Ever feel like most of the news we hear about is bad news?
Whether on TV or online, it seems like most of the stories and headlines we see every day are negative. As a result, it can easily feel like there’s nothing good going on in our country. And it’s true that the United States of America has many issues to work on and problems to solve, like all nations do. But as we prepare to celebrate another Independence Day, I think it’s good to remind ourselves about what’s going right in America.
As you know, the Fourth of July is for celebrating our country’s birthday, as it were. But it’s also an opportunity to see how far we’ve come as a people, as a society. An opportunity to reflect on how lucky we are to call this place home. So, in honor of Independence Day, here are some of the things I personally appreciate about the United States of America!
Our Economy
The U.S. has the largest economy in the world.1 We are ranked among the Top 5 countries in the world in terms of both economic freedom and global competitiveness according to various studies.2&3
Our Generosity
According to The World Giving Index, the United States is the most charitable country in the world per capita over the last decade.4 On an international level, the United States has contributed more in foreign aid than any other nation.5
Our Natural Beauty
From rainforests to deserts, from dense forests to vast prairies, the United States is home to almost every type of climate and ecosystem imaginable. As a result, we’re blessed with sixty-three national parks, eighty-five national monuments, thirteen national lakeshores and seashores, and nineteen national preserves.6 The United States also boasts twelve natural World Heritage Sites, which is second only to China.7
Our National Highway System
Connecting all this is a series of interconnected highways and interstates that allow almost every American to experience the wonders of our country. This might seem an odd thing to mention, but I think it’s worth noting. If you’ve ever driven long distances in other countries, you know that this is no small achievement!
Our Water Quality
Recently, a friend of mine returned home after living abroad for a few years. I asked him what he missed about the United States the most while he was gone. High at the top of the list? Tap water. Given that some studies rank the U.S. as tied for #2 in the world in water quality, that’s not a surprise.8
Near-ubiquitous access to safe, clean water for drinking, bathing, and washing is something we too often take for granted. But it’s one of those essentials that make America a great place to live.
Our Culture
From BBQ to the blues, from sports to science, from our contributions to cinema to our colleges, the United States has been at the forefront of many of the world’s most beloved art forms, cuisines, technological advancements, and pastimes. Because the United States has always been a place where people are free to dream, to experiment, and to be whatever we want to be, Americans are always innovating, always pushing boundaries, always creating new ways to live and enjoy life.
Our Patriotism
It’s no secret that America is politically divided. But while we all may have different opinions about how the U.S. should be run, there’s one thing we all share: Love for our country. It’s not something that can be captured in statistics, although some rankings have the United States as the most patriotic nation in the world.9 It’s something you see and feel every Independence Day. It’s reflected in the eyes of the aging veteran saluting the Stars and Stripes. In the eyes of the youngest child, staring up at the “rockets’ red glare” lighting up the night sky.
And it resounds in our hearts whenever we hear the strains of the Star-Spangled Banner and remember that it is through our patriotism that this remains the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.
So, «Salutation», what would your list look like? What do you appreciate about our country? Whatever it is, I hope you have the chance to reflect on it this Fourth of July. Because, on behalf of my entire team, I wish you and your family a very happy Independence Day!
Warm regards,
Cliff Robello, CFP®, ChFC
Mailing Address:
111 Hekili St Ste. A PMB 607
Kailua, HI 96734
- “List of countries by GDP,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(nominal)
- “Economic Freedom of the World,” Fraser Institute, https://www.fraserinstitute.org/sites/default/files/economic-freedom-of-the-world-2019.pdf
- “Global Competitiveness Report,” World Economic Forum, https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_TheGlobalCompetitivenessReport2019.pdf
- “America remains the most generous place in the world,” FastCompany, https://www.fastcompany.com/90417884/america-remains-the-most- generous-place-in-the-world-but-barely
- “List of development aid country donors,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_development_aid_country_donors
- “National Park Service,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Park_Service
- “World Heritage Sites by Country,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Heritage_Sites_by_country
- “Water Quality,” Global Open Data Index, https://index.okfn.org/dataset/water/
- “Most Patriotic Countries 2022,” World Population Review, https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/most-patriotic-countries
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