One thing I have learned in life, in my studies, and in my time as a blogger is that is in incredibly difficult to manage a large, diverse country in today’s modern, globalized world. In America, we are at least free to have open discourse, and have a responsive and accountable Federal government (despite current partisan bickering, at least we’ve been able to avoid Civil War / a military coup, and are no longer mired in Recession). We live in a country that indiscriminately upholds human rights and freedom from want and fear, and is attempting to spread that normative vision to all corners of the world.

We are by no means perfect, but I think America is certainly doing least worst of the World Powers; we can certainly celebrate that! Those who decry the “downfall” of America simply do not know what they are talking about. Just because other countries have seen gains in the past decades does not take away anything from America’s accomplishments. In actuality, this is the desired effect of U.S. foreign policy, the Marshal Plan, the United Nations, and any other organization / program that attempts to build peace and economic growth through cooperation and interdependence.

Today, and everyday, I am proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free to voice my opinion and realize my full potential as a person. God Bless America! Bless Americans and people everywhere who share our values!

Happy 4th of July