By BOB SCAROLA

I believe the values of our nation have changed. I am not going to speak of moral or social, but of political values. Every day we see extremists on both ends of the political spectrum battling it out, saying either, "Up against the wall, Commies!" or "Up against the wall, Pigs!" Both sides say the other should be either obliterated or sent to the moon. Both want the other to shut up for good. But our country gives us, as Americans, the right of free speech.

Ironic, isn't it? Our government gives us the right to denounce itself and others in it. America is one of the few countries that still has an inalienable right such as this one. Often this right leads to improvement. It is America's life blood But still both sides do not appreciate that right, and they abuse it.

Another value is that of the sense of equality. In my opinion, there are two types of equality: social and civil. Social means the Marxian style. No one will have needs, all will be cared for, but always a master will exist.

In our nation we also have civil equality, which ties in with the second paragraph. We all have the same rights as citizens. Under these rights an arrested millionaire from Kenilworth has the same rights as an arrested black from Chicago's South Side. No more rights and no less, although sometimes in government offices, the police or any other institution may feel swayed to treat one person more harshly than another.

We, as Americans, need and love these rights. With them, we can accomplish anything to better our nation. One suggestion is to think positive. We Americans as a whole have not done this in a long time.