“True patriotism isn't cheap. It's about taking on a fair share of the burden of keeping America going.” -- Robert Reich

Everywhere I look, I see and hear people talking about how they’re going to leave this country if *insert politician* wins the election. I’ve heard talk from multiple people in my lifetime who have moved here from other countries about how much they dislike America and its citizens. I have to admit that I find all of this infuriating. Not only are they disrespecting my home, but they are completely disregarding all of the privileges they gain from being an American citizen.

I’ll be the first to recognize that America is far from perfect, but let’s get something straight: you won’t find a perfect country anywhere. I come from a family of fairly conservative individuals and that means patriotism runs deep. We love our country and believe in what Kennedy said: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." Despite this, I always thought it was a bit extreme to say, “If you don’t like it here, you can leave" -- but quite honestly, I find myself thinking this more and more. I find myself wanting to vote for someone who will put our country first, because we can't help the world if we can't help ourselves. People come here for jobs and a better way of living, because the country they’re coming from doesn’t provide what they need or want. Then some have the audacity to bash America. If I were to leave America, move to England, and proceed to proclaim how much I hated everything there, you can bet their citizens wouldn’t be too pleased with me. When you are living in a country and are reaping the benefits of being a citizen, you ought to be looking to contribute. As with anything, nothing is perfect and it’s our duty as citizens to continue to make this country better. Not divide it.

Millions of Americans, and even immigrants, have risked and sacrificed their lives to ensure our freedom. You know something that makes this country so great? The fact that you have the freedom to bash America and not be arrested for it. Of course, as my mother always said, you are also free to accept the consequences for what you say and do. People have died so that we have these freedoms, and many people, including our own American-born citizens, decide to utilize these freedoms to perpetuate the hatred that is dividing our country. When will this country wake up and realize that the lack of love and the abundance of hatred is what is tearing this land apart? Land of the brave and the free? More like the land of the petty and divided.

America is like a family unit. No family is perfect and each one has its flaws, but the members love each other anyway. We tend to view teenagers who run away as immature and sometimes even ungrateful, and that’s what we are if we decide to run away when someone we don’t like is put into office. You don’t like it? Become the system. Run for office or do something to ignite change, but stop disrespecting this country and dishonoring the people who are risking their lives on a daily basis for you. Or don’t. You do, after all, have the freedom to choose.