Happy Birthday, America

Two hundred and thirty three today. My how you have grown! You have way outlived the founding fathers and patriotic mothers who gave you birth, and here you are still relatively young. What would they say if they could see you now? What would they be proud of, and what would they roll over in their graves about? There is much to love about you, your magnificent land bound on both sides by rolling, shining seas, the way you have provided love and safety to the multitudes who have sought you, but you have listened to too many voices who were out to destroy the noble concept that you are. Your generosity and desire for liberty have come with a dark side, and countless numbers have abused you. Some of us who remember you at your best now feel powerless and do not know how to help you. Where are you headed, America? Civilizations have come and gone. We the people are born, we live out our years and can see how the courses of our lives can change with one decision; we die and others come to take our place. Everything has a life expectancy and it will be so for you. But today we celebrate and recognize the good you have done and the beauty that is yours. Happy Birthday, America!