Happy 250th birthday, America

Things are kicking into high gear for a weekend of celebrations as we recognize the 250th birthday of the United States of America. It’s hard to believe it’s only been 250 years since this country was formed when you consider that compared to most countries, 250 years is incredibly young. Many nations have histories that date back centuries, but have not thrived as much or as quickly as the United States.
Think about all that has happened over the course of only 250 years. The United States has gone from 13 colonies to a country of 50 states with a population headed toward 350 million. If you take long look at it, it’s really quite that staggering. In that time the country has been through the Revolutionary War, two World Wars, we’ve landed on the moon, had an industrial and now digital revolution and have also emerged as a global super power. Not bad for 250 years.
No, this country isn’t perfect. It certainly has its flaws. We’re not sure if this country has ever been more divided than it is right now, with people on opposite ends of the political spectrum continously at each other’s throats. Surveys leading up to this weekend showed there were many people who say they are not proud to be an American, or didn’t feel like celebrating the country’s 250th anniversary. Why? Politics.
Like it or not, we have a polarized country led by a polarizing leader and government. We have money for bombing campaigns, but not health insurance. The list of reasons to be dissatisfied with our government are too many to list. But that’s not what this editorial is about. The United States also has too many things to be positive about, if we only choose to look at those things rather than focus on the negative.
Whether red or blue, we are all American, and we all have our part to play in carrying on the greatness of this country. Social media would have you believe we all have very little in common and have to constantly be at each other’s throats. We submit we have much more in common than we know or understand. We’ve said it before and we will say it again, this country is still the shining beacon on the hill, the country other countries aspire to mimic. If this country was so terrible, thousands upon thousands wouldn’t be trying to get in by hook or by crook. Clearly we are doing something right.
So, we say if only for this weekend, let’s put aside our differences, and lets celebrate the United States of America. Lets honor those who came before us and had a hand in building this great nation. Dig out those red, white and blue articles of clothing and take pride in a country that has a history that can yes, be troubling, but also gives us many, many reasons to be proud. See beyond the troubles of today and look toward the future you want to see.
We’re still proud to be an American, and we hope you are as well. So for that, we say, happy birthday, United States of America. Land of the free, home of the brave, and still the preeminent power in all the land. Here’s to the next 250.