Keeping Faith in America

As I sit here this evening and write my column, I am convinced we as a people cannot allow ourselves to start questioning the greatness of the American experience or lose faith in who we are as a nation and its core values. Instead, what we need to do is reach deep into the great fabric of this nation and do what we know is right as we adjust. 

I base that belief on the positive discussions I have held over the last three weeks with folks I have met while on my travels throughout the Scandinavian nations while here on holiday. These people have shared their beliefs on the America they have seen from the outside while looking in and outside my normal sphere of friends from at home.

These discussions were held with both men and women from throughout our own nation and those of other friends of the America I know which we all believe in. Oh, I know it is not a scientific study based upon any great scholar’s reflections or studies, but I believe in these folks as they speak from their hearts and have no agendas. 

On July 4, we will have celebrated our 247th Birthday of the great American experiment. Our Republic is as strong as ever and the values which are found in both the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights serve as an example that all free men and women around the world aspire to. That is right - the vision from 247 years ago continues to live on.

Today, we as the citizens of this great nation continue to strive to seek out justice for those that have been denied that basic right which continues as a core value aspired to by all. It is that desire to see all people, regardless of race, color or creed afforded that basic right. 

We as Americans have seen both difficult and good times over the years of our existence as a free society. We have often been blamed for the evil in the world by those seeking to divide us but are the first people to be called upon to rid the world of true evil itself due to the core values which exist within us as a people. 

In the view of America’s critics, both domestic and foreign, we do not appear to be able to do anything right and they will afford any opportunity to take the cheap shots whenever they feel they can take advantage of the timing or circumstances. 

We are a nation that is proud to have patriotism flow through our DNA itself. We have the strength to reflect on our weaknesses and criticisms while seeking to repair those very faults and improve on those which we find are not worthy of the respect I know others have for us. 

We did so with the wrongs brought about by slavery, segregation and racial injustice which were brought upon our proud history and will continue to do so until they are completely eradicated. We have looked upon ourselves and contemplated the meaning of the phrase in our own Declaration of Independence as penned by Thomas Jefferson which declared, “All Men Are Created Equal.” 

As a people, we sought to right the injustice of the time as we matured as a people. That journey was a long and difficult one, but one which we as a people were dedicated to seeing to its appropriate conclusion, no matter how difficult that journey might be. 

We are a people that have dedicated treasure and blood to protect those who have and are fighting against tyranny. Our soldiers stepped onto foreign soil all over the world, not to conquer or enslave people but to free those oppressed by totalitarianism. 

Our detractors seek to exaggerate our faults as they turn their backs on what is good and great about the America you and I know. They do so to destroy this Grand Republic and replace it with an experiment in Socialism which has so miserably failed over the years in so many other nations. 

My family’s lineage is that of immigrants. Both my mother’s and father’s parents came to this country to find a better life for themselves. They would bring much of what they loved about their cultures while blending those attributes into what has become known as an “American Culture” which is known today in their new homeland. 

They would adopt America as their new home and become a part of the fabric which has made this such a wonderful nation, rich in many heritages, religions, and traditions. We as a nation celebrate those heritages and traditions and would never seek to eliminate them. Because of this, we are a stronger nation for it as Americans. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA.

You would have had to have traveled throughout the world as I have to understand what true poverty is. However, these Third World Nations will find Americans working there to lift those people out of distress. Americans are there to help provide safer drinking water, as well as better hygiene and efforts to try and lift the most vulnerable out of the most abysmal states of poverty you can imagine. 

The American Flag provides hope for those who had none, not for a cheap political visual for a 30–second view on the nightly newscast. 

We are the nation that has put men on the moon and developed cures for diseases which previously to now have killed millions while developing technological marvels that have created a better way of life for all. 

Today, people are living longer and more satisfying lives. In 1900 the life expectancy in the United States was 50 years old. Today, it is more than 75 years. More time to play with grandkids and enjoy a more vigorous life. 

Are we a perfect nation? Of course not. We are fallible as human beings, but we have shown we can correct these imperfections and rise to greater accomplishments throughout our 247-year history. 

America is far from being an evil nation. The America I know is made up of individuals of great humanity and kindness. We are first to assist those in need, no matter where that need exists, as well as being some of the most generous individuals on the planet. 

We do not burn down buildings, torch cars, pillage storefronts and loot businesses. We accomplish change by being part of the solution and not the problem. We do not violently assault innocent civilians or attack first responders and law enforcement officers. 

Our patience for this type of criminal behavior has reached its breaking point, and these heinous acts must end or those which participate in them will face the consequences. Our liberties and our democracy are at risk, and we must act to restore order. 

I am tired of this, as are the majority of Americans witnessing the carnage being wrought upon the American landscape. Enough is enough, it is time to restore the order and dignity, which was once the America we were all proud of. 

We need to do this as a commitment as Americans on this, the 247th Birthday of the greatest nation on earth.