Proud of my Country (another rant)

Okay, time for another rant, this one has been building slowly and today I had to let this one out. I was on forum I sometimes frequent, and the amount of folks on there who seem to be disgusted with our country is incredible. I’m not sure WHY so many today seem to have this love affair with BASHING America…..Attacking its heritage, the religion that was once very prevalent in its founding. This strong “need” to apologize to other countries because of our “arrogance”, as President Obama recently proclaimed. It seems as if being PROUD of our Country has somehow become a bag thing.

I just think we must be reminded that we, the United States of America have done more to promote freedom and democracy in the world than the rest of the entire planet. With American Pride, we are always, the first nation to immediately help out another nation after a major disaster. It is Americans that PROUDLY grows the food that feeds starving people all over this earth. It is PROUD Americans that develops the drugs and delivers, personally, to cure the sick across this world. It is Proud Americans that has always been able to help raise other countries from grinding poverty and make better lives for their families.

But somehow, we have large groups of citizens who think it is arrogant, to use the words “proud to be an American”.

I don’t know about you, but I still get a small lump in my throat when I am asked to place my hand over my heart and face the flag at ballgames while we play our National Anthem. When I see soldiers in uniform, when I walk into an election booth, when I get to watch fireworks with my family every 4^th of July, when I walk into my church every Sunday, or just being able to watch my kids open gifts on Christmas morning are all PROUD moments when I am so thankful that I am an American.

Yet, today we have so many folks who are becoming lethargic and apathetic with the all of the freedoms we all have. The phrase that JFK instilled in so many of us years ago, with "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country"….has somehow been transformed into demanding what this country can do for “ME”.

I’m mean think about it! Right now our country is very much divided. But, we have the freedom to speak and express our opinions. It is up to us to settle our own issues. We have the privilege to sit down in the comfort of our homes and turn on a TV, and watch our potential leader’s debate and try to convince us on why they should be our next President of the United States. Even though I very much disagree with our current leadership, I am still proud to live in a country knowing that its citizens have the right to change directions or to continue down the chosen path.

I know that some may be getting tired of my constant writing on American pride, but I have this burning passion and love affair with my country. I really do. The biggest regret I have in my life is that I never served my country by joining the Military. I think that may be one reason why I want so badly to see to it that my children have the same privileges that I have had. My faith in God, love for my family are all possible because of the PROUD forefathers that gave their lives to create this nation, PROUD Americans that gave their lives to protect this nation, and well, just all of the Americans who are PROUD of this country.

To sum it all up for me as Christmas approaches, I am looking forward to spending time with my family, and to reflect upon my religious freedoms that were given to me. For me and my family, we proudly accept that Christmas is exactly what it was meant to be. Celebrating the birth of Christ and the through that birth gives us the opportunity to have eternal freedoms.

May you all have a Merry Christmas,

CMerritt