OPINION SHAPER: This Thanksgiving I am grateful to be an American
Honestly, my political opinions are formed by a blend of news reports and simple gut instinct.
But lately, celebrities, industry giants and the left-wing media have blasted their discontent with the American way of life to the point that it seems un-American to be, well, a proud American.Well, hear me loud and clear as I fly in the face of what appears to be the current popular opinion.
Not only am I proud to be an American, I am also truly grateful. You see, Thursday was Thanksgiving Day, and as I sat in my parents' lovely home and ate delicious, disease-free food until I could eat no more, I thought, "Boy, am I glad I live in America!"
After dinner, as the children watched a new DVD release on a high-definition TV in the bedroom while the men watched football on a high-definition television in the living room, I thought, "I am so glad I live in America!"
As we sat in our comfy chairs and perused the newspaper advertisements and prepped for the biggest shopping day of the year, I felt pure gratitude that there was money in my pocket and healthy children in our family to spend it on. I'll say it again. I am grateful to be an American!
Not long ago, my 13-year-old son came home and shared a few highly disparaging jokes he heard about President Bush. Shortly thereafter, I sat him down for a parent to son talk. I explained that the American people do not have to agree with our president. In this wonderful country people are free to speak their mind regarding any topic, be it politics, religion or their favorite flavor of ice cream. But in my home, you will speak with respect about the leader of our country.
I went on to explain that our president did not become the leader of country due to heritage or having the largest cache of guns and soldiers. President Bush was elected through a democratic process put in place more than 200 years ago. This system allows our citizens to pray at the church of their choice, freely express personal opinions and most importantly, cast their vote for the person they would most like to lead our country. So whether I personally voted for President Bush or not, in my home there will be respect our nation's leader.
I'm not blind to the controversy over the war in Iraq. Nor I was deaf when the first reports came over the airwaves of jets flying into New York's twin towers on Sept. 11, 2001. It doesn't take much to call up the emotions I felt that day. In horror, all I could think was "this kind of thing just doesn't happen in America!"
But it did and the people who took responsibility for this atrocity are still out there and very angry. It is difficult to know exactly where to stand on this controversial topic.
But not long ago, I came out of a restaurant in time to see a group of young soldiers boarding a bus. My stomach tightened and my eyes filled with tears. They were so young and stood so straight and tall and proud. They believed in our country and were willing to fight for it. Some of these young men and women won't be home for the holidays this year. Some won't be home for the holidays ever again.
So as you sit comfortably and read this column, take a moment to consider all the benefits you enjoy simply by living in America. You have freedom of choice. You have freedom of speech. You have freedom to worship in the manner you choose. Most importantly, you have the freedom to choose your ultimate destiny.
Sure, hard work, smart thinking and a dash of luck play important roles, but there are no laws or soldiers with guns holding you back.
This holiday season, remember that the freedom you enjoy isn't cheap. Say a prayer for our soldiers and those leading our country and then pull your shoulders back and stand tall. It's time to be darned proud - and extremely grateful - to be an American!
Susan Rand, who resides near St. Peters, is a layout and technical artist for a fitness equipment manufacturer. She is one of 20 Opinion Shaper columnists for the Suburban Journals of St. Charles County. Opinion Shapers are chosen annually to write five columns on topics of interest to them.
