America, the Last Best Hope

I've been reading a book by William J. Bennett about the history of the United States called "America, the Last Best Hope". The title came from something that Abraham Lincoln said in a speech during the Civil War.

Before I left for Canada last year, I was disllusioned with my country. I have my reasons for this. Having returned from my last trip, I have seen many people here give up hope for this nation. In fact, while I was at Wal-Mart the other day, I saw a book by John Hagee called "Can America Survive? 10 prophetic signs that we are the terminal generation". Gee, what a happy outlook on things? There seems to be a double standard here.

Is there hope for Africa? Yes. Is there hope for the Middle East? Yes. Is there hope for Europe? Yes. Is there hope for Asia? Yes. Is there hope for Australia? Yes. Is there hope for Latin America? Yes. Is there hope for North America? Yes. How can I say that so confidently? Jesus is the hope for the nations. America is not hopeless, anymore than any other nation on the earth.

I'll never forget when a guy came by where I worked in Clearwater and talked about America saying, "We think we're great because we're different, but I think it's our differences that make us great!" We have so many people who believe and think differently, yet hold onto those words penned in stone.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal,and are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

The American dream is very simple, it's freedom.

These days things are very hard economically. Standing in line at the grocery store, two guys I didn't know from Adam, were talking to me about the high price of cigarettes, and how the cost of food had risen by 30 percent here in Florida compared to the past.
Jobs are difficult to come by. I talked to a guy at a local church who said that he hadn't worked in over a year, before God provided him with a good job.

I'm choosing to make the best of where I am and try to be a responsible citizen, utilizing the freedoms that I have to make a change with the resources available to me.

God bless the U.S.A.!