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Gilbo Raggins's avatar

America has always been the most perfect imperfect culmination of culture and governance. We have the best system of, well, pretty much anything in the history of civilization. Of course, the minutiae are always going to be debatable, but the large portrait is undeniably the most beautiful in the world. It’s a constantly evolving project, one without an end. As long as we endeavor to keep it this way, America will remain the beacon of excellence that it’s known for world-wide. Well-written and well-done!

Read and write on!

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Demetra Gray's avatar

Thank you!

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JJ's avatar

I am in Australia and we experienced the same as you did in Canada. We are known for how easy-going we are (“she’ll be right mate”) which did us no favours when lockdowns came. I’ve since married an American and am waiting for my green card to move there (13 months and counting so far) and I’m so relieved that Trump got in. I was really worried at the direction America was headed in (“how dare you say Merry Christmas”) but now I am hopeful. The choices in America overwhelm me (I just order a cheeseburger and it’s what bun, what cheese, ketchup, mustard, what else, what sides? I say just give it to me however it comes haha) but I am excited to try this new life. I feel like America is already my country.

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Demetra Gray's avatar

We will be happy to welcome you :) lol my husband feels the same!

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Christina R's avatar

Love this. I totally connect. I was stuck in an echo chamber on the west coast surrounded by people with a deep sense of self-loathing about being American for the reasons you mentioned. It wasn’t until I moved to Florida, Pennsylvania, and eventually Wisconsin that I encountered people who were unapologetically proud of America. And they’re HAPPIER than anyone I’d ever met—and having way more fun.

They don’t waste energy disdaining others with different opinions; they just live their lives. It’s so refreshing. I love it.

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Demetra Gray's avatar

Yes, exactly this! That has been my experience as well

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Edwin Leap's avatar

Awesome.

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Kristin Giacopelli's avatar

I love this post. I’m enjoying reading while having some parallels in thoughts and experiences. I lived overseas for 12+ years and had disdain for my Americanness. I had a disdain for patriotism in general too but especially for American pride. I think politics and media played a role but it seems that the cult of new age/spiritualism + wokeness & liberalism all inspired or fueled my feelings against my country. I welcomed God back into my life, not realizing I'd distanced myself from Him. As He became my guiding light again, He changed my heart. I saw with new eyes and I was led to return back home to the US in September. The initial 2 months were glorious. I didn't anticipate the thrill of being in my homeland again, particularly being in Texas (not my home state). I was mostly moving through the south exploring while soaking in the proud Americanism everywhere. There's a groundedness in conservatives, a joy and ease of the people who love this country. Many also love God and the beings a sense of pure relief. I felt so safe and joyful amongst this aspect of our culture that I had once rejected. I feel so much more peace embracing my home country and weaving in with people have a long standing love for our land & our people. There are things I wish to change but I have hope some of those things will change with this new political administration.

I’m so grateful for your perspectives. I appreciate how you approach these topics - with honesty, care and clarity.

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Demetra Gray's avatar

Yes! Thank you for sharing all of this. We loved those aspects of the South too. Revisiting the Christianity I was baptized under has been a part of my journey this last year as well that I hope to share more about soon ❤️

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Kristin Giacopelli's avatar

Ooooh I’m excited to hear more about that aspect of your journey. 🙏🏼🤍

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kilye dron's avatar

Wonderful ☺️

As another American who is juuust starting to understand/remember

-what this country really stands for,

-how lucky I am to be here,

- that my own family built this place and are worthy of appreciation for that…

-that it is okay to love my home and be proud to live here…

Thank you!

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