Posted by
Ken Maes on Sunday, August 31, 2008 7:27:18 PM
I was recently reviewing different web pages and blogs regarding this political season and the fireworks launched back and forth between political parties. However one thing struck me more than all the others and those were the statements made by Michele Obama.
She stated and I will be paraphrase her statement: First she claimed that for the first time in her adult life she was proud to be an American. In another statement she claimed that America was a downright mean country.
As I was absorbing these two remarks made by the potential First Lady of the United States I started thinking as to why someone in her position would make such a statement. Was I missing something? Were my eyes closed to what was happening in America today? Was America a mean country? Are we proud to be Americans? So the deeper I reflected on these questions the more I realized that Michele Obama was wrong and wondered which America does she live in.
I looked back as far as my memory could take me and I came to the conclusion that I have always been a PROUD AMERICAN! Even in the darkest hours of our history America has always been a great country. It has given those who have come here the opportunity to make something of themselves, to realize the great American Dream. I still get excited and get goosebumps when the National Anthem is played. I feel proud when I place my hand over my heart when saying the Pledge of Allegiance. I feel so proud when I hear or sing God Bless America, land of the free and home of the brave, for surely God has blessed us. I am proud of my service to this country in the Navy and Air Force.
What about being a mean country. I don't think so! Americans are the most generous in the world. Compared to other countries our giving to disaster relief organizations far exceed everyones. Americans are quick to lend a helping hand to those truely in need. However I can understand why some would get the perception that we are a mean and evil country. Just look at the news media and what they focus on. The majority of what they cover is bad so I guess what they say is true about the media, "if it bleeds, it leads." Look at our politicians on both sides. All they try and do is shove down our throats how bad things are rather then how great we are as a nation and how great we can still become.
So in the end the only conclusion I can come to is that I feel so sorry for Michele Obama that she would feel like she does, especially when she has been given opportunities that have led her to where she is today. Only in America can we achieve our dreams. And Michele, I for one am a Proud American and no Michele we are not a mean country. God bless you and yours and God bless America.