untitledIn these times of turmoil and unrest, it appears that we have become quite good at shaking our fists and pointing our fingers, instead of holding our hands out to shake someone’s hand to say hello, congratulations, or perhaps …… I’m sorry for your loss.  The United States of America is not perfect, but I believe it continues to improve and it’s where I have the privilege to live. 

 

We often forget that we are not perfect.  Whether we are Caucasian, Hispanic, African-American, immigrants, male, female, straight, gay, Christians, atheists, first responders, law enforcement and even military, every group contains good and bad.  I say this as a proud U.S. Air Force veteran and a proud Christian American.  We live in a country where the majority of American citizens, and those that hope to be so one day, are good people.  We are truly a melting pot.  I believe there was only one perfect person who walked on earth …… and his name was Jesus. 

 

We must not quit, we must not give up on America.  Much of what our country is built on is our ability to come together, in times of crisis, to make America a better place and to help our fellow Americans ……. regardless of what we, or they, look like.  Let us not forget that we live in a country where we have the right to speak freely and attempt to try to make change for a better country.  For example, a group of people can march in front of the Pentagon and voice their protests of our military and our government.  Ironically, it’s because of our military, and government, that they have the right to do so.  In many other countries, those actions are followed by death. 

 

As Americans, we must protect ourselves against those who wish harm to us and our country.  We must stay focused on those who are the real enemy and continue to stand together …. as Americans.

 

I am an American …….. and I am Howard Bryan