Happy Birthday, America

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Those are probably words you haven't heard since grade school. People don't talk much about the pledge of allegiance these days (unless they're trying to keep our American kids from saying it at school).

On this date in 1776, the U.S.A. declared its independence from Britain. I'm glad the founding fathers did it too. Most of the world has never seen freedom like we have in America. We established a democracy like no other, and it's what makes America the great country it is today.

Don't let anyone fool you into believing that America is a bad place. America is one of the only places in the world where people fight to get to. People float on inner tubes, in treacherous waters for just a CHANCE to live here. People hide in shipping containers, pay people thousands, risk their lives, etc. for the chance to enjoy the place we were so lucky to be born. America is one of the only places you'll see "poor people" that are fat.

We do great things for the rest of the world too. We don't keep it all for ourselves. We have troops all over the world, helping other nations. Much of Europe wouldn't be what it is today, without the help of the U.S. during and after the war. We send billions of dollars across the globe to aid other less fortunate countries. I don't need to sit here and preach though. Most reasonably educated people know full well that America is a good country and they know about the good things we do.

What I will say is this: Take the opportunity to be a proud American today. Don't get caught up in politics. Don't think about anything but the simple thing that keeps us here. Freedom. Be proud of the Red, White, and Blue. I know I am.

I do pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. It's my country. And it's a great place. It's not perfect, but it's the only place I want to be.

Have a safe and happy Independence Day everyone.