Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Americans
When people are asked to describe ten things about themselves, they find it easy to list their faults but harder to tell their positives. This can also be true when describing Americans. On this our Independence day, I'm going to try. In no way does this mean I don't acknowledge our many faults nor does it mean that the people in other countries don't also have postitives. I have not listed these in any special order.
* Liberty, based in the Constitution and especially the Bill of Rights, is the foundation we live by. We are still trying to interpret these freedoms but they are the basis of our daily lives.
* We have a beautiful, plentiful land to live in whether it be the mountains, deserts, praires, forests, river banks, farms, small towns or cities. The land provides us resources and feeds our spirits.
* We are hard workers. We work long hours. We are producers.
* We are generous with our time and money.
* We are able to take on leadership when needed. There is no better example than "Let's roll." on September 11.
* We are passionate. Whatever the "cause" we feel and act upon it with deep emotions.
* We are a moral people We seek the "right" thing to do.
* We have the potential to adapt and improve.
* We openly acknowledge our mistakes and try to make sure they are not repeated.
* We are diverse in many, many ways but somehow also united.
So, what would be on your list?
When people are asked to describe ten things about themselves, they find it easy to list their faults but harder to tell their positives. This can also be true when describing Americans. On this our Independence day, I'm going to try. In no way does this mean I don't acknowledge our many faults nor does it mean that the people in other countries don't also have postitives. I have not listed these in any special order.
* Liberty, based in the Constitution and especially the Bill of Rights, is the foundation we live by. We are still trying to interpret these freedoms but they are the basis of our daily lives.
* We have a beautiful, plentiful land to live in whether it be the mountains, deserts, praires, forests, river banks, farms, small towns or cities. The land provides us resources and feeds our spirits.
* We are hard workers. We work long hours. We are producers.
* We are generous with our time and money.
* We are able to take on leadership when needed. There is no better example than "Let's roll." on September 11.
* We are passionate. Whatever the "cause" we feel and act upon it with deep emotions.
* We are a moral people We seek the "right" thing to do.
* We have the potential to adapt and improve.
* We openly acknowledge our mistakes and try to make sure they are not repeated.
* We are diverse in many, many ways but somehow also united.
So, what would be on your list?
