This Home of the Brave


Why is it that badmouthing America is its citizen’s favorite pastime? Way too often, I hear unsolicited criticisms about this country’s culture, government, and very society. These criticisms, however, are usually given by the people themselves. Did it ever occur to them that maybe their contagious hatred is much of the reason our country is so “horrible”?
Sure, America isn’t at its highest. If I’m truthful, I’ll admit it’s probably at its lowest point ever in history; gas prices are tremendous, our national debt is nearly at 17 trillion dollars. But every nation throughout history has had a temporary downfall; Germany during World War II, China during the invasion of the Zhou dynasty in 771 B.C., the Carolingian division in A.D. 814. But they all came around. Every one of them. So why do the Americans have such little faith in what has been our home for hundreds of years?

Some people might say things like, “this is not how the Founding Fathers would’ve wanted it!” But everything changes. It’s a natural part of life, no matter how hard one tries to prevent it. You can’t lock up a person in a box and expect them to stay the same. Besides, with our country’s change comes all this wonderful technology; the internet, cell phones, medicines and lifesaving surgeries. Things that people a thousand years ago would have killed for.

And don’t forget, there are very good people out there. Doctors, preachers, scientists who work to make our country better. Every day, hundreds of brave soldiers are heading out to battle to be killed by the dozen for America. And if all we can do is rant on about the country’s sad state, what are they dying for?

God made this world for us. He gave it to us as a magnificent gift until we leave for our eternal paradise. But it doesn’t seem like very grateful conduct, when all we do is talk about how terrible a place in which we live. You can’t help what you hate. So how about, instead of criticizing every tight-jeaned girl who passes by, let’s all be thankful and work together as one, not as a divided country? Help our home by proving that we’re worthy to live in one of the best nations history has ever seen. There’s a reason we sing the National Anthem before every graduation, before every ball game. There’s a reason children recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day. We can do this. America is amazing and has yet to reach its golden age.