Americans, Saying Something Nice About America: What a Concept!

America's Independence Day is coming up this Friday.

Here's a website about the American experience that's worth taking a look at:

"Real American Stories / One Nation United"

• "Introduction:
  • "Americans have become increasingly cynical. With a bitter political contest and important issues that are personally affecting us all, it's important to remember that we are all Americans standing together with a love of freedom and the courage to fact the future,striving to form a more perfect union.
  • "We all have unique stories and perspectives on what it means to be American. Join us as we celebrate the American spirit."
• "Mission:
  • "This campaign was created to share American stories and to help us appreciate who we are, wehre we come from, and how truly fortunate we are to be part of the American experience.
  • "We encourage you to contribute you own story. To be inspired by the words and deeds of those who came before us. To reflect on what makes this country great."

It's a collection of video clips of people sharing what they think about America.

The first four videos in the "My Story" section are by

• Chris Gardner
• Second Lt. Joe Dannenbaum IV
• LL Cool J
• Fran Drescher

Here's what I pulled out of a very quick dip into the videos:

• LL Cool J:
  • "...It's not perfect. It has flaws. It could be better. But I think that as we move forward, as a country, it's getting better and better. And I think I'm living proof of that...."
• Mort Kuntsler, an artist who described himself as 'almost a pacifist:'
  • "...But where else can you complain about everything there is that's going on in America, and not get locked up? And where else can a poor kid from Brooklyn end up were I am by painting pictures, doing something he really loves?..."

Mr. Kuntsler's video clip is one of a couple dozen in the "Your Story" section.

Both of these statements struck a chord in me. I know that America isn't perfect, and never will be. But there's nowhere else I'd rather live: and I'm trying to make the part around me a little better.