Another Fourth of July approaches as our country is embroiled in
another conflict. Regardless of what you think about the War on
Terrorism or the war in Iraq, it IS important that we reflect on the
goodness and the greatness of the United States of America.
I know America bashing has been a popular sport since long before I
came along. But, my frame of reference starts in my high school days
during the height of Vietnam. I remember many of the same protests we
hear today about America being an imperialist power, about how we
destroy the environment and how we oppress our own people. And, I
wonder, "Has nothing changed? Are we no better than we were then OR
were we ever really as bad as that?"
Certainly, ours is not a Utopian society where no one suffers and
everyone wins all the time. I don't think such a place exists on
Earth... or ever could. But, I do think the United States is as close
as mankind has ever come to creating anything close to a
self-sustaining society that exemplifies freedom, opportunity and
goodness to both the World and to its own citizens.
While many predict the destruction of America and its ideals, I
predict just the opposite. Some view America as the land of greed;
corruption; racism; hostility toward the environment, human rights and
the poor, and war-mongering imperialism. Folks on the other end of the
spectrum warn of pending doom because of moral decay, our bloated and
ineffective government, pacifism, the ACLU and an over-reaching
judiciary. Unfortunately, both sides see the solutions to THEIR
perceived problems with America as more Government involvement in
people's personal and business lives.
America is a good and noble nation. With few exceptions, we've
always been a good world citizen. Whenever tragedy strikes, the World
looks to America and America responds. If a crisis (real or perceived)
exists, the World looks to America to provide scientists, workers,
military or financial support and America responds. Whether it's the
United nations, the World Bank or a host of other international
agencies, the majority of their funding is provided by the United
States. America is a good world neighbor and a good country. America is
good.
America is great. Peoples from all over the world risk life, limb
and wealth to get themselves and their families to America. They know
that if they can just get to America, they have a chance to build a
life free of fear, disease and tyranny. Our country was formed on the
premise that "all men (Mankind) were created equal and endowed by their
Creator with certain unalienable rights, among them life, liberty and
the pursuit of happiness". From our Declaration of Independence that
set the American Ideal to our Constitution that limits the power of
Government and was (and IS) prejudiced in favor of individual freedom
and responsibility, everything about America says "You can!"
In America, can you speak out against your Government and political
leaders without fear of retribution. In America, you can worship (or
not) as you please. In America, you can start as a poor child raised in
Government housing or as an immigrant farm worker to become a
millionaire in your own business. In America, you can dream. You can be
as great as your imagination will allow you to be or as sorry and lazy
as you want to be. In America, opportunity flourishes because
innovation rarely waits on the Government. In America, you can get rich
from a good idea or by developing your skills, knowledge and talent. In
America, you can determine your own future. Despite our flaws,mistakes
and blemishes, America is a great country. Simply put, America is great.
During this Independence Day weekend, please take a moment to
reflect on America's greatness. think about it in terms that reflect
and affect your own life, those around you and the World as a whole.
Strive to be the best you can be and to live up to the greatness our
Founding Fathers saw in YOU and in YOUR country.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Tim Langley is a chiropractor, economist and business consultant. He lives and practices in Marietta, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. Dr. Langley writes on issues that relate to health, business, personal development, economic development and politics. He is also the developer of "The Membership Practice". You can find out more about Dr. Langley at his web site http://www.langleychiropractic.com or through his blog at http://drtim.wordpress.com. You can write or visit Dr. Langley at 2100 Roswell Road #200C-526, Marietta, GA 30062.
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