I am an American.
I am not a proud one. I haven't been since I was ten years old.
Being real, it's hard to see how anyone is.
It's not really a secret that the United States is self-destructing right now.
Voting rights being restricted.
For everyone but the wealthy, white man.
Abortions being criminalized again.
Even in cases of rape, incest, or an underage victim.
Unnecessary guns being valued more than the lives of innocent people.
The leading cause of death in children is being shot.
Our government can't get anything done.
They use the lives of people as pawns in their game of chess.
We know we're the laughingstock of the developed nations for so many reasons.
A failed insurrection, a president who had twitter fights, a people known for being stupid.
People refused to wear masks because of "freedom." Political parties are so divided they tear families apart. The Supreme Court no longer values the Constitution.
The spoiled prince who took over his father's once renowned kingdom.
Over the past several years, I have felt the urge to leave. Since 2016, it's been ever present.
Never more intensely than now.
To just flee, go somewhere I won't be terrified of what could happen to me. Somewhere that I won't be scared for what'll happen to my future.
To never look back and disown my home, erase my past and pretend I am not from here.
But I won't.
Because when we're encountered with something we hate, we are given three options.
1. To complain, but do nothing otherwise.
2. To leave.
3. To stay and try to change things.
I will be doing the third option.
I'll stay and fix this. I'll mend everything I can and make this place better for everyone. I won't stop until I'm proud again.
I'll succeed or I'll die trying.
Because if everyone had the same mindset, to leave when the going gets tough, then who will stay?
Not to say people who leave are cowards. They are justified and did what was right for them, regardless of the circumstances.
For me, I want to work on the city before it becomes a restoration of ruins.
And defend what this country stands for.
Regardless of my current feelings, I am still a patriot.
pa·tri·ot
a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors
This stands true even if we are our own enemies.
I am not a proud one. I haven't been since I was ten years old.
Being real, it's hard to see how anyone is.
It's not really a secret that the United States is self-destructing right now.
Voting rights being restricted.
For everyone but the wealthy, white man.
Abortions being criminalized again.
Even in cases of rape, incest, or an underage victim.
Unnecessary guns being valued more than the lives of innocent people.
The leading cause of death in children is being shot.
Our government can't get anything done.
They use the lives of people as pawns in their game of chess.
We know we're the laughingstock of the developed nations for so many reasons.
A failed insurrection, a president who had twitter fights, a people known for being stupid.
People refused to wear masks because of "freedom." Political parties are so divided they tear families apart. The Supreme Court no longer values the Constitution.
The spoiled prince who took over his father's once renowned kingdom.
Over the past several years, I have felt the urge to leave. Since 2016, it's been ever present.
Never more intensely than now.
To just flee, go somewhere I won't be terrified of what could happen to me. Somewhere that I won't be scared for what'll happen to my future.
To never look back and disown my home, erase my past and pretend I am not from here.
But I won't.
Because when we're encountered with something we hate, we are given three options.
1. To complain, but do nothing otherwise.
2. To leave.
3. To stay and try to change things.
I will be doing the third option.
I'll stay and fix this. I'll mend everything I can and make this place better for everyone. I won't stop until I'm proud again.
I'll succeed or I'll die trying.
Because if everyone had the same mindset, to leave when the going gets tough, then who will stay?
Not to say people who leave are cowards. They are justified and did what was right for them, regardless of the circumstances.
For me, I want to work on the city before it becomes a restoration of ruins.
And defend what this country stands for.
Regardless of my current feelings, I am still a patriot.
pa·tri·ot
a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors
This stands true even if we are our own enemies.
- TheMangledSans0508's blog
- Sprout
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aesythe
Jul 18, 2022
Pride in our country... almost a laughable thought! I can't remember ever having it, myself. But that just means we need to try ever-harder to fix a broken system, you're right. And I look to people younger than me now to remind me to remain steadfast, because we CAN effect lasting change. Always inspiring to read your work!