A Citizen’s Voice

By LAURA SASS

America the beautiful

In this time of great economic upheaval and political uncertainty, it is an easy matter to find something to criticize about this country. One can simply glance at the opinion section of almost any newspaper to read about the many problems the American government is either ignoring or creating. In many cases the blame is justified; however, it is important not to overlook the many positive aspects of being an American.

For a country slightly over 200 years old, America has had a huge impact on the world. Every nation on Earth is affected by the United States. From attempting to emulate us, to burning our president in effigy, this is the nation that the world watches and reacts to.

It makes sense. Since the creation of our country, we have been different. We were the insolent rebels who dared to challenge the most powerful country in the world at that time, and with a little help from France, we actually won. It had never been done before, but America managed to pull it off. Even more impressive was the fact that our government did not fail miserably or become a dictatorship, but remains a democracy to this day.

The Bill of Rights was created to make sure the citizens of America would have the rights that the colonists were denied. Those rights, including voting privileges as well as religious and political freedom, are some of the attributes that make America so attractive to foreigners even now.

Many people who are not in America long to live here. Our country has not only a very high immigration rate, but a large amount of illegal aliens. They come to this country searching for the opportunities and rights they can only find here, which we often take for granted.

America gives money and support to human rights causes everywhere. The dropping of food to the starving civilians in Afghanistan is only the most recent in a long line of people we have tried to help.

This country stands as a symbol for freedom, democracy, and the right of the common people. Our government may not always follow through on these, but this nation inspires oppressed people to look for something better. We are a beacon of hope to many, and an example as well.

In World War II, before the United States entered the conflict, one country stood alone. Great Britain held its ground, bravely but barely. After we entered the war, victory became not only possible but inevitable. Due in large part to American involvement, the war was won and the tyranny of Hitler came to an end.

As an English major, I have learned the characteristics of American literature. Fierce individualism, rebellion, sympathy for the underdog and the creation of a new world are ideas that are not only found in our literature, but in our culture as well. These qualities result in the creation of a people unlike any other.

Throughout America’s short history, it has made many mistakes. It has done many things that seem to be against the principles our ancestors fought so hard for. Our government has been composed of both noble, honorable Americans and dishonest, selfish ones. Throughout the years—the good and the bad—we have still managed to keep the ideals of our newborn country alive.

I am proud to be an American. We have done so much good and broken through so many barriers others dared not tread. This is our country, and what each of us does affects it. We all can change the course of this country’s path if we have the courage to do so. We must not hesitate to speak out against our own government if it is for the greater good of our country. It is not only a right, but a duty to make sure American ideals are kept alive. We are living in a free and prosperous country, but it is the responsibility of each citizen to make sure it stays that way.