To be an American is a privilege. When I hear people complaining about all the things that are wrong with America, I laugh. I challenge all the complainers to spend a day in another country.

Recently, I traveled outside the USA. I couldn't wait to come back. In fact, when the plane landed at JFK, I almost started crying. I was so happy to come home. Even though I visited a developed country, I felt that I was in the 17th century. Everything was backwards. There were constraints with everything speech, jobs, spending etc.

In this country we complain about the government, the gasoline prices, the fight in Iraq, the taxes, the potholes, the racism, the school system, the welfare system, the health-care, the immigration, the price of food, and on and on and on. It distresses me that we are too busy complaining about this country that we forget the good things this country has to offer. I have never heard of any country where everything is good and wonderful. Every country has its flaws and limitations. The best thing about America is that unlike some countries, there are checks and balances for our government. While these checks and balances may not work sometimes, it is very effective majority of the times.

Because of the system in America, we can actually openly criticize our governmental officials without being thrown in the prison or being killed. We have the ability to go anywhere within the United States without fear of being kidnapped and killed. We have the freedom to vote, and to have a say about the laws that govern us. We have the power to work, and spend money. We have the ability to invest for our future. We have the opportunity to send our children to schools. After working, we have the ability to collect our paychecks or else we have the laws to protect us. We are safeguarded from wars in our backyards. The Iraqi war is being fought over "there", not inside USA. If things become so hard, we can complain, and our government will actually take care of us. When we are sick, we can go to the hospital and receive care. If we cannot afford the care, we can actually apply for Medicare or Medicaid. If we are not qualified for governmental assistance, we can make payment plans. We have the ability to openly practice different religions without fear of being killed or persecuted. We have electricity, sewer and running water. We have a legal system that prosecutes the rich and the poor. We can live side by side with people from different races, cultures and religion. Well, I can keep listing all the things we should be grateful for, but it will turn into a book.

I wish that I have the ability to transport all the critics to third world countries or even to the other developed countries for a day. When they come back to the United States, they will start appreciating the fact that they live in the best country in the world.

Learn more about this author, Chinazo Echezona-Johnson.
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