Tuesday means Rambling. Still thinking today about how I’m proud to be an American…
- Most folks know the Lee Greenwood song. The tune gets stuck into your head. I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free…
- What does “proud” mean in this sense?
- Sometimes pride = arrogance. Not in this sentiment.
- To say I’m proud to be an American does not mean I have to demean others.
- Part of the pride, though, comes in a recognition of differences.
- In America, the freedom of speech really stands out.
- We can freely agree, dissent, debate, disagree, criticize, and praise our government leaders.
- Most Americans have no idea how much that means, especially in heavy handed governments.
- This will surprise most of you to hear this: Our government has functioned for centuries in a way that provides opportunity for the people.
- Many people have no idea what it means to live under a corrupt or self-serving government.
- We may complain of taxes or bureaucracy. We may complain it takes too long at the DMV.
- We don’t have a government who steals relief funds intended for the poor and disadvantaged.
- We don’t have a government who snuffs out dissent, using intimidation and even execution.
- We don’t have a government who collect a third or more of our income in taxes and distributes it in the name of sharing.
- In the United States, we value the free exchange of ideas, or at least we should.
- Why? Free speech means something. Look up Jamal Khashoggi if you don’t understand your freedom of speech.
- Why? Men and women have sacrificed greatly to protect what we value. We have fought wars and people have willingly died to maintain this.
- This has nothing to do with liberal or conservative values.
- This has nothing to do with painting the U.S. as some flawless entity. Hogwash.
- I’ll continue to use my voice of displeasure for our own inequities and injustices.
- I’m proud to be an American because we have values and we live in freedom often ignorant to the plight of others who simply don’t have the same choices we have.
- I’m proud to be an American because people value our country and recognize we have a lot.
- Like you, I spent the weekend immersed in patriotic sentiment. I’m not proud of everything America stands for.
- I am encouraged by what unites. I am encouraged by the response in tragedy, even vicious attack.
- I am encouraged that we still know how to come together in some ways.
- By and large, something special dwells in this land. I wouldn’t want to live in another nation. Perhaps God will call me and if so I would answer.
- But I live in Akron, OH in the U.S.A. I want to steward my freedom and opportunity well, to leverage resource for the sake of generosity toward others.
- But I have what I have due to freedom, and the lucky chance I was born free. For that I’m grateful.
- I’m proud to be an American.