Wide Angle Lenz [beta]

The United States of America recently celebrated its 232nd birthday, and three weekends ago I was questioning just how proud I am to be an American – it was a rather mixed moment.

I found myself saying the Pledge of Allegiance on the last weekend of June. I did it so much in elementary school, it’s kind of like picking up a bicycle after years of not riding it – you still remember how to do it just fine. It’s a good thing I could recite it so well too, because I actually went into autopilot about halfway through. As I was saying the words my mind started asking, “How do you feel being an American now?”

With the country’s worldwide popularity at one of its lowest points, combined with my feelings on the current administration of the country, I wasn’t exactly sure if I could say “I’m proud to be an American.” It’s just unfortunate that when the world thinks of America, they think of our President and/or his decisions. Or assuming that we all just sit here, thinking no one else is important, not bothering to think outside the country or learn another language. But it’s not our leadership that defines who I am as an American, it’s my decisions. And, of course, I am incredibly proud – and eternally grateful – of the freedoms I enjoy as an American. But beyond that, I can do my part to help the country, or I can build a business so I can help those in need in and out of America, and I can represent my views on what I think the country should do or wish the country would do.

I AM PROUD to have the men and women in our armed forces represent our country, and saddened at the same time that their loyalty and honor is attached to the poor decisions of our leadership.  Those women and men, along with my fellow citizens that work to make a difference in this country and world, those leading a healthy and happy life, are who I am proud to stand up next to.