Like some of you have said, this is hard to articulate, so this post will be something of a ramble.

I’ve traveled in Europe—not enough to claim any expertise—but I have noticed that people are more carefree here.  Whether or not that’s because we don’t have a lot of war scars in the landscape, I’m not sure, but I am confident that it is partially because of the foundation of freedom we have in the USA.  Even with the inevitability of government corruption, we enjoy freedoms that are unheard of in other parts of the world.  I know that I can speak my mind, and while it may cause an argument, I probably won’t end up killed execution style in a dungeon (not that this happens in Europe, right now).

I remember the thrill of pride I had when I finally memorized the Pledge of Allegiance.  I loved leading the class in proclaiming our loyalty to our country.  Likewise, I was thrilled when I memorized the Preamble to the Constitution.  One of my favorite assignments was outlining the Constitution for my US History class and I love the chance I have now to teach my students the inspirations for our Constitution, even though we don’t get to study much American history.  Sometimes I’m so convinced of the rightness of ideas that it’s hard to present the other side objectively; I’m certain I can’t hide the surge of pride I feel when I get to teach about figures like John Locke and Adam Smith and their good ideas and how smart we were to adopt them.

When I read about the great sacrifices of war, I am always proud that my people have been willing to make those sacrifices and serve their country, especially when I hear stories of my grandfathers and their families during WWII.  I have a visceral reaction to stories of valor and heroism and I’m proud that I’m part of a people that has that legacy.  I look at what we, as a people, do in the world and I’m amazed; I can see the work of God moving forward because of the influence of our country.

I’ve been teaching European history, and we’re about to cover the French Revolution, which is an insane mess.  We are special because we got a fresh, God-driven start, in a new land away from the old problems that still dog Europe and other countries.  We broke free, and as far as I’m concerned, we’re the best country in the world.