Pride should be permanent

The anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, as it does every year, has brought forth from many friends a renewed sense of pride in the United States of America. They fly their flags proudly today and many have also changed their Facebook profile pics to display their patriotism.

However, it brings up a question that a couple very patriotic friends have brought up: Why is pride in country not something that is celebrated every day?

You don’t have to agree with everything about a country to be proud of it. I will admit that my pride in the U.S. has been challenged in the past by many things. For one, there is so much anger toward Mexicans today that I would bet that many people would be offended at my pride, despite the fact that I was born in McHenry, Ill. Apparently, I’m an anchor baby.

As people commemorate this anniversary, many probably forget that people of all faiths, nationalities and cultures were in the towers and people of all faiths, nationalities and cultures ran toward the towers to help. Recently, a bill to help those who remain ill because of the dust kicked up at the towers was stalled because, among other things, lawmakers wanted to make sure no illegal immigrants would get the money. Forget that they were hailed as heroes for risking their lives. Their heritage makes them less worthy of assistance, apparently.

However, while some things bother me, there are also many things that I love. Troops overseas are doing things that I would probably never be able to do. Their courage is unmatched. Also, I love that this country has been built around values that I think are important to always remember, including freedom of religion. To wonder aloud whether we should abandon these values because “if they can be violent and hateful, so can we” cheapens the intentions of so many patriotic people’s heroes, the founding fathers.

As  you vow to never forget, just also never forget that the country has flourished because of its acceptance and tolerance. In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, there was a blind rage that could have easily compromised those values. Today, some groups continue to use Sept. 11 as a way of venting their hatred and promoting intolerance while dressing it up in a veil of patriotism. However, every day I still take pride to be from a country that protects, as strongly as anything else, the freedoms that make it great and make it a place that people still want to come and find their American dream.

The new distraction

When the Chicago Blackhawks finished up their exciting run to the Stanley Cup championship earlier this month, it left a sports void that needed to be filled. My Chicago Bulls were long gone from the NBA playoffs. The WNBA and Arena Football League do not interest me. And a  quick glance at the MLB standings revealed that my favorite sports team, the Chicago Cubs, were going to make it a long summer.

Enter the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Every four years, I manage to put aside my usual dislike for soccer and take a seat and relax in front of the television to watch Team USA and Mexico take part in the tournament. Every four years, I’m surprised at the enjoyment I get out of it. And every four years, I become an enraged fan when I see referees blow calls I do not fully understand.

That happened Friday.

With less than 10 minutes remaining in regulation of Team USA’s game against Slovenia, the Americans had Slovenia on their heels. As they were still reeling from a game-tying goal scored just minutes earlier, Landon Donovan lobbed a perfectly executed free kick toward the Slovenia goal. Maurice Edu broke free from a Slovenia defender and kicked the ball into the net, appearing to put the US up 3-2 with about five minutes left in regulation. However, assistant referee Koman Coulibaly would have none of it. He blew the whistle and called … well, even hours after the match it’s still unclear what he called. Replays show there was no offside on the play and at least three Slovenia players were holding Team USA players. Technically, at least one of those holds could have drawn penalty kicks for the U.S. side. Instead, the goal was disallowed and the taken off the scoreboard.

What made the call even worse was it negated an amazing comeback by Team USA. Down 2-0 at halftime, they were in danger of dropping the match even though they had come in as favorites. A loss would have put them in a horrible position as they try to move on to the elimination round. But they battled back, tied it up and should have won. Only a whistle-happy referee from Mali took that away from them.

As this tournament continues, I really hope one of two things happen: The refs get their act together and USA  and/or Mexico perform well and make a nice run toward the title or the Chicago Cubs wake up. For now, however, I’ll enjoy my new sports distraction for the summer. Just wish they played more frequently. I guess that’s the American sports fan in me.