Dear America

I’m going to talk about the country I live in today. No, I’m not calling for you to kneel before the national anthem or saying that you’re a disgrace if you do. We’ve had plenty of discussion about that. What I want to talk about is just an observation that worries me about my friends and neighbors.

What drives us to do the things we do as Americans? Some might say religion, love, money, or maybe even just that we have to go through the motions of life. That isn’t what I see. I see Americans who are angry. They kneel for the national anthem out of anger over an issue, get angry at people who do this, align themselves with two crooked and quite possibly moronic candidates in Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton simply out of outrage against the other side, blame the president or past presidents for troubles, and maybe worst of all, the news we tune in for, social or traditional, is only filled with stories built to outrage. Why is this you might ask? Some would blame news stations. After all, they’re the ones writing the stories. It isn’t that simple, though. You see, writers only write what they know will sell, or at least successful ones do. They write a negative piece because that’s what the majority of people will buy. Why do we have two political candidates that are embarrassing to what is a great nation? It’s simple. Other people were running against them to gain a chance at running in the primary. The majority of Americans chose two candidates who represent anger, outrage, and secrets, though. We chose drama over temperament and reason. We also choose to spend our time kneeling in front of a flag or doing nothing but talking about the ones who do. Aren’t there alternatives to making a difference in the world that actually accomplish something? Those who are disgusted with the way that America treats some minorities could easily mentor someone who isn’t as fortunate as them, contribute to a campaign that supports a politician who could bring about change for minorities, start community programs between police and the citizens of a city, or best of all, become a police officer and see what it’s like from the inside, while doing your best to change what is wrong. For those who talk about the disrespect it shows against our soldiers when someone kneels before our flag, there are ways for you to show respect. There are wounded warrior programs, veterans who simply need to know they’re appreciated in a world that only prints stories that make it seem like they aren’t, and plenty of families who have lost an important person you could help financially or by simply filling a hole through mentorship to young children who may not get it otherwise.

You see, America, I’m still proud of you because I believe you’re good at heart. You still defend the weak, and you’re still one of the best places, if not the best, place to live in the world. You’re filled with caring and intelligent people who have their hearts in the right place. I see you falling, though. I see you giving in to negative news, crooked politicians, and an overall sense of doom. There is hope, though. Take the blinders off and see that it’s not so bad. See that racism isn’t at an all time high. While it is, and probably always will be a problem, we are more together as a country today than we were twenty years ago. We are financially able as a people. Yes, there are still poor people who need help, but we are one of the richest nations in the world. Don’t listen to the media or politicians about how many trillions of dollars we owe. There’s one part they leave out of their doom and gloom story. We might be almost twenty trillion dollars in debt, but we’re also owed a lot of money from other countries. As an example, if I owe Bob $2,000, it’s true that I’m in debt, but if at the same time Christy owes me $1,500, then it isn’t as bad as it appeared. You get one side of the report that makes it seem as if we’re a broke, morally vacant, racist country run by only politicians who are out to get us, and it creates a society that is only motivated by anger and fear.

It’s frustrating writing this now, America, because I see the greatness in you. I see the flaws, too, but I don’t think you understand how much the good outweighs the bad. We’re able to sleep safe with enough food tonight. We have the freedom to choose most things about our lives and own property. We have people who love us, and for most of us, the only things we have to argue about are petty debates about different beliefs that only serve to divide us. See how fortunate you are, and let that light guide you into putting your money into entertainment and news that is uplifting. Let it guide your vote to who you think is good, and not who entertains or incites violence in you. Let that light guide you to look at your situation and know that things could be infinitely worse. You’re alive, you’re in one of the greatest places in the world, you have enough opportunities, and you have the choice to choose who runs your great country. Don’t squander it all being angry. We only get 80 years if we’re lucky, so America, see the truth of your situation. You’re surrounded by 90% positive things and people. Don’t fall in love with griping about the 10% that will ultimately lead to our ruin, if you continue to let it.