To the editor:

I bet nearly all Americans agree with Mr. Werling that we are grateful to have been born in the U.S. and not in a country were the opportunities for individual freedom and development are far fewer. We do celebrate our good fortune and good luck. One logical extension of his argument is that he/we might have been less fortunate and might be one of the millions that desire to come to the U.S. to share what the U.S. offers. It is easy to understand and sympathize with those millions, and I hope Mr. Werling is leveraging his international connections to elevate the health and well being of those less fortunate.

Mr. Werling writes that he rose from humble beginnings to achieve the American Dream, suggesting that if he can do it, anyone can do it. We applaud Mr. Welling’s successes, but is his premise correct?

I am guessing the Mr. Werling is a white male. Just as he did not want to be born in Zimbabwe, I suspect he would prefer to not have been born black, or even female. The point is that even in the U.S., the playing field has not been level, the same opportunities are not available for all, and the road to success is steeper for many, including women and minorities.

It is important that we recognize our society’s shortcomings and work for change. Recognition may require protest (the squeaky wheel gets the grease). If I understand Mr. Werling’s point, he seems to demonize protest as being destructive. I suggest that we embrace the protest that correctly points out our country’s faults so that we can grow in a united way and every person can experience the same opportunity.

Scott Mills, Nashville