In sitting here, looking back over the
past sixty-five years I've been alive, I have so many images of so
many things...so many memories....so many people...so many
events...and I have forgotten far more than I remember. I think
about the many fragmented parts that collectively sum up my existence
and find that the fragments have fragments, leaving me with a sense
of not seeing a whole but rather all the parts.
Then I realized that this is what
life is....especially in this country is it true. We are neither
French, English, Italian, Irish, on and on, we are the fragments of
them all, melding into not only the many nationalities but also the
many special talents, nature, and tendencies of each and that, in my
opinion, is what made and makes us the greatest country that ever
existed. We are....Americans! We are a peculiar people in that we
are all that has been and will be, we are the blending of all the
world's people to become more special and exalted because we have
all that they have and shaped it into the best that has ever been.
It is my opinion that no other country can do what we have for one
simple reason....they are too much alike and do not have a system
that allows for the cream of the crop to rise into a position of
getting things done.
We Americans complain about many
things that others wish they had and what we complain about the most
is the things we can't change...only because we think we can do
anything...and usually do! Like the weather...we actually think that
someday...we are going to manage it. At first it sounds egotistical
but when you look at it, we Americans just expect to do what ever we
want to do. The only reason we have so many diverse groups of people
complaining about the ills of this country is because we expect to
fix it...we really believe we can...and by golly...I think someday
we will. We lead because we don't stand still...we forge ahead...not
always right but still trying.
I am proud to be an American! No one
can compare to us...of the past or present. We are...the best that
humanity has to offer. I offer as proof ...our history. You smack us
and knock us down...you'd better be prepared for a fight to the
finish...ask Japan. You challenge us to a duel? Take your
chances...ask Russia. I could go on and on but mostly we take one
step back and two forward especially when we make a mistake. That's
why the fourth of July is important to me...not as a holiday...but
to honor our country...to be thankful we live in such a land that so
many are so envious of...for the country is the people and the
people are ...Americans...and why I get so incensed over the burning
of our flag. It's not just a piece of clothe to me...the red in that
flag to me is the blood of many who laid bleeding far from home and
family...scared ...hurt and dying. The blue to me is the peaceful
sky of freedom and the white ...the purity of intent our forefathers
had in mind when they formed this republic. Where can you find
better and I'd like to add...if you think this is something...wait
until you see what's coming up! I'd like to leave you with this
thought....what other country could fight between themselves as we
have since we became a country and done as well as we have?
So...this fourth of July when you're having your picnic or what ever
you do...take a bit of time to look around and be proud that you are
right here...in the greatest land in the world...and that you...my
friend...are an American.
Dick McCormick
