Happy 238^th Birthday, Old Woman! Your age is definitely showing. The sad part is the deep set wrinkles, the cracks and crevices, we have put them there ourselves. The ditches are rooted deep and the gap is widening. People, People, People, do we not remember, “United We Stand, Divided We Fall”. A foundation that is cracked and crumbling is weak. All the fighting amongst ourselves, leaves us vulnerable to outsiders. So let’s get it together! As Americans, we have the right to our own beliefs and opinions but we still need to be able to put those aside and stand together as a nation. Many people have given their lives for our freedoms and we need to be thankful for their sacrifice.

Yes, our nation is flawed and yes, there are things that need to change. Do what you can, use your voice to stand for what you believe in but love your neighbor all the while.

But as flawed as our nation is, it is still a wonderful place to live. We have been exploring other countries this summer in camp. The more I learn about other places, the more I love the country in which I live. I did not have to make a house for myself out of bamboo and mud. I do not daily have to hunt and scrounge for food. I am in no way starving. I wasn’t forced to work for little or no pay. I did not even have to consider that the place I work might be bombed at any second. Our government doesn’t regulate how many children you can have. We still have freedom to worship as we choose. We, as a whole, have much much than we need and other places people struggle just to survive.

So, I am extremely thankful for my country. Do I agree with everything that the powers that be decide, of course not, who does? But for now, for today, let’s unite and be thankful to live in a place where for now at least, we are still mostly free.