, I’ve spoken with dozens of citizens of the United Kingdom. After dealing with Americans on a daily basis, my co-workers and I were very pleasantly surprised by the extreme courtesy shown to us by virtually every British individual we have spoken with. Not once have I had someone make suggestions as to where I should go or inform me that my deceased mother has performed unspeakable acts. This happens frequently when calling Americans. Americans hate telemarketers but even so, their responses are reprehensible. But, this is not about telemarketers; rather, our response to people in general.

My experience with the citizens of the UK has really opened my eyes to how rude, crude and harsh we Americans have become. If Americans traveling abroad treat people there the way they treat their own countrymen, it’s no wonder their opinion of us is so low.

Go ahead, say “love it or leave it.” I love my country but what makes a country great are the people who live there. Instead of busying ourselves trying to convince everyone how great we are, maybe we should take some time to do what we need to do to actually BE great! To Mr. White’s list of attributes necessary in making a country great, I would add common courtesy and respect.

Doris Stine,

Lawrence