Proud to live here!

dennis22554dennis22554
in General

No humor in this post---I heard the results of a survey asking the following question" question---"Are you proud to live in America?". Sadly the results have dropped from "87% positive right after 9-11 to 37% today. I am not looking to make this a political post nor do I care if there are any responses. I simply simply posted because if this is truly the case--its sad reflection of our society. If people feel America is broken--then we should work to fix it before complaining--I don't know--maybe it's my prior military career speaking! I have traveled the world having many wonderful experiences--but given the diversity of this country (e.g different states, people) there is nowhere else I would want to live. Just a thought this July 4th weekend! I hope everyone enjoys the holiday!

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Comments

  • JubalJubal

    Agreed. I've been to quite a few places in the world, and my travels have made me appreciate the US all the more - flaws, warts and all.

  • dennis22554dennis22554

    thank you understanding the post--dangerous topic--i know

  • BrianOceanBrianOcean

    @dennis22554

    I agree -no politics and Happy 4th to you.

    Thank you for your service-It has become a cliche type statement -but it is those who serve who make it safe for people to freely express-they are not proud to be American-That is their right and we should all celebrate that.

  • cbcuddle2024cbcuddle2024

    I would say comparing numbers right after an event like 9/11 probably distorts things quite a bit. I'm sure it has been dropping for some time though for many complex reasons.

  • dennis22554dennis22554

    @ocean--appreciated--and agree

  • SoosonSooson

    Just a note for myself not to comment in this thread 🤣🤣🤣

  • achetocuddleachetocuddle

    I was just thinking about how many things had to come together (brave and successful armed forces, brave ancestors, so many things I am sure I don't know about) so I could have my own little square of land and a relatively easy life with quite a bit of the kind of freedom I'm interested in. And I am glad and humbly thankful!

  • JasonCuddlesJasonCuddles

    I personally think you can complain and fix.....if people don't complain about something how would they know others feel the same?

    I know canada and the US had somewhat similar development and canada is full of terrible decisions. In my city I complained all the time to the people in charge....things like why do we zone this all for single family homes so everyone has to drive to do anything? Thankfully there is a lot of positive change here recently, likely because I wasn't the only one complaining. We have a long way to go though. I plan to continue complaining more and submitting ideas on improvements.

  • Carrie_AnneCarrie_Anne

    It’s a little sad to feel this way but I’m glad to be leaving for a while.
    I do value so much about living in the US, I mean - it’s home.
    Now feeling like I want to be far away from the conflict and emotion coming this summer/fall.
    I’m looking forward to peace and happiness in an honest & respectful culture.

  • BrianOceanBrianOcean

    @achetocuddle
    Thank you for sharing that.
    Eloquently thoughful sentiment-The type of perspective we can all certainly benefit from.

  • JasonCuddlesJasonCuddles

    Inspired by this thread I just complained to my member of government about how companies can change the terms of a sale after a sale has been made.

  • achetocuddleachetocuddle

    I didn't say or imply that complaining and fixing shouldn't be done. And perhaps this is me reading too much into what others are saying. And reading too much into something is always a terrible idea in my book. In my family I tend to be the one that says "Don't just say ok and take it". I wish a lot of things were different in the US. But I am still glad that several improbable? things worked out so I can have a little yard, comfy house and be retired and no one telling me what to do.

    I'm sure this can be had in some other places, but maybe I would not have been one of the ones that could have it, I don't know.

    I am just really glad that a relative knucklehead like me could come out so good and I have a feeling a lot of it has to do with living in the US.

    I think living overseas or in Canada for a few months would be great. I am not able to do that but I can easily see the appeal.

  • TeddyBear4u2024TeddyBear4u2024

    Things are cyclical and have a season. Much like when it is hot out, it is hard to imagine in a few months it will be cold. The pendulum swings, but it comes back again. There is interesting book called the 4th turning and the thesis is essentially the cyclic relationship between generations and events that shape each generation.

    Quick Summary of the book and does a good job of outlining the thesis;

  • achetocuddleachetocuddle

    I agree with that Teddy. I will have to look at that book. Maybe my library won't say they can't order it like they have been doing with other things, lol.

