Why America is Great

As I was making the Drive from my home in Minnesota out to school in Idaho, I couldn't help but think of our great nation. However, nowhere in my minds wanderings did I ever think about policy or legislation.

America did not become great because of any law, legislation or policy that government enacted. It became and continues to be great because of the exceptional citizens that pursue their dreams and help others along the way.

The freedoms acknowledged in the constitution allow us to be our best selves if we so choose. Americans have sought to grow and expand in unique yet admirable ways. Of course there has been need for laws and legislation, but they are supposed to be put in place to protect our rights and freedoms, not to stifle them. Just like a plant cannot grow to its full potential in a tiny cage, a nation (and the individuals of that nation) cannot reach their potential in an overly restrictive environment.

On top of that, America is great for its diversity. Not only in people, but in its geography and resources. We have some of the best farming land, the largest coal deposits, dessert, prairie, mountains, lakes, rivers, forest etc... I just can't help but be thankful that I live in this great nation, and will gladly do what I can to keep it that way.

Start Small, Start Local

I feel pretty confident that most people will agree with me when I say that our country needs to get it's act together and that there are areas that need improvement. However, as I mentioned in my last post, there is SO much going on that many may feel overwhelmed and discouraged when it comes to getting involved and not to mention making a difference.

I am convinced however, that we can all help guide our country where it needs to go, and that it is not as impossible as you may think. If we start local and change how our own neighborhoods are run, it will have a ripple affect on the other levels of government. How? you might ask. Well let's put it this way. If we take control of the local government and fill it with trusted and competent public servants, they will influence and trickle up to the state level and finally to the national level. Not only will we see results faster at a local level, but our communities can serve as proof and as examples of how the country should and could be running. It is much easier for each of us to be involved in a local capacity and to influence those around us. All of this can also strengthen our relationships with our neighbors and members of the community. That alone is a blessing. So talk with your family and friends and try to figure out what you can do to start changing things from the "roots".

SO Much!!!

There is so much going on in our country. It has been overwhelming to keep up and to be involved, all while working and studying. I hope to get back into blogging my thoughts and insights on our great country. So until I get my millions of thoughts organized please go out and get involved in bringing our country back to what made it great in the first place.