We recently went through the tedious process of setting up a new internet and cable network.  That in itself was a feat beyond compare for those of us in our 70s.  If it has anything to do with technology, us old fogies are faced with a whole new realm of intelligence.  We’re used to knowing why things do what they do and how they work in order to know how to use them.  Today, you simply press a button and you’re in another dimension.  Too bad there isn’t a button that carries us off to another planet, but I digress.

Now that we have this fancy network, we can plug into all kinds of shows from the past – like the History channel when it actually had great stories about history.  I recently watched a documentary about the first settlers in this country.  They were people of various religious backgrounds, their skin colors were varied, their education went from those who had none to those who were well learned.

America has always been considered a melting pot of nations.  We continue to be so as hoards of would be immigrants long to become citizens.  What is it about America that draws so many to her shores and borders?

Some believe it’s because of the “American dream,” which many now believe has turned into a nightmare of sorts.  I say that dream will never die unless the people of our country let it.  This land of plenty will remain so only if we continue to believe in it and are willing to fight for it.

The restrictions of our lockdowns are lessening, but this time of wandering in the wilderness has given us even more opportunities.  The spirit of ingenuity is alive and well as new inventions are already coming on the market to deal with times like these. Necessity will always be the mother of invention and America knows how to adapt.  We’ve been doing it for almost 400 years.

We are a nation of many races, religions and creeds, yet there is something that unites us.  It has nothing to do with which political party you belong to.  It really doesn’t concern our congress or our senate.  Those groups have been in the way since the beginning.  What makes America great is the people.  Not only do we have the ability to speak out for and against injustice, but our voice is still heard.  Peaceful protests are still allowed.  People can choose to be part of the political scene by running for office.  Men and women can set up small business and grow them into large corporations.  Non-profit organizations can flourish.  Churches, synagogues, mosques are still available.  We can actually pull ourselves out of  poverty without the help of government assistance. We are free to do what we please, within the limits of the law.

I know a lot of people look at America and say she’s finished.  I still have a great love for my country.  I will honor the flag.  I will stand for the National Anthem.  I will cry a little when I see the formality of a color guard as it passes by.  I’m still and always be proud to be an American.

“If I speak, I am condemned. If I stay silent, I am damned!”  Victor Hugo

I for one don’t wish to be damned, so I will continue to speak out for my country, even though I may meet with opposition.