America: One Citizen's View

     I have travelled to over 21 foreign countries during my tenure in a previous job. I found it interesting that people in each country people wanted to come to America, if they got the opportunity. They often said that they liked America because you can be whatever you want to be. Someone called this the gate test meaning that if a gate was opened in each country around the world, people would be more interested in coming to America instead of staying in their country. Why is that?
     Well, unlike many countries, America offers unlimited opportunities to “be all that you can be.” One example of this principle can be found in the life of Joseph Pulitzer of Putlizer Prize fame. He came to America and worked in a variety of vocations before becoming a publishing magnate. Rather than cursing the darkness of his poverty, poor English and physical weaknesses, he kept working until he became successful. As a result of his persistence, the words Pulitzer Prize have become a household name to all of us.
     I have personally benefited from the many opportunities of America. I was born to a single mother and raised by my extended family including my mother, grandparents and cousins. After high school, I went into the military. While in the service, I went to university and got my degree after seven years of “toil, sweat and tears.” I too chose to “light a candle instead of cursing the dark.” That’s the greatness of America…success is not guaranteed, opportunity is.
     Sadly, the policies of the Obama administration tries to level the playing field of success instead of opportunity. Each person has individual desires. Those desires may inspire one person to become a doctor while another may become a construction worker. As long as you chase your dream, then so be it!