I love my country like I love my parents now that I am an adult. I understand their flaws but believe they did everything with the intent of protecting and loving me in the best way they knew possible. They were ever growing and dealing with events sometimes out of their control. In my case my parents did an amazing job. America has a great deal to live up to.
I love you too, America. On your 250th birthday I recognize your growth and stumbles and tribulations. Though sometimes I wish you would act differently and sometimes I wish others were in power, I recognize that in your heart you are a country of limitless possibilities and have the potential to be the best force for good and justice in our imperfect and chaotic world.
My analogy though is incomplete. While sometimes we can see our country as an authority figure that cares for us, we also have a responsibility to guide and shape our country. That responsibility starts at the ballot box, and that right should be protected. It does not end there. It extends to our participation in the government we elect. We must be active citizens and continue to advocate our wishes to those we elect rather than just end our participation at the time of casting our vote.
We cannot just bask in your achievements; we must acknowledge responsibility for your failures and vow to work to make tomorrow better for those who come after us.
Happy birthday America. I marvel at how far we have come and despite the present tribulations believe together we can achieve even better greatness for all our citizens.
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Dustin M. Czarny 