I grow intolerant of people who enjoy maligning America. Consider the case of Zimbabwe, a nation of 12 million oppressed and unhappy people, with vast natural resources including oil, coal, copper, zinc and platinum.

In March, an election was held in Zimbabwe. Morgan Tsvangirai was elected over incumbent Robert Mugabe, president since 1980 when the country became independent. Mugabe did not accept the election results. Violence ensued, and many thousands of Tsvangirai supporters have been killed, imprisoned and tortured. There was a run-off election June 27 that was named by many, including Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a "sham."

Compare this to our electoral process in which Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, after 16 months of long and rigorous debates, came together for Clinton to declare her support of Obama. The occasion was a touching display of civility, cordiality and mutual respect.

Observing our democracy at work is enough to stir up the highest instinct of patriotism and devotion to America. As Americans, we enjoy the supremacy of the rule of law, and not the whims of a person, to guarantee our freedom.

I take tremendous joy and honor in being an American and am happy to pay my taxes to sustain the system.

Assad Meymandi, M.D., Ph.D.

Raleigh

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