As we approach July 4 — the day we celebrate our freedom in America — let’s take some time to recognize what makes this country unique. Every year, hundreds of thousands of individuals line up to enter the United States (legally) in search of the American dream.
Why do we not see masses looking to emigrate to countries such as Mexico, Germany, Peru, Switzerland, or even Australia? Why do they want to come HERE?
Make no mistake: The United States is far from perfect. The “Land of the Free” is facing unprecedented challenges that threaten our way of life: surging gas prices, rapidly rising inflation, the humanitarian crisis at our southern border, escalating crime and lawlessness in our cities, and the undermining of our culture by those who hate America.
Despite this, America remains a bright beacon of hope for the rest of the world. Let’s explore some of the reasons why.
1. Opportunity to Generate Wealth
The United States of America, under capitalism, has held the reputation of the largest economy in the world since 1871. The United States holds a 23.6% share (nearly a fourth) of the world’s economy. The bottom 173 countries combined comprise less than one-fourth of the total global economy.
An individual who makes just $34,000 annual income is in the top 1% of the richest people in the world, and half of the world’s wealthiest people live in the United States.
2. Mandate to Self-govern
Self-governance is a trademark of America. Many around the world only dream of having a government for the people, by the people. A self-governing body means that individuals have the opportunity to elect their representatives.
If a citizen dislikes the choices made by those elected to office, he or she has the ability — and obligation — to vote them out of office. When someone’s rights are violated, our laws empower individuals to hold the perpetrators responsible through filing lawsuits and other measures.
And even though much has happened lately to call attention to the cracks in our election system, average citizens around the country are stepping up to safeguard our elections — something that could never happen in many countries.
3. Decentralization of power
Our founders separated the power of government between three branches with distinct and exclusive responsibilities: the Executive Branch, The Legislative Branch, and the Judicial Branch. The writers of our Constitution understood the need for checks and balances to prevent the United States from becoming a totalitarian regime like the one they escaped in England.
The concept of decentralizing power is also why our laws prevent the federal government from imposing its will on individual states. Recent decisions by the Supreme Court to return governing authority back to the states is a win for America, regardless of our opinion on the issues.
4. Equal protection under the law
Americans, by distinction, enjoy more legal protections than any other nation. Although our legal system is undeniably flawed, even the idea that a citizen could be guaranteed protection under the law is only a dream to millions around the world.
And, contrary to the outcry of some politicians who claim that Donald Trump and his followers are “threats to Democracy,” America is NOT a democracy—we are a Constitutional Republic.
Is it possible that those screaming about Democracy are actually those who are undermining our Constitution? That’s a discussion for another day.
5. Right to Self-protection
Our Second Amendment to the Constitution is a distinctive feature separating us from every other government in the world.
Contrary to legacy media narratives, the Second Amendment wasn’t created to protect hunters — it was designed to protect citizens from a tyrannical government. Please don’t be fooled when you see politicians in our country pushing for “Gun Control.” It’s not what you think. Under the guise of public safety, individuals in power are looking to take guns away from us, not the criminals. The State will still have weapons, but you, a law-abiding citizen, will not.
Disarmament NEVER ends well. Just ask those who fled Cuba.
6. Freedom of Religion
We tend to take for granted that we can worship how we want (or choose not to) in this country.
There are many nations, even today, that make practicing Christianity (and other religious practices, for that matter) illegal. Countries including Afghanistan, Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and others, for example, have Islam as their State-sponsored religion. Harsh consequences await those who divert from Islam.
Let's be clear: state-run churches have absolutely nothing to do with God. It’s all about controlling the masses. These countries are notorious for denying any type of freedom—either religious or personal.
America doesn’t have a spotless record in protecting worshipers, but we have the greatest legal protections in the world.
The Wrap Up
The short answer to what makes America unique is our CONSTITUTION. Our founders understood how tyranny, not self-governance, is the default setting for every government. As a result, they placed many safeguards in our law to prevent our nation from becoming a dictatorship. The outright genius of the men who wrote this amazing document is on full display—even in 2024.
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Great summation! Happy Independence Day!