Nick Daley | Managing Editor

It should come as no surprise to anyone that the general consensus of Americans reflects a negative view on our country. People are tired of the war in Iraq, frightened by the economy, and grinding their teeth in anticipation of November’s presidential election. Without question, these are all valuable concerns that deserve examining.

Some Americans may look at the United States and think - we’re in a recession, the stock market is floundering, our dollar is dropping, Congress is incompetent, our president is even worse, and that’s just scratching the surface.

I would have to agree; this country is pathetic. I can’t believe we allow our citizens to vote and influence how our country is run. It’s ridiculous that we have sufficient police forces to protect us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. And why in the world do we have electricity, Internet, television and an ample food supply throughout every state? Man, get me out of the USA!

You can say I’m belittling the obvious problems our country has and covering them up with information you already know, but I question if you really do. Are you sure you don’t just take those things I mentioned for granted? Are you sure that whenever you attack our country, you remember that it ensures your freedom each and every day? Because I don’t think many of us do.

In a Jan. 4-6 Gallup Poll, Americans were asked, “In general, are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the way things are going in the United States at this time?” The results revealed that 73 percent of Americans are dissatisfied. 73 PERCENT! In a country where 95.4 percent of its citizens have a job, less than one percent of the population is living with HIV/AIDS and even less people are homeless…is it really that bad?

Similarly, in a Jan. 7-9 Associated Press Poll, 68 percent of Americans felt that our country was on the wrong track and not heading in the right direction. I guess having the highest GDP in the world is something to frown about. It appears that being home to the most airports and roadways in the world is pretty insignificant. Oh, and having the most powerful military this world has ever seen protecting us and serving our country is pretty discouraging too.

Come on people. I’m tired of being cynical. Let’s get serious for a minute. We live in the greatest country on the planet. Open your eyes to countries like Sudan, Iraq, Somalia, Kenya, Afghanistan…the list goes on and on. Imagine what life is like in these parts of the world. Imagine dodging roadside bombs on a daily basis or trying to fight off genocide or famine.

According to the 2007 Failed State Index, the United States is ranked 160. That means there are 159 other countries that are considered to be worse off than America. How do you think people from those countries feel about their homeland? I bet America is looking pretty good in comparison to their situations. Let’s abandon our newfound reputation as the land of the pessimists and the home of the whiners, and remember how we live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.

The next time you complain about our government, our police force, our economy or our president…remember that there are countries without police, money, food, health care or a working democracy. We live in a country built upon change, determination and freedom. I suggest we take a step back, look at the big picture, and recognize how lucky we truly are. I’m proud to be an American…aren’t you?

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