Guest Column –
Be Proud to be an American

By Bryan Golden

      July Fourth is not just a day off. It’s more than barbecues and parties. The Fourth of July is a time to renew your gratitude for your good fortune to be living in the greatest country in the world. As many have observed, one indicator of what makes a country great is the number of people who want to get in versus how many want to leave. By just this measure alone, America is number one.
      Many people take all our country has to offer for granted. In America, we have more rights, freedom and opportunity than anyplace else. Some focus on finding fault with America rather than treasuring all that is good here. Our country may not be perfect, but it is – by far – the best place to live. Even the most vociferous, vocal and vehement critics choose to stay here rather than leave.
      We become spoiled by all of the freedom we have. However, freedom is not free. You have to take care of your country. The well being of America is your responsibility. You must be a participant in our great democracy. You can’t abdicate this responsibility to others. Apathy empowers those with self-serving goals to decide your fate.
      If you feel something is wrong, don’t just complain and criticize. Find a better way. Work for solutions. America was built by people who wanted an improved quality of life, not by whiners. If you don’t take an interest and work to make things better, who will? Our government was never intended to take care of you. Rather, you must take care of your government.
      You have more freedom and rights than the residents of any other nation. Should you have any doubts, go visit any other country. When you return home, you will have a renewed appreciation for America. And should you feel there is someplace better, you even have the freedom to move there.
      It is your obligation to vote, not just your right. Throughout our history, hundreds of thousands have given their lives to ensure your ability to live free. Voting is a precious gift; don’t squander it.
      America was founded on the principle that anything is possible. There are no problems we cannot solve. We exist today because in 1776 a band of farmers did not believe in the word impossible. They risked everything, including their lives, to form a country with freedoms never before known in history.
      In America, the only guarantee is opportunity. You have the opportunity to succeed. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to. However, you are not entitled to success, nor are you entitled to what someone else has. Accomplishments take effort. There are no shortcuts. If you are willing to do what it takes, you can bring your dreams to reality.
      Because you have so many freedoms, you need to take personal responsibility for your well being. There are countries where the government supposedly takes care of all the needs of the people, but these are the same places where people are trying to get out, rather than in.
      Independence Day is a time to celebrate America’s greatness. Only because so many have contributed so much, in so many ways, have we been able to become so strong. Our strength is an asset, not something to condemn. That’s why America is first on the scene with the most aid when disaster strikes another country.
      So every day – not just the Fourth of July – be appreciative that you live in America. Don’t take for granted what people in other countries can only dream about. Be proud to be an American.
      Bryan Golden is a self-development expert, syndicated columnist, professor, and author of “Dare to Live Without Limits.”