10 Reasons I Love Being an American

I am grateful that my job allows me to travel to different countries and be in contact with people from other cultures.  While I am overseas, I am often placed in situations where I have to explain U.S. culture, traditions, or politics to foreigners.  Oftentimes, these people point out our shortcomings - which, granted, there are many.  However, I believe that the U.S. is a blessed country and has a bright future.  Below are a few reasons (in no particular order) that I am proud to be an American.

1 - Our presidents and representatives have given up power peacefully after loosing elections.  

2 - Americans are not guaranteed or confined to the social or economic class they are born into.    

3 - Our ancestors fought wars, made sacrifices, and built a well-organized infrastructure that we benefit from.  

4 - Americans can travel and live in any of the 50 states they choose.  

5 - When stopped by a police officer, Americans are not afraid of being robbed or extorted.

6 - The media we consume, our clothing, and our religion are not determined by our government.  

7 -  Education, talent, and hard work are rewarded.  

8 -  Americans can request a government or company service without having to pay a bribe.

9 -  Americans can question authority or express their opinions without going to jail or disappearing. 

10 - The brightest and most entrepreneurial foreigners are eager to come to America.