I don't really have anything pithy or profound about today. The only dash of insight I have comes from living abroad for a few years. Without the laws and American culture it is easy to recognize the many things we take for granted. But in all reality it's not that different when putting the entire world into perspective. I mean, there are some dire situations around the world, and it should not be glossed over, but I have great hopes for our futures and the future of our country. The fact that we are aware the some of the problems and have programs (however not helpful some of them might be) to aid those in need makes us not so bad. And considering how bad many countries are out there, us being "not so bad" is a big deal considering our position in the world. I'm happy to be a citizen of this country, and I think if given a choice I would choose America not just for selfish reasons. We are allowed to be proud of our heritage, however checkered it might be. Taking the good with the bad is what being an American is all about. It's about our freedoms and learning that freedom is costly.
Taking a moment to to think about these things is what the 4th is to me. Reflect on the cost and benefits of our freedom, and to try to make the world a little better by me being in it.
-A
