Jul 04, 2009, 09:11 AM
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Posted on Sat, Jul. 04, 2009
Cuba native values America's liberties
By Conor Shine
The Wichita Eagle
On the wall in Gus Campuzano's office at the IMA building near Rock Road and K-96 hangs a copy of the Declaration of Independence and a picture of Thomas Jefferson.
Campuzano, who immigrated with his family from Cuba when he was 12 years old in 1960, describes Jefferson as "one of his favorite people."
Also on his wall is a plaque reading "Congratulations Citizen" dated Oct. 6, 1972, the date Campuzano, became a United States citizen.
"It was one of the most exciting days of my life," he said. "I thought 'now I can vote.' " said Campuzano, 61, the vice president of claims at IMA, an insurance company.
The freedom to choose our leaders and engage in the dialogue that helps shape the country, something not possible in Cuba under Fidel Castro, is one of the greatest things about the United States, he said.
"It's the little things that we do each day. It's being able to watch the news," he said. "In many countries you can only watch state-controlled news. Here you have the option to choose. Here you have the freedom to pursue your goals and reach your dreams."
© 2009 Wichita Eagle and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kansas.com
http://www.kansas.com/news/story/878734.html
Posted on Sat, Jul. 04, 2009
Cuba native values America's liberties
By Conor Shine
The Wichita Eagle
On the wall in Gus Campuzano's office at the IMA building near Rock Road and K-96 hangs a copy of the Declaration of Independence and a picture of Thomas Jefferson.
Campuzano, who immigrated with his family from Cuba when he was 12 years old in 1960, describes Jefferson as "one of his favorite people."
Also on his wall is a plaque reading "Congratulations Citizen" dated Oct. 6, 1972, the date Campuzano, became a United States citizen.
"It was one of the most exciting days of my life," he said. "I thought 'now I can vote.' " said Campuzano, 61, the vice president of claims at IMA, an insurance company.
The freedom to choose our leaders and engage in the dialogue that helps shape the country, something not possible in Cuba under Fidel Castro, is one of the greatest things about the United States, he said.
"It's the little things that we do each day. It's being able to watch the news," he said. "In many countries you can only watch state-controlled news. Here you have the option to choose. Here you have the freedom to pursue your goals and reach your dreams."
© 2009 Wichita Eagle and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.kansas.com
http://www.kansas.com/news/story/878734.html