America First

When I was in high school, I remember doing a project for my Sociology class. It consisted of a poster board that was divided into four squares. On the left side top there were starving people in Africa. On the right side top there were many of the American perfomers from the Live Aid concert. On the left side down there were the homeless people in America. On the right side down the square was left blank. The top center of this poster contained the phrase "Which Side Are They On?"

Reflecting back, I find that much of what I believed then I continue to believe today. With that said, I believe that there are performers in America that have supported the American Homeless. I should have perhaps included 10 performers on the Africa side, and 1 on the American side. However, I also believe that there has been and continues to be more focus on what is going on outside our country and helping (and sometimes meddling with) other countries when we have plenty of issues and problems in our own country that could use more of our help. My perception is that we need to be just a tad more selfish.

The bashing of America by both people from foreign countries and people from within our own country is utterly appaling to me. The very same people that graciously accept our aid and money in their time of need are the same that accuse America of being the personification of the Anti-Christ. We also have many in our own country that do the same thing about their own country. Is our country perfect? Heck no! Can we improve in many areas! Heck yes! However, why is it that we can't take the approach of "America is great, and we can get better....here's how:" instead of "America is terrible, and I'm embarrassed to be here until we do the following:" Both statements call for change, but one does it in a positive manner while the other does it with negative overtones. What ever happened to being proud of what we accomplished, recognizing that we can and will improve?