1776

The 4th of July. 240 years ago (tomorrow actually) we became our own country, and in my opinion along the road we have become the greatest country along the way. Maybe less so now, but at times, not so long ago, we were by far the greatest country on Earth. I'm one of the proudest Americans you will ever meet, but at times like this I can't help but wonder how we have become what we are. We are more divided than we have been in decades, and it hurts my heart because 240 years ago we all had a common goal: unite together to form a nation. A nation that was something new, not a monarchy, but a democracy. A place where the people are heard and the government didn't overstep too much. After some trial and error we found a system and Constitution that worked for our new little country. We divided powers between state and federal levels and everything worked for us. We set up an economy, made allies abroad, and made a name for ourselves with some bumps along the way. America was the place to be, the place for a fresh start where the streets shined and the opportunities were endless. It worked for us for centuries. I'm not saying we were perfect at all, but we were a great place despite our problems. We were united, we were Americans. We all wanted the same things and everyone worked hard. In the 20th century we saw great changes in civil rights and things were well. Somehow though we have lost the way, our leaders have become weaker and more worried about making nice with all the other countries rather than worrying about our own. But that's another story all together.

It's no surprise we're in the middle of an election year. It is by far one of the worst races we've had in this country, but it comes at time that is very important because regardless of who the next president is it will be a defining point for this country. Do we choose the liar who has no remorse about the lives of the servicemen killed on her watch or do we choose the business mogul who "offends" everyone because he doesn't sugarcoat the truth? They will lead America down very different paths and the choice is in the hands of the people. There will be those who vote based on gender or because they feel it's the politically correct thing to do and then there will be those who know the issues and where they stand and who represents those issues best for them. There will be a winner and a loser and I'm anxious to see, but a little fearful too. I think our founding fathers would be disappointed in us. They never intended the country to be like this, being a politician was never meant to be a career. In the beginning the men who served in office were like any other, they were farmers, doctors, writers, they had other careers outside of politics. Now we have career politicians continuously trying to move up the political ladder until they reach the spot they want not caring who or what they use to get there. I don't think this country is a good enough place to say that we are the greatest country in the world. How can we be when we're so internally divided? Until we can unite as Americans, like after 9/11, and until the people here are once again proud to be Americans we can't be great again. We need to take pride in this country like our forefathers did and we can't do that without hard work. The American people need to get off their rumps and get back to working for the American dream rather than sitting by hoping it will fall in their laps.

I hope you remember what this day means and all the men and women who have fought for the freedom we've had for 240 years now because it hasn't been free as much as some millennials might take it for granted. In the words of one of my favorite presidents:

"And so my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."

That's from John Fitzgerald Kennedy in his inaugural address if you're unfamiliar and it's something you should ask yourself every single day. I hope everyone had a blessed 4th of July, even though I celebrated in Spain it was still a good one!

All the best,
B