After reading William F. Buckley, Jr.'s article on why we don't complain, I feel compelled to respond, respond, and expound on this topic at length. I feel like he never adequately answered the question asked; then, I will proceed to elaborate my reasons why Americans don't complain. The reason why we don't complain is very simple and fundamental. It is because of our culture, tradition and heritage that we cannot complain. It is not polite, it is considered rude and it is not dignified. We are raised to behave well and when we grow up, if we don't behave well, we are punished. The other day I went to a store and purchased something. I was owed 2 cents in change. They didn't even give me change. I didn't say anything about it either because it wasn't much, and if I had asked for change I would have blocked the people in line behind me. In restaurants I don't like ice in my drink because the ice melts and waters down my drink. . Despite this, I never order my drink without ice because doing so is a hassle. We don't want people to have to go out of their way to please us. We want to get in, get out and get on with our lives, without disturbing others. When people complain, at least in public, they draw negative attention to themselves. Who in their right mind wants that? It makes them look like jerks or, at best, hateful. The only time I find this type of behavior appropriate is in traffic situations. If I see someone who obviously doesn't know the correct way to drive their vehicle, I will be the first to voice my criticism. I'll yell at them and hope the message gets through. Usually, though, they can't hear me and my yelling doesn't change their behavior. However, I feel better about at least getting it out.