The past year in America has been a tsunami of tragedies, political debates, and triumphs.
The past month alone has tested the strength of every citizen in the nation.
We have experienced the worst mass shooting in America and we have come together to support Orlando and its victims. From vigils to gun law sit-ins in Congress, we as citizens are determined to create change.
As we mentally prepare for an election between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, opinions are flying back and forth from newspapers to social media.
People state that Hillary is a liar and we cannot trust her in office.
People state that Trump is inexperienced, racist, and not ready to run a country.
Whatever your opinion may be, please take a moment to realize how lucky we are to have these opinions. To be able to talk about it with friends without being afraid of being overheard. To be able to write about it without being threatened.
In 1789, our Founding Fathers built our country on freedom and from there we have built a nation that is so beautifully strong.
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances”
In North Korea are not allowed to criticize the regime or leadership in the country. Travel inside the country is restricted. Information is not freely published. Organized religion is seen as a threat to the Regime.
In China, internet access is highly restricted and linked to government observation. They enforce the “Great Firewall” which utilizes human censors and technology to retain information that could harm the government as stated by the Committee to Protect Journalists in 2015.
In Haiti, the government is chosen for them. Any donations are given to the government officials.
You may state that America is headed down a bad path. You may shudder when you talk about the next presidential election. But please remember, you can state your opinion freely. You get the chance to vote.
The United States of America is built on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We are founded on freedom and independence. We come from across the globe, but we come together to support each other.
You may think we are heading down the wrong path, but I am so thankful to be an American.
I can travel freely. I can pursue an education. I can choose my own career. I have chances and opportunities, but I have to go to them they do not come to me.
Therefore, when you question America, remind yourself how lucky you are. How blessed you are to vote, to speak, to have a religion or to not have a religion.
As you celebrate the Fourth of July, remember what you are celebrating. Remember how lucky you are to have independence. Remember what it means to wear red, white and blue. Wear it proud.
The United States of America is a beautiful country and I am so blessed to one of the 318.9 million people here.
