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America oh America please shine your light on me!

Updated on May 15, 2013

This little girl has grown up to be the Director of Operations for a very large political organization

Because this little girl believes in America, she is making a difference.
Because this little girl believes in America, she is making a difference. | Source

America, times are tough. Or are they America?

In America we are in the throws of economic hard times. In America we are complaining mightily. In America we have issues ---- Or do we?

I think we all know somebody who lost a house in through foreclosure. If you do not you do not have enough friends and go out and make some. I think we all know somebody who has recently had to pay huge medical bills plus huge insurance premiums. Again if you don't go meet some people.

In America we whine a whole lot. In America we think we are entitled to the best medical care and to own a house and two cars. In America we think we are entitled to great streets and highways and parks and drinking water and clear air and new clothes. We even think we should be safe from crime.

America would you like some cheese to go with that whine of yours

I just read a hub question that asked if healthy competition was good for you. My jaw dropped so hard and fast I dislocated it. The question would be funny if it were not so sad that it was asked. (and to be fair the question was asked by a citizen of a much more socialist country)

Times are hard? Apparently not if such questions are being asked. One of the greatest and most important rights for prosperity is the right to fail. With this right we have the corresponding right to succeed. And both of those require hearty competition.

There are two rights we should not recognize: Quitting and saying Can't. America the beautiful is like heaven it is more of a space than a place. Oh sure the mountains and prairies and sea to shining sea is beautiful, but that is not the beauty that makes America great.

I am talking about America, sweet America

Eric's Intervention

My good friend America, you know I love you to death, you know I care about you, you know I only want what is best for you. And so I want you to step out of denial, get off your pity pot, stop looking to others to place blame and take a good hard look at yourself. You have an illness, it is time to accept that and take the necessary steps to get well.

You still have a great body and fantastic mind. You still have the energy to get things done. You still have what it takes. But you have got to apply yourself, you have got to get up and start moving forward. You have got to take some chances and face down your demons.

I do not ask you to just get along. I do not ask you to agree all the time. I want you to stop hiding your diversity and start celebrating it. I want you to stop worrying about what is correct and start emphasizing what is right.

I need you buddy, many friends need you, but we do not need you complaining and pointing fingers. We need you to step up and lead the way by actions not by lip service.

We can stand here and dread hiking up this hill, or we can get moving and look forward to the view on top.

America why America?

I used the term America for a reason. I did not use the words United States of America for a reason. One is a place and the other should be a state of mind.

America is not about boundaries or things. America is about what makes people great. Not rules or laws or governments. It is about a will to improve, move forward and do it better than before. If we lose that, the boundaries and the armies and the buildings are no longer part of America. Because there will not be an America.

Eric's Prayer

I pray that I have the strength and courage to be an American. I pray I have the tolerance for that which I should have tolerance. And I pray I have no tolerance for that which should not be tolerated. I pray that I am granted the grace to give more than I take. I pray that when I stumble and fall I get right back so I can stumble and fall again until I get it right. I pray that when America needs me I am ready, willing and able to rise to the occasion.

I pray that each neighbor has not only nourishment for their bodies but also for their mind and spirit, so that some day we can walk as proud Americans in victory over ourselves.

Are you helping or hurting America

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