America Is A Land of Opportunity
The opportunities and freedoms in the United States should be appreciated by all citizens and utilized in fair and effective ways by each of us.
By Leland E Pulley
I was born and raised in the United States of America. Over the decades that I have lived here, several social and political changes have occurred. Some of these are internal, and some are related to foreign affairs. What has not changed and should not change is what America stands for and can offer its citizens. It is a land of opportunity, with liberty and justice for all.
It is hard to appreciate what you have always had, which is true for people like me. You do not appreciate what you did not work to obtain, nor sacrifice for in some way. A major exception here is individuals who fought and paid a price through war. You cannot even say that you pay money for your freedoms, because taxes are paid in other countries too and many of these offer less freedom and opportunity. Money alone does not produce a land of opportunity.
So, what makes America a land of opportunity. It goes back to the reason Europeans came here to settle in the 1600's. They sought political and religious freedom. After a Declaration of Independence in 1776, they fought a revolutionary war against England. Years later the U.S. Constitution was written and accepted by the people. It became the document that established our federal government. Soon thereafter a Bill of Rights was adopted. It had ten rights, and these are the first ten amendments to the Constitution. Later other amendments were added, including one to free the slaves and another to give women the right to vote. With a new land and the federal guarantee of personal freedom, this newly established Republic called America became a nation of opportunity. It is here that an individual could literally pursue his hopes and dreams. Immigrants have flocked here ever since to take advantage of the opportunities and good living conditions.
There are several reasons so much progress has occurred here. A unique government was established that became a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. More people from different countries came here and became part of the big social melting pot in America. They left their old country and became American citizens. People gradually moved from the east coast to the west coast in a beautiful land full of rich soil for farming and lots of natural resources for development. Individuals were allowed to pursue their goals and dreams. Private enterprise flourished. Incentive and creativity were rewarded. Education became available to more and more of the population. The standard of living increased for families. Ultimately America became a world power.
Today people still want to come to America. They seek more freedom, health care, good education, and jobs that pay well. They want to improve their situation in life. These individuals are a witness that we are a unique country in so many ways. There are disagreements among American on many issues, but no one can say we are not a land of opportunity.
So, what should each of us do with this free country and the blessings it gives us? Here are some suggestions to preserve our country.
Personal Example - Utilize the freedoms, privileges, and opportunities to make something of yourself. Be an example to others in all the ways you can. Get married and be a good husband or wife. Have children and raise them properly. Obtain a good education and job training. Have a good credit rating.
Education – Obtain a good education for yourself. This includes job training. Help your wife or husband to do the same. Help your children to obtain a good education via public or private schools, or home school. Support school choice for everyone.
Good Neighbor - Be a good neighbor. Know some people in your neighborhood. Accept some as acquaintances or friends. Help them and let them help you. Be part of a neighborhood organization. All these things help to provide a friendly, more cohesive, and ultimately a safer neighborhood.
Volunteer - Serve as a volunteer locally through various groups, organizations, institutions, churches, libraries, or schools. Volunteer in natural disasters in your area or distant areas. There are so many ways to be of service to others. Freely giving your time, energy, and money to help others in some way is what really pulls people and a community together.
Job - Be employed in a worthwhile job or run a profitable business that offers products or services which are beneficial for the public.
Civic Affairs - Register to vote and become an informed and consistent voter in every election. Be willing to work on a political campaign. Run for public office. Serve as a volunteer on public committees at the municipal, county, and state level. Accept appointments to committees and commissions. Accept jury duty.
Small Government – Keep the government as close to the people as possible. The federal government should be limited in scope and do only what must be done on a national level. It should not do what the states can do better. States should not do what counties and cities can do. In this way people can be better informed and more involved in governmental affairs.
Laws - Respect the laws and obey them. Cooperate with law enforcement personnel. Do not support any defund the police efforts.
Taxes - Pay all your taxes in an open and honest manner. Support public officials who keep spending under control, so taxes do not have to be raised unnecessarily.
Immigration - Do not support nor contribute to illegal immigration. In the past people came here legally and this should be the only way they come today. Do not vote for politicians that support open borders and illegal immigration.
Public Assistance Programs - There are many types of public assistance programs that a citizen can utilize to receive benefits. Some people deserve this assistance and some do not. Some individuals figure all the angles in their favor and abuse the system which others are paying for out of their taxes. This is not fair, nor good citizenship.
Public Feedback - Do not merely complain or criticize public officials or political parties. This creates negative attitudes about government in lots of people. Instead, offer your constructive feedback and recommendations for improvement.
I love America. I am grateful for the freedoms and opportunities I have. This land has treated me well. I respect its people. I trust they will continue to support this country, its leaders, and uphold the U.S. Constitution. Keep America as the Republic it was and should be. We should not support leaders who move us away from our Republic and push us toward socialism.
We just finished a national election 11-5-2024. The people have spoken through their votes. Now a new president will take charge on 1-20-2025. I hope his new administration and Congress will be able to do the most good for the most citizens.
This coming July we will celebrate the Fourth of July as Independence Day. It is more than a holiday or a day to do the things we like. It is a time to take a few moments and reflect on the many things we get from our country and then ask what we give back in return. As President John Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”. I challenge you to do this. Be the best citizen you can. You will feel better about yourself and your country.
If you enjoyed this article, you can find more content like this under the Topic Categories link. We also look forward to our readers input, so please leave a “like” or a comment.