Whether all of us realize it or not, we Americans live in the most imaginative, productive and prosperous nation in the history
of the world. That prosperity was seeded in our Declaration of Independence, which recognizes the God given right of each of us to the “pursuit,” notice I said “pursuit” - of happiness. The resolute generations of and since, sowed those seeds with blood, sweat and tears. As it was for them in their times, it is now our job to build upon their impressive legacy.
Americans are English, French, Irish, Italian, German, Jewish, Polish or Russian. We are Canadian, Australian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese, Asian, Greek, Arab, Iranian, and Afghan. Americans are also Cherokee, Choctaw, Navaho, Apache, Seminole, or any of the other proud peoples the afore mentioned found upon arrival. Together, this unlikely collection of allies and adversaries somehow managed to advance mankind to a place of which the rest of the world can only dream.
In large part, the lifestyle we enjoy today is a direct result of our citizens’ unmatched generosity. Throughout our history, Americans have unselfishly helped their neighbors and just about every other nation on earth during their time of need, asking only respect and friendship in return.
After the unprovoked violence of September 11, 2001, and retaliation in Iraq and Afghanistan, several of us feel vulnerable and anxious about the safety of our nation and our families. Many are seriously concerned about loved ones deployed to war zones and even more have anxiety about potential acts of terrorism, including the prospect of chemical or biological attacks. Nevertheless, allowing these emotions to rule our lives and control our actions would be a grave mistake.
The best defense has always been a good offense and those who act consistently run circles around the spectators. Find a useful undertaking that will help you personally respond to the conflict by focusing your attention and energy on constructive
efforts that support our military, or enhance the community. Selecting a problem and becoming part of the solution will produce a wonderful sense of personal
achievement. Volunteer to collect items or help raise money for agencies that support the poor, or feed the hungry. Reach out to a child in need or coach a youth sport.
Critics are rarely found on the field, as they usually seem to have comfortable and safe seats in the bleachers. Consequently, it is not amazing that complainers and posers have much in common. More than a century ago, Teddy Roosevelt explained to his generation,
"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat." If we take the time to appreciate the results produced by the efforts of brave Americans who lived before us, it is easy to see how significant our actions will be to the lives of Americans not yet born. So, if you find yourself stressing over a particular issue from the cheap seats, tell me, what have you done for America today?