My Views on America

This was a brief essay written by my wonderful wife.  During this time of year as we celebrate the greatness of America, I thought this was appropriate to post.  With her permission I share it here.

Who should be allowed to dream?  Dreams enrich our lives, brighten our future, bring hope to achieve something better for ourselves and our families.  They give us hope for a better tomorrow; that through hard work, determination and sacrifice we may achieve a richer, fuller life.  I believe that given correct principles and the freedom to act, people become empowered to believe in their dreams, think up the possibilities, and have enough confidence in themselves to dare to take action.

Abraham Lincoln said, "Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves."  America was founded on the belief that all people should have the right to dream and the freedom to make those dreams a reality.  For generations people have been flocking from the four corners of the earth, many making heart wrenching sacrifices, for the opportunity to govern themselves.  My ancestors are among those who believed in this country enough to make unimaginable sacrifices for a second chance at a better life.  My family came here to escape tyranny and oppression, they saw America as the land of opportunity, freedom, equality, democracy, independence, wealth, capitalism, freedom of religion, strength and God.  They dedicated themselves to upholding these beliefs in times of war and in times of peace, in their homes and on the battlefield, that others might have the same opportunity to enrich their lives.  These dedicated people taught me, through their actions, that Americans are fiercely devoted and uncommonly brave, they bear adversity and emerge stronger.

Dreaming and Freedom and prerequisites for progress; they encourage profit-seeking and innovation, which in trun result in greater productivity and community development.  America's freedoms and ideals allow each and every one of us to choose to do things, not because they are easy or because we were told to do them, but because they are hard; because our goals will serve to measure the best of who we are and what we can become.  These freedoms allow us to be firm in our beliefs being able to correspond respectfully, politely, and sensibly.  Freedom gives us identity, and the courage to stand up for what is right, to protect each other.

This is the American Dream; to conceive, believe, and achieve.