"I am an American (And Proud To Be)" by Paul Val
...At times when we don't have national crises to unite us, I see cultural changes and trends that are very disturbing. Trends that I believe, if not corrected, will destroy the magic that binds us and makes this country work in spite of its' diversity and disagreements. For example:
The growth of religious intolerance by those who either don't believe or are misguided in trying to prevent those who do believe from practicing their freedom of speech and freedom of religion as guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution.
The saturation of our entertainment with sex and violence and its' effect on young people in particular.
The tremendous over-commercialization of our society pressuring us to spend more and more and get into ever greater debt.
The growing hostility between our political parties and our races.
The growing trend toward vulgarization and lack of respect toward others.
These things are also the subject of my songs and writings. I feel strongly that it is not too late to change our course for the better. I am optimistic that if these problems are brought to the attention of the vast majority of Americans, we can turn it around. This is the main purpose of my songs and writings. However, if we don't make these changes soon, I am afraid America may go the way of all great civilizations of the past.
I am a third generation American of Italian descent, born and raised as a Christian in Brooklyn, New York. I have also lived in Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties of New York. I am married and have three children and six grandchildren. I have an undergraduate degree in business from The City College of New York and a graduate degree in psychology from Fordham University. I have also taken courses at various times at New York University, St. John's, and Columbia University. I make my living in the business world and I am the Co-President and part owner of a food wholesale company in the city. My avocation is music and writing. More specifically, playing the guitar and writing songs, poems, and articles about our country and our way of life.
I am passionate about many things but most importantly God, my family and my country. Although I am of Italian descent and proud of my heritage, I respect all nationalities and all races and believe, in this country, we are all Americans first and foremost. Although I am Christian, I respect all religions as well as the right of people to practice no religion or believe in no God.
I believe this country has been blessed by God and as such we have a special responsibility in the world of nations, and a special responsibility to acknowledge and respect God in our public life and institutions, as has been out long tradition up until now. I marvel and am constantly amazed at how a nation with so many diverse races, religions, and viewpoints can come together in times of national crisis to uinte as one. E Pluribus Unum; "From many comes one," is not just a saying on our currency, it is the absolute truth. There is a special bond in this country that works its magic in times of crisis and brings us together. I remember how we all spoke with one voice after the terrorist attacks took down the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. The people of New York City, often the subject of criticism by others as being uncaring and arrogant, won the admiration the whole world for the way they handled the situation with unselfish giving. I was particularly proud of the way the whole country came together as one family. It proved to me that the magic is still there. This pride in America and the true spirit of Americans is the subject of some of my songs and writings.
Email Paul Val:Paulvalmusic@aol.com