America is not a perfect country. Turn on any news station, and you’ll hear reports of:
- random acts of violence
- immigration concerns
- politicians telling blatant lies
- blatant acts of discrimination
For all of our flaws, I’m thankful to be an American. I’m proud to live in the United States of America. I don’t think patriotism should be limited to Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day. So for September’s Thankful Thursday, I want to talk about America.
What sets America apart from basically every other country is the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and other constitutional amendments. While an unfortunate number of politicians are more interested in their own cushy jobs and a bigger, more powerful government, America was founded as a nation for the people, by the people.
Granted, in 1787, “people” primarily referred to wealthy, white men. But when their ideals actually apply to all people and not just privileged people, their ideals continue to be pretty good.
I’m thankful for my freedom FROM religion just as much as I am for my freedom OF religion. Alas, not everyone remembers both parts. I’m thankful to know that I will probably never be persecuted for my beliefs as a Christian feminist.
I’m thankful for my freedom of speech. I’m thankful to have a blog where I can write what I want, without fear of government censorship. Of course, other people are also free to write their own blogs and criticize me. After all, freedom of speech goes both ways.
Ever since I discovered my talent for target shooting, I’ve been thankful for my right to gun ownership. Not that I’ve bought a gun yet, because WOW they’re expensive! But I’m hoping a few loving people might chip in next year to buy me a nice handgun, a large quantity of bullets, and time at a gun range for my birthday.
While I didn’t exactly enjoy my first (and only) time serving jury duty, I’m thankful for the right to a jury of my peers, should I ever be accused of a crime.
I’m thankful for the right to vote in the presidential primary and in the general election. I’m thankful for the right to vote in the Midterm Elections.
As Americans, we should be thankful every day for our freedoms. As Americans, we should also peacefully protest and engage in civil disobedience when those freedoms are trampled upon.
Why are you thankful to be an American? Linking up with Charlene for Thankful Thursdays!
Yes yes yes! I think so many people (and I’ve certainly been guilty myself) take these things for granted. Those of us who have never experienced first hand how other countries sometimes handle these things don’t know how thankful we should be. Some of us don’t know what it’s like to not have these freedoms. I guess we’re sheltered in that way. But we should always be thankful and not take it for granted. Thanks for the reminder!
It still doesn’t make sense to me to be proud of being an American. I got to be an American just by being born here. It’s not an accomplishment.
Great read. I am definitely proud to be an American. Especially after watching NatGeo video coverage of what some countries are dealing with. We should always be grateful for the amount of freedom we are granted. Thanks for sharing at Inspiration Thursday.