As we prepare to celebrate our nation's Declaration of Independence from a tyrannical government, many of us begin thinking about what this country stands for. It is especially important now as many of the institutions and principles upon which this country was founded are under attack. It is much more acceptable in political, media, and "progressive" circles to denigrate this great country and its history.

It is popular among these groups to tear down anyone with whom they disagree and to celebrate those that show disrespect for our country. These people claim to celebrate diversity and openness but their actions scream intolerance. At least for America. If you are a government that closes down media outlets because they are critical of your policies and actions, that's acceptable. If you are a government that enslaves certain demographic groups, putting them in reeducation camps, that is acceptable. Because secretly they admire the ability to do these things. Many of them have turned our educational system into indoctrination centers.

There are many things that differentiate most Americans from the people in the political and media class and their friends. But I would say that the biggest difference is on how we view America and its history. If you listen to those on the far left side of the aisle they do nothing but preach tenets such as victimization. They do not believe that the individual, especially if that person is a member of a minority group, has the ability to succeed on their own. Oftentimes it is because of what they claim to be institutional road blocks to success. As you know, if there are institutional reasons, the progressives were the one to put those in place.

Most of us however believe in that which has permeated our history and guided us to become the greatest nation in the world whether it be socially, economically, or in any other way. That is the belief in the individual in what they can do if given the opportunity to take advantage of the freedoms this country has protected for most of its history. Even at times when the government allowed things such as slavery, legal discrimination, or enacted laws to prevent certain groups from participating in the American dream, there were people in those groups that succeeded because they would not be stopped. Because they believed in the American dream and there were other citizens willing to help them achieve their goals.

That opportunity shines as a beacon around the world. The reason so many people are still coming here is because they believe in the opportunity that America will grant to you if you're willing to work hard. It does not guarantee success and most people do not want that guarantee. What they want is the guarantee that they will have an opportunity to achieve their dream. No matter what the government does to try and stop us, the American people will overcome those efforts. No doubt, it will become much harder and fewer people will likely achieve the dream, but it will not stop us. So take time this weekend to reflect upon what America really means and to recognize all of the good we have done as a country over our history. As with anything, there are blemishes, but we have put many of those in the past and learned from them. We will continue to do so. Do not let anyone ruin your positive outlook and efforts to improve the lives of yourself, your family, your community, and this great nation.