John Tompson pre-business sophomore

Pre-business sophomore won't dress like Uncle Sam, but loves U.S. flag, multi-colored parrots

WILDCAT: Do you think you are a very patriotic person?

THOMPSON: For the most part, yeah.

WILDCAT: What's your favorite patriotic song?

THOMPSON: The national anthem.

WILDCAT: Want to sing it for me?

THOMPSON: No, thanks.

WILDCAT: Do you have an uncle named Sam?

THOMPSON: No.

WILDCAT: How much would I have to pay you to come to school tomorrow dressed as Uncle Sam ÷ with the red white and blue pants, suspenders and the big old hat.

THOMPSON: I don't really do that kind of stuff.

WILDCAT: Is that going overboard with patriotism?

THOMPSON: Yeah, well, I don't know; that's just not the type of person I am. I really don't dress up weird.

WILDCAT: What would you think of someone who did?

THOMPSON: They would blow me out of the water if they did it.

WILDCAT: Are you going to any of the services tomorrow commemorating those lost on Sept. 11?

THOMPSON: I'll go to something over on the Mall. I'm sure they will be out there all day.

WILDCAT: Do you have a flag?

THOMPSON: Yeah.

WILDCAT: Did you get it right after Sept. 11?

THOMPSON: No, I've always had one. My family is pretty patriotic.

WILDCAT: What is your favorite thing about being an American?

THOMPSON: I'm free. I can do whatever I want. Nothing is limiting you but yourself. There are ways to overcome a lot.

WILDCAT: What if the government decided that the bald eagle needed a friend, what do you think our other national bird should be?

THOMPSON: I don't know. A parrot.

WILDCAT: A red, white and blue parrot?

THOMPSON: Yeah, something all colorful.