This video resonated with me like few things have. I’m not a flag waver or “my country right or wrong” proponent and I have never felt “proud to be an American”- not because I have any shame or regrets, but because I don’t feel I’ve done anything to earn the right to be proud. Mostly, I feel fortunate to be an American.
Three of my four grandparents were immigrants and one was the son of an immigrant. I feel fortunate that they all emigrated to this country and provided my parents, and consequently myself with the ability to enjoy and experience all this great country has to offer. Much of that greatness is captured in the accompanying video.
This country has given me the freedom to travel and to live where I wanted- when I wanted. It has given me the freedom to obtain better employment and when I determined that I was unemployable, it allowed me the freedom to start my own business- more than once.
It is unfortunate that so many native-born Americans have no regard for what this country has to offer. Yet immigrants- especially those who have lived under oppression- appreciate the freedom and opportunities this country offers. My advice to America-haters is to relocate to country that is governed by the socialist or communist policies they revere.
America isn’t perfect and our government has made numerous mistakes over the years. And it’s still making mistakes. But it’s still the best country in the world in which to live.
A 1776 Moment