mrnhtbr2232
19th March 2011, 08:30 AM
In the midst of all this insanity, I had to remind myself that regardless of the percentages, there are still some things about America that are good. I asked myself - what do you appreciate about it and why? The question was not as easy as it sounds after following a lot of paths leading to cause and effect. But it is still our home, and obviously all of us still have some positive reasons for being here. So, just to toss doom and gloom under the bus for a change, I thought it would be interesting to see what people think about our country that is good. Here are a few I came up with...
Nature.
Hands-down the United States, particularly from the Rockies to the west, has the most scenic and spectacular wilderness in the world. I spend a lot of time outdoors - it recharges my body and soul, and I'm grateful to have access to a vast range of options. Whether it's fishing a mountain stream, hiking an alpine ridge, appreciating wildflowers in the desert, or spending time at the Ocean, nature in the U.S. is an under-appreciated benefit.
Knowledge.
Intellectually America remains my number one source for appreciating the arts and sciences. Through a combination of the Internet, available museums, university libraries, and civic attractions there is plenty to learn and mature from.
Resources.
America, true to the cliche, is a supermarket of resources. Almost anything can be had, and depending on where you are this ranges from basics to luxuries. For those of us who prep this is obvious, but it extends beyond that to provide material goods that add to the quality of our lives and interests.
People.
Places like GSUS are a good example of the right kind of people. Many of my friends and associates are still "Americans" - people who value the basic fabric of white middle class America and the responsibilities and liberties that come with it. I know many people from around the world, but Americans remain the most resolute about freedom (without getting into the facts surrounding what percentage that may be).
Guns.
Yes, guns. Aside from their serious side, they are a heck of a lot of fun to shoot. I like to do shotguns and high-power rifles myself, and they are a big part of my American experience. Unlike many countries, we can still get them, own them, and use them. (Keeping it positive here, I know this one is easy to criticize).
It's ok to say I love America. Not the magnetic sign, brain dead sheeple America, but the land of our forefathers and our traditions and all the blessing that come with it. As events in Japan show, there is an underlying strength in being aware of nationalism and culture. Despite all our problems, let's not forget we're still the greatest country on earth for a lot of reasons - most notably an indomitable spirit of freedom. Just thought I'd put it out there.
Nature.
Hands-down the United States, particularly from the Rockies to the west, has the most scenic and spectacular wilderness in the world. I spend a lot of time outdoors - it recharges my body and soul, and I'm grateful to have access to a vast range of options. Whether it's fishing a mountain stream, hiking an alpine ridge, appreciating wildflowers in the desert, or spending time at the Ocean, nature in the U.S. is an under-appreciated benefit.
Knowledge.
Intellectually America remains my number one source for appreciating the arts and sciences. Through a combination of the Internet, available museums, university libraries, and civic attractions there is plenty to learn and mature from.
Resources.
America, true to the cliche, is a supermarket of resources. Almost anything can be had, and depending on where you are this ranges from basics to luxuries. For those of us who prep this is obvious, but it extends beyond that to provide material goods that add to the quality of our lives and interests.
People.
Places like GSUS are a good example of the right kind of people. Many of my friends and associates are still "Americans" - people who value the basic fabric of white middle class America and the responsibilities and liberties that come with it. I know many people from around the world, but Americans remain the most resolute about freedom (without getting into the facts surrounding what percentage that may be).
Guns.
Yes, guns. Aside from their serious side, they are a heck of a lot of fun to shoot. I like to do shotguns and high-power rifles myself, and they are a big part of my American experience. Unlike many countries, we can still get them, own them, and use them. (Keeping it positive here, I know this one is easy to criticize).
It's ok to say I love America. Not the magnetic sign, brain dead sheeple America, but the land of our forefathers and our traditions and all the blessing that come with it. As events in Japan show, there is an underlying strength in being aware of nationalism and culture. Despite all our problems, let's not forget we're still the greatest country on earth for a lot of reasons - most notably an indomitable spirit of freedom. Just thought I'd put it out there.