One man’s experience as an American

Juan N. Valdez, Las Vegas

Sunday, May 16, 2010 | 2:02 a.m.

I would like to add a few thoughts regarding John Crisp’s Tuesday column, “What’s really wrong with Arizona.”

I was born a third-generation American in New Mexico in 1947. My childhood was no different than anyone else except that I was bilingual.

In high school, I participated in sports and student government. I graduated in 1966. That September I was drafted into the U.S. Army and spent 14 months in South Korea.

Being honorably discharged, I took advantage of the GI Bill, attended and graduated from community college and obtained a professional license.

I have always been employed, paid taxes, had insurance and tried to abide by all civil rules. I am married, we own our home and co-exist with our neighbors. We believe in God, we vote, we volunteer, recycle and we do not litter. Is this not the American dream?

We have promised our grandsons a summer visit to the Grand Canyon. I am not at all concerned. I’ll have my wife drive in Arizona. After all, she is from Kansas. God Bless America.