By Candace E. Salima, Contributor of US Daily Review
Looking at the condition America is in today, one wonders if there is hope for the future of the once greatest nation on earth. With a plummeting stock market, the house market sinking further and further into the doldrums, energy and food prices skyrocketing, it could look dismal … if we don’t look to our history. Although our history is relatively young, it is rich with color, courage, endurance, and yes, even shame at times, but one that delivered the American dream for generation upon generation.
Through it all, even during the toughest times America has ever been through: The Revolutionary War, the crash of the national in the 1800’s, the Civil War, the Great Depression, WWI, WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the unrest and terrorist activity during the 70’s, the tanking economy under the Carter Administration, Americans held hostage, the attacks on American soil on 9/11, the subsequent wars, the downward spiraling economy and ever burgeoning federal government — one could surmise we are the most dismal nation on earth. But nothing, absolutely nothing, could be farther from the truth.
Throughout our history it is the heart of the American spirit, the bravery which blooms in every American heart, which pulled us through the toughest of times. It is that American spirit which carved a nation out of an unforgiving land. It is that American spirit which flourished and grew despite all difficulties no matter what time in our history. New businesses crop up on Main Street, started by Americans with dreams who believe, even know, they can make it work no matter how difficult the times. Fathers take on second and third jobs; mothers cook, sew, type, clean, stamp, sell makeup, babysit, landscape, anything to help bring money into the home. And all this is so the children, this generation, will not face the battle we face now.
It can be so easy to curl up in a ball and simply say, “I can’t do this anymore.” But that’s when you must recall that deep within your soul is that singular spark of liberty, even freedom, residing within the heart of each American which enables us to stand up, shake it off and keep pushing forward. It is there, buried deep inside at times, and it is incumbent upon each of us to do what we can to bring it to the surface.
Throughout the centuries, men and women gave their all to come to America where class no longer existed and hard work delivered the right to own property, have businesses, and to succeed beyond their wildest dreams. No king, queen or royal class could dictate their every breath. We must remember we live in the greatest nation on earth. We must know deep within our hearts that we can overcome this crisis without descending into the gutters.
We are Americans, we do what we must to survive. Always have, and if we remember who we are – literally the land of the free and home of the brave, we always will.
Candace E. Salima is a syndicated talk show host, author, and columnist. Learn more about her at www.CandaceSalima.com.
0
0
Average Rating