“With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds…to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.”

–President Abraham Lincoln (Second Inaugural Address; March 4, 1865)

Due to the biweekly schedule of this blog, a post didn’t fall as close to July 4th as I would have liked. Nevertheless, a Happy Birthday wish to America! And, while I’m late with the well wishes, all of us can celebrate everyday the blessing it is to live in this great country.

Now 245 years old and still sporting both pimples and barnacles, she’s held up rather well, through wars domestic and foreign, economic downtimes and boon times, and vitriolic attacks on her character from outside and from within her borders.

And, speaking of borders, have you noticed there are people in mobs and queues to cross into America, but no one leaving–no one lining up in any of our border states trying to escape the U.S.A.? Not even those who can’t seem to find any reason to love her?

Should we tolerate our fellow citizens who destroy the flag and seem to hate the country? Of course. The Constitution–the cornerstone of our democratic republic–gives them the right to do so without fear of retribution. So, tolerate it? Yes. Endorse it? Absolutely not.

Soon, we’ll watch our country’s athletes participate in the Olympic Games. One of them–a young lady who throws a weighted object farther than most other women can throw it–apparently plans to use her visibility to call attention to racism and her hatred for what America represents.

Since I’m old enough to play the part, allow me to offer some grandfatherly words of advice:

•You’re not new, creative, or innovative; you just weren’t around for the 1968 Summer Games. So, save it. The American people have seen this movie before.

•People will pay to watch you perform your athletic event. They’re not paying to see you use your platform to advance your personal political agenda or turn your back to the flag.

•Enjoy the moment. Relish in your amazing accomplishments as an athlete.

•Realize that it was racial equality that allowed you to make the team–determined by your athletic talent, not your skin color. You got where you are based on hard work, persistence, and talent. That’s the very definition of the American dream.

•After the Games, if you’re still passionate about certain causes, channel your energy into constructive efforts to improve America, for we are a country in perpetual pursuit of progress.

•Never bite the hand that feeds you.

This Olympian’s words and actions may very well overshadow her athletic accomplishments. But her success shouldn’t be lost on the rest of us. From our founding fathers to the greatest generation to her Generation Z, America has grown and become what she is today through dedication and hard work.

On July 5, 2021, IssuesAndInsights.com reported the findings of a poll of Americans. Sixty-eight percent of adults are “very” or “extremely” proud to be an American, with another 15% “moderately” proud.

The only demographic group not proud to be an American? People ages 18 to 24. Well below 50% of them are proud of their country. I’m not bright enough to know why, but could it be that they’ve grown up bombarded by media that constantly berate and mischaracterize our country?

Today, many media sources give the most radical voices a very public and prominent platform. The poll cited above would suggest that those who view America through a prism of hatred and injustice do not represent even the majority of the people who they claim are disenfranchised, much less the rest of us.

It is incumbent on those of us who love this country to speak up in opposition to what they’re saying. There is strength in numbers.

As a nation of people, we are far from perfect, but perfect shouldn’t be the enemy of the good. As the saying goes, “Not perfect, just forgiven.” Can’t we all use a little more forgiveness in our lives?

President Lincoln’s words were a reflection on the travesty of the Civil War–Americans, sometimes even brothers, fighting against one another–and his vision for a better future. His words still ring true today, as Americans strive for “a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.”

So, Happy 245th, America! Under God’s providence, you’ve aged well. May you have many happy returns.