Reader sees value in time-honored American tradition

Dear, Louis Avallone, My name is Matt Barcelona. I am a local orthopedic physical therapist. I recently read your article in [April 2 issue of] The Forum titled “Hard Work – Fighting the loss of a timehonored virtue.”

I felt compelled to respond and thank you for that article. I couldn’t agree more. As I get older, I am realizing more and more the lack of hard work of today’s society. It starts in Washington, D.C., and trickles down to everyone. This mentality goes completely against what this country was founded upon. It’s a multi-faceted problem with socioeconomic, political, educational and moral infl uences.

I’m also realizing that there are less and less young people who still value and appreciate the concept of hard work. I take pride in my long workdays and endless hours spent on literature/research reviews so I can effectively treat patients with current evidence. Working hard and exceeding others’ expectations is paramount to our economy’s success, and this country desperately needs more of it. I have an old-school mentality, I suppose. I’m thankful to the generations before mine for defi ning what hard work really means.

I only hope that young people can get back on board with “The American Dream” so we can honor the ones who worked hard to make this country the great place that it once was. Otherwise, America’s future is scary to think about.

– Matt Barcelona