I love being an American. Know how lucky I am being born here.
When I traveled internationally, the best part of each trip the return home.
In Zurich on 9/11, fortunately, on the first flight arriving in the US on the 14th, an amazing feeling; using the equipment originally headed for Kennedy, which was closed. Our reception at the gate loud, memorable, and very patriotic.
My father a proud veteran, loved this country, but never had a lot of material wealth – a fact he didn’t hold against anyone. But we had everything we needed, so there’s that.
His dream – and actions – were for the lives of his children to be better than his and that’s come true.
I’m very aware how lucky I am having had loving and nurturing parents; not something to take for granted.
Proud to be an American, lucky to live here – which used to be a common sentiment, but apparently not so much now.
Lots of Americans disagree with my pro-American sentiments.
Half the country’s not too thrilled with the president, and communism/socialism is on the march.
I understand and sympathize with the former, but would remind that presidents come and go, the country surviving each of them. If you don’t like things, vote. If you live in Illinois, vote early and often. If you’re in California, vote 3 weeks late.
And if you think political solutions are the answer, in 6 months we’ll be stealing Erno’s nose.
As to the latter, Cuba, China and Russia ain’t great places to live, so tread lightly. And tearing down western civilization seems like a slightly bad idea.
And lots of other folks are ‘victims’, meaning the country hasn’t delivered (i.e. given them) the ‘promised’ good life.
The notion that this is a Land of Opportunity no longer totally believed, which I get, since this generation may not be better off than their parents; but one can definitely still get ahead here.
Other folks trying to start a class war, with their cries of Tax the Rich! The loudest voice with 3 homes…
And we’ve reached a point where we hate the people we disagree with, a lot of threatened violence.
A reminder: The other side is not just the other side. They too are Americans, but with differing opinions. Polarization is okay, it’s how you polarize – politely, please.
And while our international relations mildly strained, America remains the world’s super-power, leading in commerce, culture, innovation – who else could have thought of the hot dog? And added chili, a master stroke.
Oddly, the arrival of the ‘wrong’ football may save the holiday, make us proud to be Americans again.
The World Cup’s arrived in the US, welcoming the world and the world’s game.
Foreign tourists providing an alternate – and refreshing – view of America.
Proving: If you want to hate America, read about it; If you want to love America, visit.
And our foreign visitors loving America.
Evident with their Instagram/Facebook posts: Buc-ee’s, air conditioning, and ranch dressing; but America’s scale amazing – a very large country, essentially 9 or more regions with distinct, distinguishing characteristics.
The clincher: American hospitality. We’ve welcomed and embraced our visitors. And they’ve reciprocated. A love fest, as it were.
And a love fest with the US men’s team, who’ve clinched a berth in the Sweet Sixteen (that may be a trademark violation), with a great shot at the quarters.
Who knew nil-nil could be so exciting?
So, today a big day, honoring our 250th: Happy Birthday to the greatest country in the world!
If you don’t believe that, then you’re not paying attention and beyond persuasion …
ENHANCE YOUR ENJOYMENT OF THIS POST, PAIR WITH THE FOLLOWING ‘AGING HIPSTER MUSIC/READING’:
Fruit Bat’s new album is out, and really good!
And Love Is Not Enough still available on Amazon. What a great read for anyone who has dealt with mental health or addiction issues. Or just wants to read about family love and recovery.