American Strong

Bill Hanks

Maybe it is because I was born on December 7Th (Pearl Harbor Day). Regardless of the reason, being an American citizen for almost 63 years, I have come to a solid understanding of what keeps America and its citizens strong. This brief article is my observation.

I don't believe that we are strong because of our military. I don't believe we are strong because of our financial institution (capitalism). I don't believe we are strong because of our democratic government. Yes, it is true that the above three are very important. They are what keeps us functioning as a solid leader on earth.

However, there is something far more important that holds us together as a nation. That thing is freedom of religion. Why do I say this? The freedom to worship as we wish does several important things. It lets us gather in groups to not only worship but to unite for the good of many causes. These causes range from political opinions to helping those in need. It helps us to keep America heading in the right direction.

It doesn't matter what religion it is. They all work for the good of the nation. If we did not have freedom of religion, we would all be stranded on our own personal island.

So what do we say about atheists? We respect their beliefs. We still consider them as one of ourselves. They are Americans.

This is why we are American Strong.

Published by Bill Hanks

Just an average Joe living in the Midwest. I am a retired High School teacher/coach. I work part time for a small college. I am president of our local Kiwanis club. I am also a city alderman. But, most of...  View profile

8 Comments

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  • Lori Gunn9/13/2011

    Excellent!

  • Agnes Farside9/13/2011

    If only people wouldn't take this for granted.

  • Theresa Leschmann9/13/2011

    Well put, Bill.

  • Shelly Barclay9/11/2011

    It should say we respect atheists lack of belief. ;) Atheists do not have a single belief shared among all of them. Atheism doesn't stand for anything other than "doesn't believe in god." Freedom of religion or from religion is one of the greatest things this country has to offer. Good job, Bill.

  • Dina Montgomery9/11/2011

    Excellent... :o)

  • David A. Reinstein, LCSW9/11/2011

    Yes, it is our freedoms that make all the difference, and not just of religion. However, it seems hard for some people to grasp that with freedom comes responsibility ...

  • Rae Lynne Morvay9/11/2011

    Well said. I was born on September 11th so I know how you feel.

  • Vonda J. Sines9/11/2011

    Very well analyzed and written.

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