The Greatest Country on Earth

This the day Americans can brag about our great country. We have been accused of being arrogant and boastful but on the July 4th we must shout from the roof tops and drape everything in red, white and blue. I need to clarify that I love the United States of America and I feel somewhat sorry for anyone who lives here and does that feel the same way. I cannot imagine waking up everyday in a place where I didn't feel special. I realized it was God's grace that I was born in this skin, to my parents and on this great land. Thank you Jesus.

I am a conservative but in my effort to explore all views I have searched up and down the radio dial for a different voice. Twice I have tuned into a black talk radio station and heard a host then a caller say "I don't know how black people can celebrate the 4th of July", I found myself yelling at the radio. I took history, I was glued to my TV for seven nights in a row when Roots was first aired so I know that black people were brought here against their will and enslaved for a long time. My ancestors helped to build this country, their blood was shed to gain equal rights to work, live and vote so why should I not celebrate. I understand that when the framers wrote the laws to establish this great country a black man was not considered a citizen or even a man so short of inventing a time machine and holding those people accountable what should black Americans do on the 4th of July. I celebrate all the ones who came before me and died so that I can live in The United States of America. It is my opinion that all the hard work was done by those who lived before me. They were in chains, hung from trees, spit on, made to sit in the rear, walked miles to vote and broke down barriers that I can never fully envision that's why I celebrate. I honor them by enjoying all this country has to offer.

I know our history is marred with the ugliness of racism and hatred. God puts my sins behind him and grants me grace. I forgive those slave owners, KKK members and all who fought to keep us down. Let's move on and enjoy the freedoms given to us by God and recognized by the men who wrote the Constitution. There are people willing to die just for our birthright, the chance to make it in America.

I get chills every time I hear The Star Spangled Banner and wish that God had given me a beautiful voice to sing, he did give me a heart that is fired up about glorifying his name and works. Our country is blessed because God was woven into the American foundation.

One of my family's favorite movies is Independence Day. That film is about regular folks who stood by soldiers and leaders against aliens that attacked our country. The fictional president strapped himself into a fighter jet to protect his people. I must compare Bill Pullman's character to our current leader who circles the globe apologizing and bowing down to world leaders. I want a president that will join the fight against those who mean us harm. If Obama were the president we would be speaking klingon.

I am headed to proudly walk in my local parade along side my neighbors and friends, see you there. Wave the flag high.