It is a great country that lets anyone, regardless of their political or economic power, speak their mind. While this has been challenged lately by John Ashcroft and his thought police, the fact remains that to an extent unimaginable in most places, we can speak freely and criticize with those in power. While I might be wee bit concerned about an unexpected tax audit popping up in my near future, that does not prevent or preclude me from criticizing our leadership.
Where but in America can a self-educated poor white man from Arkansas become President. Regardless of what Clinton’s policies were, and whether or not you voted for him, his story is the embodiment of the American dream: a poor as dirt fatherless kid becoming President of the United States.
Regardless of whether or not you like George Bush, the fact remains that he can only stay in power for another four years if we re-hire him. Americans, if motivated, can do great things, including removing from power those who do not deserve to hold onto the job they have. All we need is a little nudge or push now and then.
We are a country of amazing resources, both physical and metaphysical. There are those who only focus on what makes each American different, looking to divide us and segment us, they do not understand the strength that diversity provides. Because we are not a homogenous population, we have the ability to constantly change, grow, improve and better ourselves. We are a country made up of the world, which means we have the imagination, dreams and desire of the world at our disposal. All we need to do is capture and harness all of the gifts we have as a nation, and we can truly make this country and this world a better place.
Despite our differences, there is so much that unites us as Americans. Black, White, Asian, Latino, Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu . . . most of us are decent, tolerant people who would extend a hand to another when needed. Think of how we react as people to crises at home and abroad: we mobilize, we donate, we empathize, we care. While at times we can be a crass, ignorant and selfish nation, we are, at our core made up of fundamentally good people.
In the America, religion is a matter of personal choice, and not imposed or impressed on us by others. Though I have been told on more than one occasion by some glassy-eyed soul looking to save me from myself that I am going to hell, the fact remains that you and I are free to worship as we see fit, and for that alone, we should all be thankful.
We as a people desperately want to believe in our leadership. While the past forty years has challenged our faith and trust in our government, at the core, we want to believe that those in power want to serve all of us. This is both a blessing and a curse – because sometimes, we believe when we should criticize, and then, when we feel spurned, criticize when we should believe. And, though I believe our present leadership does not warrant the faith and belief some have in it, I do believe there will come a time where the American people will be mobilized by a true leader – someone who is not in it for anything but what is best for all Americans. When true leadership returns to this country, we will be amazed by what we, as a people, can do.
We have some amazing, hardworking people who never get the credit they deserve – our teachers, social workers, police officers, firefighters, nurses, enlisted men and women, those who just do their jobs, don’t get paid near enough, but keep on going. Think of the scores of volunteers who reach out with their time and their wallet to help others – these hardworking, thoughtful people are the grace that makes this country great. All I can say to you is Thank You.