I’ve now voted in five presidential elections. And the candidates I chose to support have lost three out of those five. Yet I’ve never once lost my pride in this country. Sure, I’ve been disappointed in its leaders (from both parties, thank you) at times and scratched my head at certain policies. Vocalized my support or opposition to others a bit more vocally. But regardless of what Bush did or Clinton did or Obama might do, this is my home. And I’m thankful beyond measure that I was born here. That I didn’t have to either discover its goodness or flee some tyrannical regime to taste its sweet freedom.

I’ll admit that I haven’t traveled extensively overseas. My wife and I spent two weeks in Italy that I’ll never forget and I’ve done a bit of production in Toronto. But that’s it. Still, while I know many people abroad – especially in Western Europe – wonder what the heck we’re doing over here, I honestly don’t give it a lot of thought. I don’t want this country to be more European. More secular. More socialistic. And I suspect a decent number of Europeans don’t want their own countries that way, either. Or hate us nearly as much as Europe’s media (which makes our own seem to be paragons of objectivity) insists they do. After all, both Germany and France voted in pro-American leaders in their last elections. But when it comes down to it, I want America to be America. I want to be free to speak, worship and vote as I choose. I want the government to do as little as possible, for both practical and philosophical reasons. I want us to help other countries both out of our own self interest and our benevolence. No other country in the history of the world has helped elevate the human condition more than ours. And if you think I’m wrong, well, I’m sorry you’re blinded by some sort of ideology I’ll never understand.

I didn’t vote for Obama. Frankly, I think he’s just a repackaging of ideas that have proven unworkable in the past. Nonetheless, he will be my president. So I will support him in his efforts to lead this country’s government. I will pray for his safety. I will pray for his judgement. When I disagree with his positions, I will say so.

And then I’ll go about my life.

Because my hope and happiness aren’t tied to a man, a political party or what the government says they can do for me. It’s tied to my faith, my family and my friends. And I’m forever grateful this country makes it so much easier for me to enjoy these things.

God bless America.

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