I am and always have been proud to be American. Having said that, I am not always proud OF America. There are times when as a culture/nation we have failed to live up to our potential and have made mistakes that are disheartening and disillusioning. Even still, there is no place on earth like this land of the free and home of the brave. A quick trip outside our borders to anywhere else confirms and affirms that we enjoy a level of benefit and blessing that is unparalleled. America is arguably the best idea ever--it's a place where individuals are free to choose to work hard to reach personal goals or be lazy and satisified with a mediocre or mundane life experience. For all her faults (perceived and real) I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been blessed enough to be born here.
Recently, I've read two books that I'd like to mention for those who are interested in thinking about the good, the bad, and the difficult related to where we are as a country and where we are going if things continue on the path we seem to be choosing.
The first, written by Dinesh D'Souza, is titled: "What's So Great About America." You may have trouble finding it, but it's worth the search.
The second, "The Late Great United States," is written by Mark Hitchcock. Be warned, this is not light summer reading. It isn't even particularly enjoyable to tell you the truth. But if you are willing and ready to accept that there are statistics and facts that cannot be denied and should not be ignored if we care about our country's future, then it's a "must read".
I will conclude by saying again that I love my country. I am forever indebted to my dad and every other brave man and woman who has served valiantly in the armed forces of this nation to defend freedom, and I am so thankful to God for allowing me to be the beneficiary by birth of the brilliant ideas of my forefathers. I will never take for granted the privilege of growing up in the land of the free and the home of the brave, and as long as I have breath I will continue to say "thank you" to God for letting me enjoy the blessings of living here.
Happy Birthday America!
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