  • LionsFanLionsFan

    Born near Amsterdam. Chose to be here. Swore an oath in Federal Court. No regrets. Happy 4th

  • JohnR1972JohnR1972

    Happy Independence Day to all Americans whether by birth or by choice. 👍

  • IronicMaidenIronicMaiden

    @JasonCuddles

    I personally think you can complain and fix.....if people don't complain about something how would they know others feel the same?

    All to often, when people complain about being mistreated, the responses include:

    • Stop complaining, you live in the Greatest Country In The World (tm)
    • You're imagining it
    • I don't experience that problem, so it isn't real
    • I'm offended by your complaining

    And these tend to be some of the nicer responses.

    But yes, complaining and other means of raising awareness is essential, regardless of any hostility received in response. Especially if there will be hostility in response.

  • achetocuddleachetocuddle
    edited July 2024

    Thank you and same to you John. I was told by someone born in India that everyone in his country wants to come to the USA.
    My eyes got big when he said that and I didn't say anything. He can't speak for everyone of course but I thought that was interesting and I believed him.

  • JohnR1972JohnR1972

    @achetocuddle
    I often think of a quote from Dennis Miller who once, after listing a lot of problems in the United States, said…

    “People say America is still the best country on earth, and they are probably right, but that is kind of like bragging about graduating first in your class in summer school.” 😂

  • achetocuddleachetocuddle

    John, I can't say I disagree with that, lol. Dennis Miller was so funny. Oh, to go back to the days when comedians could be funny and not worry about actually doing a good job, lol.

  • TheFunCartelTheFunCartel

    If people feel America is broken--then we should work to fix it before complaining

    You do realize that people complained and protested long before a single shot was fired at Lexington. The reaction by the British to this complaining and protests are why they passed the Coercive Acts that were meant to quash the voices and the protests. The Acts, a response to the “complaining”, are why the Revolutionary War started in Lexington.

  • cbcuddle2024cbcuddle2024

    To me "proud" seems like a weird phrase when it comes to being born somewhere. Shouldn't we say we feel fortunate/unfortunate? Doesn't pride involved some effort on our part?

  • SoosonSooson

    @cbcuddle2024 I agree. Fortunate would be better. And yes, we are.

  • Carrie_AnneCarrie_Anne

    @cbcuddle2024
    I agree 100% because yes, it’s a little bit weird. It is only Fortunate imo to be born here.

    We have so many advantages as Americans. And that’s where the pride comes from because of what the people of this country built.
    But people I know personally in other countries feel extremely fortunate to have been born where they live also.
    Of course, we know there are some who don’t. We know there are also many who wish they lived in the US.

    We feel pride in our culture & country of course. But yeah, there are some things that I don’t always feel proud of here.
    And again that’s the case regardless of the country in which you live.
    Human behavior being what it is.
    Oh, and I would choose somewhere with better summer weather if I could.

  • SoosonSooson

    i guess it no longer matters if you agree with him or not

  • CharlieBearCharlieBear Mod

    @Sooson
    Considering that was one of jplemmon’s numerous alts, I’m sure he will (briefly) be back many times.

  • TxTomTxTom

    Good video, @TeddyBear4u2024

    A slightly more macro view I hold, but that doesn't so rigidly conform to any particular timeline is:

    Nature creates strong men.
    Strong men create civilization.
    Civilization creates weak men.
    Weak men destroy civilization.
    Nature destroys weak men.

  • SoosonSooson

    LOL @CharlieBear. I would have never guessed this one. he was kinda nice for a change.

  • [Deleted User]justwanthugs (deleted user)

    I for one am proud to be an American. No country is perfect, but our founders did well establishing us as a constitutional republic. We are free to elect the leaders who make our laws, generally enjoy the fruits of our labor, and are free to disagree and speak out when we feel necessary. Citizens of many other nations, sadly, cannot say the same. Happy 4th! 🎇

  • achetocuddleachetocuddle

    I had a funny feeling about the one that just got banned above. Something did not seem right about them.

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