Isn’t it wonderful to be living in the greatest country in the world? We may have our recessions and our corrupt politicians, and our inept lawmakers, but compared to the rest of the world, we’re pretty darned fortunate. If you don’t believe me, ask yourself how many people are trying to slip into Brazil, or France, or Mexico, or Japan to live! No, they all want to come here, because this really is the land of the free and the home of the brave.
If you have never traveled outside of this great land of ours, you really don’t have any idea what life is like for the great majority of people in the world. We are free to come and go as we want without requiring special permission, we can work at whatever career we choose, and we can voice our opinion, right or wrong, without fear of retribution from the government.
Every day I get e-mails from people telling me how terrible President Obama is, how he is going to turn our country into a giant cesspool, and on and on, ad nauseum. I find these messages foolish and boring and I delete 99% of them without opening them. Not because I am a Democrat (I’m not) or because I’m a Liberal (I’m not), but because I grew up in the country, and I can recognize the smell of bulls%#$ no matter what political flavor it carries.
But no matter what your politics are, think about this for a moment. We live in a nation where you can send out messages criticizing the government and the President, and not have to worry that storm troopers are going to kick in your door tonight. That’s pretty cool, isn’t it?
I said above that I am not a Democrat or a Liberal, but neither am I a Republican or a Conservative. I don’t blindly follow any political party, because that is not what this country is all about. It is about each of us being able to make our own decisions, not having somebody make them for us.
I am an American, and a patriot, and I don’t and won’t apologize for either. I stop what I’m doing and hold my hand over my heart when the National Anthem is played. I still get choked up when I see Old Glory snapping proudly in the breeze. My eyes tear up when I see news stories about our brave military men and women being welcomed home after a tour of duty overseas, and I say a silent prayer for those still in harm’s way.
I come from a long line of men who fought for America, and I respect the sacrifices generations of Americans have made to keep us free. I love my country, even if I don’t always agree with the direction our leaders sometimes take.
Happy Birthday, America. For 233 years, we have set the standard that the rest of the world aspires to be.
Thought For The Day – Talk is cheap because supply exceeds demand.
Nick Russell
World-Famous, New York Times Best Selling Author, and All-Around Nice Guy!
AMEN!! Have a nice 4th Nick.
Bravo, Nick! Keep throwing out the BS that comes in! We agree with you.
We haven’t ancestors that we know about who have had to fight the battles overseas, but we sure do appreciate those who have done so or are doing so now. We’ll be in the Benson, AZ, 4th of July parade today, on the Knights of Columbus float. If we see you along the route, we’ll wave.
One must not confuse the realities of today with the memories & hopes of the past. You are writing about the America I remember & love, not the America of today. In the past, I have always been proud to fly my American flag, but since November 5, 2008 it has been rolled up & is in storage.
Nick:
From one Viet Nam vet to another; thanks for your srevice and “Welcome home, brother” !!!!!
Amen, and, Amen!!! Great post today, Nick. And, I add my thanks to you for your patriotic service and for your good words today. Happy 4th to you and Miss Terry. God bless America.
Gosh Max, your guy loses and you take your toys and stop playing!
Joyce, I have never considered the American flag a toy. My concern with the future of America is definitely more than “playing”. I have always been proud to be an American and am concerned we are loosing the freedom that so many have sacrificed so much for.
We happened to celebrate 4th of July in Alberta, Canada where the American flag and the National Anthem were sung at the Calgary Stampede to honor all the Americans in attendance. On Friday, we sat among many RVers (clubs and caravans) in the bleachers at the Stampede Parade. Whenever an American flag passed, the groups all stood and removed hats in respect for the flag and what it represents. What was even as memorable was that whenever a Canadian (or other nationality) military unit passed, these same Americans stood to honor those military men and women (and even a youth cadet squad). Made us feel extra proud to be an American.
CoolJudy