Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Are you proud to be an American?

I was reading an online newspaper and happened upon this statement from an Obama supporter: "If Obama wins the election, I will then be proud to be an American."

This statement amazed me. You see, I've never considered that my pride in being a citizen of this Country had anything to do with who sat in the Oval office. If that were true, I would very possibly be proud only every four to eight years.

The good, or bad, that Mr.Obama will do is yet to be seen. It could take years to see if he will actually follow through on what he has said he will do.

But our Ancestors have already stood the test. They courageously took a trip across treacherous seas to come to a new land. A land that promised freedoms that they hoped and dreamed of. Freedoms that cost many hardships and loss of lives.

And what of the many, many soldiers who have given their lives in so many battles throughout history? I would say that they have certainly stood the test.

How could I attach to one man my feeling towards my Country, when many men and women have bravely paved the way for the life that I am allowed to live here?

Does everything about America made me feel proud? No, certainly not.

When I see a picture of our American flag lying on the ground engulfed in flames as an expression of free speech... my heart is saddened.

When I hear of kindergarten children being asked to fill out cards provided by their school teacher in support of freedom of sexual choice... I am deeply disturbed.

And when I think of that most innocent of creatures, an unborn human being, being sucked into a sink, because of someones desire to selfishly be "free" of the responsibility... I wonder if some of those among us can even have a conscience.

But I still believe America is the greatest country in the world.

And for those whose pride is tied to one man or ideal: I hope that you will one day understand what true pride in being an American is and should be.

Because until you do, you will never truly be able to appreciate or be grateful to those who have given you that privilege.

9 comments:

Nikki said...

I'm sure you heard the Michelle Obama said that she was finally proud to be an American when her husband became the Democrat presidential choice. I'm also sure that you know that people on the far left HATE our country. I don't understand why, but they do.

Marva said...

I am proud..... I am NOT proud that Obama is our next president though. I will pray for him and our country and the ones that hate it, also the ones that were Not proud before last night.

Blessings!!!!

bigSIS said...

I agree with you whole-heartedly. Though I proudly voted for McCain yesterday, I was still proud to hear Obama's address last night as he won the election. As you said, he has yet to prove himself. I've decided that no matter what, as a PROUD American, I will stand behind whomever is in the oval office but retain my right to disagree with him. As my dh said, this could prove to be a very interesting time in America...so long as we keep our eyes open to the truths of our heritage.

Mrs. Darling said...

speaking of schools it will be interesting to see what happens to our right to homeschool now.

Gwendolyn said...

I'm always proud to be an American...although I'm not especially proud of the American people right now. But! God is in control, and I will do as the Word says and pray for our new leader. :o)

Nikki said...

Just being an American makes me proud. Seeing a soldier in Wal-Mart makes me proud. Singing the National Anthem makes me proud. Saying the Pledge of Alliegance makes me proud. Just looking at this beautiful country God made makes me proud.

Presidents do not always make me proud. I'm with you...they have no bearing on whether I'm a proud American or not.

Kaye said...

I can't imagine depending upon one person (aka the President) to make me proud of my country. There are so many things about our country...both in its history and its present state to be proud of. Sure, there are plenty of things to not be proud of (many of which you listed), but I have a hard time believing that we are still not the most properous, free country in the entire world and it took a lot of hard work from a lot of people to get us there. And for that...I am proud.

As a brief commentary, I will add that I can't imagine why people who hate our country so much don't just leave. They are free to roam throughout the world and find their Utopia.

Okay...soapbox needs a rest.

MyKidsMom said...

You know Kaye, even though I'm not exactly happy with the results of last night, I still can't imagine saying I would leave the country if my candidate didn't get in. Give up my life, my extended family, my church... because of one man? A man who at the most will be in power only 8 years (which isn't long in the grand scheme of things).

But then I don't know of one person who said that about the last election who actually followed through with it. Especially the actor who could never make the money he does if he moved to another country. So I guess who was in the white house really had very little to do with his decisions after all. All smoke and no fire. But it did have a touch of drama to it;)

Little Natural Cottage said...

I've been reading up on your political posts, including the ones on your other blog. Good politickin', mama! Love your spirit and patriatism.

~Kristy @ Homemaker's Cottage