OPINION:
America is the freest country in the world. I say this confidently, and proudly. No cynical, pretentious Marxist professor at my university can convince me otherwise.
We are the nation that freed ourselves from an oppressive British monarchy, set out a framework for equality of opportunity and religious freedom, abolished slavery, ended disgusting segregation, won both World Wars and single-handedly defeated communism. We are the nation that landed on the moon in 1968 — the continual dreamers and capitalist innovators. And, above all, we know that a common purpose and understanding about where we came from, and where we can go, will triumph any sectarian mob.
The beauty of this incomparable country of ours rests in continuing to re-align with our 1776 mission, concerned with inalienable rights derived from a moral God — wholly outlined in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States.
The past four years have put us to the test. These are divided times. But while politics has seemingly overtaken our livelihood — we must never overlook the splendid, amazing things to be grateful for in the United States of America. Sure, we have our vices. What country doesn’t?
But our virtues triumph the globe 10 times over.
Religious freedom: In communist-dominated countries such as China or North Korea, there is no choice as to whom to worship. There is no choice in general. There is merely a government, and this government supplants God almighty by its sheer magnitude of power. Believe in Jesus or Allah, and you will find yourself in a re-education camp (which is a far too-kind Chinese-verbatim re-phrasing of concentration camp).
But in America, we have the right to worship the God that aligns with our spiritual dignity. Whether this be Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism — even Scientology — the United States has a hands-off approach and beautifully allows all people to determine their savior. Since the U.S. was notably founded on freedom of religion — our tenable First amendment right — protecting it could never be more important.
Be grateful for our right to worship our preferred Creator, and/or his son, and pray for those countries that disallow its citizens from this necessity.
That we can vote and have elections: There has been innumerable controversy this 2020 general election. The parties disdain each other with a scorching passion, and it feels like we are gridlocked from working across the aisle.
Lest we forget one simple fact, though. In countries around the globe, voting is not even a preliminary thought. It’s a pipe dream.
In Russia, Venezuela, United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Brunei, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic – and dozens of other countries – voting is either not a right, or near-impossible and restricted.
The fact that Americans have a say — the say — in the direction of our nation is something we cannot take for granted. The Electoral College ensures every American gets an opportunity in the trajectory of our country, no matter where they reside.
We must appreciate this and be abundantly thankful that we have the luxury to openly support any candidate.
The COVID-19 vaccine: Thanks to Operation Warp Speed — the quickest and most efficient partnership to develop a vaccine in human history — 400 million+ doses of the coronavirus vaccine will be delivered by summer 2021.
The Moderna vaccine has an unbelievable working rate of 94.5%. Compared to the flu shot, which on average reduces the risk by 40% to 60% — this is an insane, unrivaled accomplishment by our medical professionals and leaders.
Between Pfizer, Moderna and other pharmaceutical companies, Americans will be vaccinated soon enough (if they so choose). There are six vaccines in limited trial phase as well, and 18 in phase three. On Dec. 18, the FDA authorized the Moderna vaccine for emergency use across America.
It seems for months, we were instructed that President Trump was making all this vaccine jargon up. The media lambasted him for telling citizens that the vaccine would never be available before he left office. We were told he was crazy — as always.
Nevertheless, the greatest achievement in modern health care history is here. Legitimately. This is something to be incredibly grateful for.
There is much to celebrate in this country of ours. We must unify around the good things — the things that make us free — and work at bridging the gap elsewhere.
America will never be a utopia. No country ever will. The very idea died in the Garden of Eden. But we must recognize our virtues; and once we compare them to other foundationally-abhorrent nations, it becomes easy to feel blessed. We are continually a redeemable country because of our righteous beginnings, laid out for us (as a promise) by the Founders long ago.
I am quite proud to be from America this Christmas. And I think you should be, too.
• Gabe Kaminsky is a student at the University of Pittsburgh. Reach him at gkaminskycontact@gmail.com.
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