11, citizens of the United States have thought more about themselves and the values that we have than we have in a long time. Foreign criticism has stunned many of us because we think of ourselves as good people and are surprised that others may not. Our values are ideal, as we believe, and in many ways it is true. Although we believe this to be self-evident by our Constitution as Americans, what we value is now disputed.In America we have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness which in the early beginning of America was the pursuit of land. In other countries, such as Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq many of their citizens are not entitled to land ownership, some to life- as some infant girls are slaughtered in China, and individual freedoms. The pursuit of happiness in America is not only for us, but we allow immigrants to come into America and pursue their dreams. After the events on September 11, 2001, Americans have literally rounded up foreigners like herds of cows on the possibility that they may be linked to the attack. Contradiction to our values- not to discriminate on creed, gender, or race. Since Sept. 11, nearly 100 lawsuits have been filed that contend that Arab-Americans have been victims of bias in the workplace. That is a prime example of discrimination in the workplace and a prime example of a contradiction of what democracy was created to prevent.Having free speech as an American is something that no one can live without it seems. Since Sept. 11, free speech, especially by the American Press has come under fire. The Bush administration asked the news media to limit coverage of Osama bin Laden's speeches and restricted information about the war itself. Though many complained that the Bush administration was becoming a dictatorship by saying what could and could not be shared, many thought it to be for the protection of our country and soldiers.Though Democracy has worked for America, i...
