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Thanks to the USA

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Contributed by: Chris Richards on 7/4/2006

Today is July 4th, Independence Day. I watched fireworks last night and will watch more tonight. The celebration these fireworks represent, a recent trip outside the USA,and standing in my yard watching the American flag blow in the wind -- I can't help being nostalgic about how blessed I am to live in this country.

I can take my grandsons to a ball game and not worry about a major brawl breaking out.

I can openly talk about my faith.

I can stand with my friends in a public place and pray -- and not look up to see men running toward us with weapons in their hands.

I can peacefully protest something my government does without being branded a terrorist.

I can wear the clothes I like and not have to be covered from head to foot, other than my eyes and hands, when I go out in public.

I can walk into a fast food restaurant or a grocery store without going through a security check at the door.

I can live in my home without being thrown out without cause.

My grandsons can go on school field trips without being accompanied by guards armed with shoulder mountable 9-millimeter pistols and M-1 carbines.

Even American homeless can get medical treatment and food easier than workers in some other countries.

I can get in my car and drive anywhere in this country without the need for armor-plating.

I can not be arrested or held in jail without cause and knowing the reason.

I can vote for whomever I choose without fear.

Much of this partial list may sound trite, but after serving my country over 30 years as an Army wife, after watching my husband leave to fight wars twice, after living under good and bad political leaders, after watching all the negative news, after raising three children in public schools, after paying taxes, after all of this and more -- I know one thing without doubt. The United States of America, even with its faults, is still the greatest place in the world to live.

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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Chris Richards

Castle Rock , CO

Chris Richards has posted 119 stories and 14 comments since joining on 6/15/2006. Chris Richards 's average story rating is 4.81.

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