For the past several years, and as the fervor of 9/11 calmed, it has been difficult to demonstrate patriotism for the simple reason that it has been hard to be proud of our country.  We had gone into Iraq and fought a war based on false inteligence and lies.  We hadn’t really addressed the real threat in Al-Qaida.  The United States was seen as a bully and it’s really hard to be proud of a bully status.

But not this year.  This year, the US is leading the international community by example.  Typical nemeses in China and Russia with regards to Global Politics, have aligned interests with our Great Nation.  Not to tout our new President too much, but what does it say that in one of the least cooperative nations, Iran, the people are demonstrating for their own civil rights and democratic freedoms.  An enemy to our ideals as Americans is crumbling before us, simply because we are leading by demonstration.  Our stance on North Korea has won us allies and praise in the International Community.

Then there’s the economy.  Though we are in a slump, change is being affected, and that is most absolute necessity.  The old, unchecked and reckless days of the past decades is unwinding and accountability will once again prevail.

With that, we are likely in a time where we may find ourselves a “True Hero” or two, a John Glenn of our generation, as society resets and accountability is demanded of us.  Americans are about to become more efficient, more productive, and more competitive, giving us an opportunity to step into the 21st century on the international stage, something that we have yet to have done.

So be proud to be an American this 4th of July, because as a nation, we are again on the verge of greatness.