With the way the media twists today’s news, it’s becoming increasingly easy to lose sight of the things that are important in this world.
However, as the Fourth of July holiday approaches, Americans everywhere find themselves shutting out negative voices as they focus on celebrating both their freedom and their heritage.
I know because, as a naturalized citizen of America, I find myself doing the same.
“But Emmanuel,” you may say, “You weren’t born in America. Why does Independence Day mean so much to you?”
The answer, however, is simple.
I’m proud to be an American! Here’s why:
My Freedom Means Everything to Me
When natural-born Americans typically think of countries without freedom, what comes to mind are thoughts of communist areas where the government regulates each citizen’s every step. Nevertheless, freedom is more than that.
As a man born in Nigeria, Africa, where most families who begin poor stay poor due to bad leadership, seeing the ambition-oriented style of American culture, shocked me (and still does today).
I constantly find myself thankful I could immigrate to the US and have the opportunity to pursue a life of comfort for myself, my family, and my loved ones, and most importantly, having the opportunity to give back to local communities in the US and Nigeria.
In Nigeria, that freedom, unfortunately, doesn’t exist for everyone. If your family is in the lower class when you are born, that means it has likely been poor for many years and will remain poor for many years more because of bad leadership. Something can be done.
In America, financial freedom permeates every orifice, and that is something I believe is gravely overlooked. Additionally, the opportunity that exists in the US is unlike anything that exists anywhere else in the world.
Only in America can you, as a person born into the lower class, set your mind to anything with the knowledge that eventually (so long as you don’t give up) you will accomplish it.
Even if you’re born poor, you can still attend the best colleges on scholarship.
Even if you have no money, you can visit other countries through sponsorships.
Even if you’re unable to see, hear, or talk, accommodations are made so that you may still live your best life.
In America, your disadvantages don’t matter. Regardless of whether you were dealt a bad hand at life, the American governance recognizes everyone deserves a chance to pursue their calling.
Not only that, but they also make it possible to pursue that calling through the establishment of various government grants, allowances, and assistance: not to mention the liberty that America has!
In many countries worldwide, walking down the street wearing a particular thing or having a specific last name is enough to be sentenced to death.
In America, however, citizens are protected by law enforcement dedicated to serving them so no one may live in fear while simply walking down the street.
For these reasons, and so many more, I am proud to be able to call myself a naturalized American.
And to Americans, I have to say…
Happy birthday to America, our country.
God Bless America!
Written by: Emmanuel J. Osemota
This thrills me to know that there can be a way ro positive change although we ignore the path for reasons unfathomable. May God help us.
Amen and I concur with you Sir!
Seme, thank you for this breath of fresh air … for pointing out all the reasons why Americans should be proud to live in the USA … and for encouraging everyone who reads this to replace despair with hope for a better tomorrow. I am proud to be an American and I am proud that You are my friend.
Absolutely concur with you. Proud to be an American and Blessed to have you as a friend and thank you for all your support. On behalf of the EOF family, we say: Thank You! God Bless America!!!
A very enlightening piece!Well dissected and assimilated!The privileges and opportunities that abound in America is not an exclusive preserve for the natural born American citizens,but extends across all nationalities,only if the latter are able to see and take a timely leap to harness such.Thanks Dr Emmanuel!
Absolutely concur with you: "timely leap to harness such" thanks for your thoughts and God Bless America!
AMEN, I AM VERY, VERY,AND VERY MUCH PROUD TO BE BORN IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!
Jim Walton
Amen to that Mr. Walton! God bless the USA!
What an inspiring piece. The knowledge of the rights, privileges and financial security and other benefits mentioned are really mind-blowing and enviable. I hope a day will come when I will be able to say these things about my country Nigeria.
God bless America.
We hope and pray for Nigeria. Thanks for the thoughts and God Bless America!