A Time for Reflection

I feel blessed to have been born in a country where our individual freedoms are protected by a Constitution and laws, where we have a system strong enough to safeguard our rights, but flexible enough to allow us to improve what needs to be changed. I feel fortunate that there are men and women in this country who have voluntarily joined the military and law enforcement who are committed to protect everything we have. And I also feel fortunate that we live in a country that has people committed to education and an economic system that powered this great land, so everyone has an opportunity to succeed and live the American dream.

I recently finished reading the book #BecomingMichelleObama. Her story made me do some real soul-searching. I was also pleased to learn that she and I share many of the same values, and her book reinforced the respect I have for what it took for her and her family to succeed, which only strengthens my belief in our country.

Mrs. Obama painted a vivid picture of how difficult it was for her parents when she grew up, and how challenging it was for anyone living on the South Side of Chicago. She described how hard her father worked even though he suffered from debilitating Multiple Sclerosis; and how he never complained. She wrote about the choice her mother made to stay home raising her children instead of working, sacrificing family income to improve her children’s lives. I learned that it was their family’s will-power and strong values, combined with Mrs. Obama’s fortitude and determination, that paved the way for Mrs. Obama to attend and thrive at Princeton University, earn her law degree at Harvard Law School, and through years of hard work and focused effort, become America’s first African-American first lady. Stories about people who achieve their American Dreams are why so many people want to become Americans.

What we have in America did not come easy. Our Constitution and Bill of Rights provide us the path to evolve and the freedom to change things for the better. Our economic and educational systems empower us to become anyone we want to be. We can become scientists, doctors, teachers, mechanics or entrepreneurs. We have the right to choose our paths, a right that many around the world do not have.

When I learn about cures to diseases that were once thought to be incurable and read about technology that will make our lives better and easier, I cannot help to think how fortunate we are to live during these times in what I believe is the best country on earth. It is now incumbent on us to improve upon what we have, and to focus on doing what is good for society. 

Unfortunately, I am saddened that our rhetoric has deteriorated to a point where it is difficult for people to have civil conversations. For some reason, we are being told that Capitalism and Free Enterprise and many "for-profit" entities are evil, all in an effort to destroy sectors of business that have fueled innovation; and replace them with more government. However, I am hopeful that we once again learn to find compromise, which will help us grow and prosper.

Personally, I am grateful to be healthy and living in a country where the diversity in our citizenry and diversity in our thoughts are what makes us strong. I truly believe if we begin listening to each other, acting wisely and thoughtfully, we have the power to pave the way for our children to thrive. And finally, I pray that our leaders unite and find compassion for those who are less fortunate, so everyone in America can realize their dreams and we end the divisive politics and recognize that our economic system of Capitalism and Free Enterprise is what fueled this country to have the greatest economy in the history of the world.