Teacher: Shane Lunceford

America is truly the embodiment of everything a country should be and so much more. In my opinion, there is no country in the world that can compete with one that is motivated and fueled by the concepts of unity, justice, and freedom. These are the things that truly make me proud to call myself an American citizen.

One of the things that makes America such a wonderful, unique place to live is the ethnic diversity throughout the nation. So many varying religions, ethnicities, and cultures occupy our country and make for a very successful place. The ability to have all of this contrast and still have unity as well, makes America very special. No single group is in the minority or discriminated against: We are able to use all of the unique and different talents people have to our advantage. You are treated as an equal regardless of race or religion, because there is no specific definition of how an American should appear or act. We are a

melting pot of many different kinds of talented people working together to make our country one of the best in the world.

One of the most important concepts that America represents is freedom. This is something that truly makes our country unique. As, a citizen of this country you are guaranteed the freedom to speak your mind and voice your opinions, the freedom to practice whichever religion you believe in, the freedom to choose your occupation in life, and so many other things besides. Even the ability to listen to any genre of music, or to listen to music at all, is considered such a tremendous privilege by people in other countries. There are times, I believe, that Americans take things like this for granted, but we simply must remember and appreciate how fortunate we are to have all the freedoms that we do. We owe this mainly to the men and women who have died for us, because they believe so strongly in the concept of living in a place that values such things as freedom. As Americans we are treated like intelligent human beings who have worthwhile ideas and perspectives. Our government it still capable of having control and keeping order among its citizens while also giving its people a chance to live freely. No one dictates our actions or prohibits us from certain rights that truly should be granted to every human being. Knowing that you are being treated as an equal in this way, makes people so much more willing to be a dedicated citizen of their country.

As tragic as it is, there are still places in the world today that use torture as a form of punishment. As Americans, we, fortunately, don't have to know what it is like to live under such corrupt systems of government. However being aware of countries in which these horrendous things are considered acceptable, makes me hold my country to even higher value. Some places do operate without any form of justice or fair treatment. They sometimes inflict abuse on citizens for straying from their countries' strict and unforgiving laws. In my opinion, that is the equivalent of treating humans like senseless animals. This only degrades them and deprives them of any dignity they may have. How can these people then have pride in their country and want to honor the place in which they call home? It is no tremendous surprise that there are many places that are consumed with unrest, fear, and constant disputes. Dictatorships, communism, and terrorism are all organizations and systems that make such terrible things possible. America is a place that opposes that kind of treatment. We believe in liberty and the protection of certain unalienable human rights. Without these things America would not be what it is; a land of unity, peace, and justice.

Despite what some people in our world may believe, I can say that I truly feel there is no place better than the United States of America. The reason for the success of our country does not lie in power or money, but truly comes as a result of our placing such value and high importance on the ideas of peace, liberty, equality, and freedom. Our national anthem says it the best. America is "the land of the free, and the home of the brave," and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.