Monday, April 20, 2009

America The Beautiful: What We're Fighting For


Americans are known for their diversity and the great pride they have for their country. I myself take a lot of pride in this country and would not trade anything to live anywhere else. In Dinesh D'Sousa's chapter in Rereading America she says that their are people who find Americans self righteous and think that we do not strive for the better. However, if Americans Muslim allies "want American aid," then "they must take steps to reduce corruption, expand civil liberties, and enfranchise [to give the right to vote and to set free from slavery] their people" (D'Sousa 775). America has tried to show, by example, that we do have a unique and alternative way of government and that we try to keep government and religion separate. D'Sousa explained about some of the beliefs that the Muslims have and how those beliefs affect the world. She also explains that America is strong and although some countries think that we a passive and do not have a back bone when challenged we hit hard and strong. Because of this we have only lost one war.

The things that I really liked about D'Sousa's chapter is that she talks about American pride and how great we are at what we do. If solving this problem would be as easy as sending Jerry Springer over there that we would immediately. She talks about the unity that we have as Americans. Even though, we have our differences and our very diverse way of living, that we come together and unite when it matters the most. "America is a new kind of society that produces a new kind of human being. That human being-- confident, self-reliant, tolerant, generous, future oriented--is a vast improvement" (D'Sousa 779).

We are the bright future for this world and have been striving for the better. It is a little cliche to say but we are living the American dream everyday that we wake up in this beautiful country. I am proud to say that I had a grandfather that served this country and gave it 26 years of his life. This country and those who live in it are not only grateful to him, but to all of those who have served to help protect and give others freedom. I am so grateful for this country and the diversity and example that it is to me and others around the world.

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