I am FINALLY proud to be an American??? Really???

I have a confession... I recently was deleted as a friend, from Facebook, because I responded tp her status which was "I am FINALLY proud to be an American." My response was "Really? I have always been proud to be an America even when those who I voted for were not elected. Which country would you rather live in? I am sure they have their faults too."

A little background I am very conservative in my political thinking. I think the smaller the government is the better. I think that it is a good idea to fund some things, but come on we are huge and wasting a ton of money. This (ex friend of her choice)? and I have known each other since JR high. Even then she was a big example on taking care of the Earth which is something I still remember and try to emulate today. Since then she has attended UC Davis and pursued her dream as an Environmental Planner. Once again, something I really respect that she knew what she loved and pursued it. Her political views are more liberal and mine are more conservative. we had different opinions about the war in Iraq and about president Bush. I am sure our votes cancel each others out.

That being said... Let me be the first to state that I am proud to be an American. My Grandfather fought to protect our country and to give us rights in WWII and was practically killed there when his plane was shot down. My Father-In-Law immigrated from Holland in the late 60's to become an American Citizen and was drafted into the Vietnam war. On Tuesday I was able to vote, along with every eligible citizen of the United States, to put my say into what I think the laws and the elected officials should be in our country. I did not necessarily vote for Obama, but the majority of the nation did and he was elected. I am proud that our votes mean something here.I hope he will be able to accomplish some good things as president.

I am not afraid to walk outside everyday because I believe there is a God or because I am a woman and my husband is not around me. If I wanted to I could work, or I could be poor and not work, or I could choose to get a great education. All of those choices are offered here. I can have as many children as I choose to. I can live anywhere in the United States that I can afford. Those who did not do well in high school can still get a graduate degree. I can start my own company and make it a success, if I am able to. In fact our country is so great that people will do what ever they can to work Yucky jobs here illegally because our wages are higher here and they can benefit on some social programs here.

Whenever there is a catastrophic emergency us Americans are always asked and expected to help out those in other countries. Not only the government helps out but my church The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are always one of the first to respond. I am proud to be able to help those in need. I am proud of so many more things in our country. But, what I am most proud of is that I am an American.