Appreciating the Land of the Free…
'Karen and Jay share thoughts on how we are truly blessed to be Americans!’
When I was in grade school, I remember standing up each morning, along with all the other members of our class, and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. In so doing, I felt a sense of pride as well as an appreciation for living in the freest and most just country on the face of the earth—a land filled with abundant opportunity for everybody. As it was then, so it endures today, as a beacon of hope to the rest of the world.
I see this so clearly when I find myself in conversation with people who have recently come to America. When traveling, I often find myself in a taxicab or an Uber, striking up a conversation with the driver by asking where he is from. In many cases, it turns out he has come to the United States from a foreign country. It could be Eastern Europe, the Middle East, some part of Africa, or elsewhere. Typically, I’ll then ask him if he likes it here in our country, and almost universally, the answer is an enthusiastic “yes.”
Then comes the key question: What is it that you like most about America? Nine times out of ten, with absolutely no hesitation, it’s one word: FREEDOM!!! It’s easy to tell that this is a genuine, deeply felt appreciation for what it means to be in our country. Comparing this to where he has come from, it’s easy for him to see the contrast and hold dear the life and opportunities that can be pursued here. It’s marvelous to witness, and every single time, it makes me proud to be an American and, in a sense, to welcome another human being to the glorious life that can be experienced here.
So often, it’s easy for those of us who have grown up here to take our freedom for granted, to underestimate just how blessed we are to be Americans. In the entire history of the world, there has never existed a country that offers the freedoms and opportunities that we enjoy here. Built upon our founding values, as Thomas Jefferson so eloquently stated: “Endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights, among them life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
While we enjoy these freedoms, it’s also important to remember that, as with any great opportunity, there comes responsibility. In this case, it is our responsibility to contribute to the preservation of our freedom, to instill these values into the fabric of the next generation, and to serve as a beacon of hope—a role model to the rest of the world.
As we enter the holiday season and begin thinking about the New Year, let’s renew our appreciation for what we have here in our great country. We as Americans truly are blessed. So, please take a moment, feel the immense pride, and share the love of freedom with those you hold dear.
The Blessing of Opportunity: Embracing America's Opportunity Culture
The United States of America stands out as a beacon of opportunity, offering an unparalleled culture that empowers individuals to dream big and achieve more. From its founding, the USA has been built on the principles of freedom, hard work, and innovation. This unique blend of values has created what can be described as the greatest "opportunity culture" in the world—a place where ambition meets possibility, and determination can lead to success. We are indeed blessed to live in a country that offers such a dynamic and supportive environment for personal and professional growth.
One of the key aspects of America's opportunity culture is its economic system, which encourages entrepreneurship and innovation. Whether you aim to start a tech company in Silicon Valley, open a small business in your local community, or develop a groundbreaking idea, the resources and support networks in the U.S. are unmatched. Access to capital, mentorship programs, and a robust market of consumers make it possible for anyone with a vision and drive to succeed. Especially in New Hampshire, the Granite State’s vibrant small business community and cutting-edge innovation hubs demonstrate this culture. Organizations like DEKA Research & Development and ARMI (Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute) are spearheading world-class advancements in biotechnology and biofabrication, creating a hub for groundbreaking work that attracts talent and investment from across the globe.
Education also plays a pivotal role in the opportunity culture of the United States. With its diverse range of institutions, from world-renowned universities to accessible community colleges, the U.S. provides pathways for people to develop their skills and expand their horizons. New Hampshire contributes to this culture with institutions like Dartmouth College, Plymouth State University, University of New Hampshire, New England College and Southern New Hampshire University. These schools not only prepare students for future careers but also foster innovation and community engagement, helping individuals become leaders in their fields. Proximity to cutting-edge innovation centers also provides students and professionals with opportunities to engage directly with transformative technologies shaping the future of medicine and manufacturing.
The American Dream thrives because of the country’s social mobility and the freedoms its citizens enjoy. Unlike many places in the world, where opportunities are often limited by class or societal structures, the U.S. champions the idea that anyone can rise above their circumstances. This is particularly true in states like New Hampshire, where close-knit communities and a "live free or die" ethos encourage collaboration and independence. Here, people work together to create opportunities for others, whether through local mentorship programs, community initiatives, or partnerships with groundbreaking organizations like DEKA and ARMI. The work being done in these fields is not only creating local jobs but also positioning New Hampshire as a global leader in innovation.
For those of us living in NH we are doubly blessed to be living in the United States and New Hampshire. Living in the USA is a blessing because it provides an environment where individuals can transform their aspirations into reality. From its economic opportunities to its educational institutions and cultural freedoms, the U.S. offers a framework that enables success. While in New Hampshire, the beauty of the White Mountains and the charm of its small towns serve as a backdrop to the groundbreaking work happening in places like Manchester and Lebanon. And those small towns like Newport are experiencing their own Renaissance after years of decline. Opportunities abound, fueled by world-class innovation and the determination of the people who live here. We are privileged to live in a country where the potential for greatness is only limited by the scope of our dreams.
America the Blessed: Why the USA is the Greatest Country in the World!
Often referred to as the American Experiment, the United States of America, going all the way back to George Washington, is unlike any other country in the world. The term "American Exceptionalism" has an interesting history, and the reality is that one of the unique attributes of our nation is that it was founded through a revolutionary event. We are blessed to be Americans for many reasons.
The Declaration of Independence in 1776 laid the groundwork for the U.S. Constitution in 1789. These documents, while drawing some inspiration from the French Rights of Man, represented a bold, new vision of governance. Before this, English pilgrims seeking religious liberty first migrated to Holland but found it challenging to achieve financial prosperity there. Even earlier, Columbus sought an alternate trade route to the Silk Road of India and China to avoid the tariffs of his time.
France gifted the U.S. the Statue of Liberty as a symbol to commemorate the alliance between the two nations during the American Revolution and to celebrate the centennial of U.S. independence. The statue symbolized freedom and democracy, inspired by the then recent abolition of slavery in the U.S., with the hope of encouraging similar democratic ideals in France. One of its most enduring features is Emma Lazarus’ 1883 poem The New Colossus, inscribed on a plaque at its base. Its famous words still resonate today:
“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…”
There are many interpretations of what the “American Dream” means. For some, it’s the ability to pay bills with a single job. For others, it’s about enjoying certain freedoms or having the opportunity to pursue lofty goals and achieve them. The idea that you can "arrive" in the U.S., work hard, and carve out a better life for yourself remains a cornerstone of this dream.
One of President Ronald Reagan’s speeches encapsulates why the United States of America is the greatest country in the world. He recounted a conversation between two of his friends and a Cuban refugee who had escaped Castro’s regime. One of Reagan’s friends remarked, “We don’t know how lucky we are,” to which the Cuban responded, “How lucky you are? I had someplace to escape to.” Reagan then delivered a profound reminder:
“If we lose freedom here, there is no place to escape to. This is the last stand on earth.”
Those words give me goosebumps and remind us all of how blessed we are to call ourselves Americans, particularly those born and raised in the United States. Here, the opportunities seem boundless. You can start a business, become an ambassador, an actor, a sports figure, a YouTuber, or a blogger. The avenues to create wealth, travel, and chase your dreams are vast and unmatched.
While other nations boast remarkable cities—France with Paris and Nice, Germany with Berlin and Munich, and Australia with Sydney and Melbourne—the United States offers an unparalleled variety. From New York to Los Angeles, Boston to San Francisco, Miami to Nashville, and beyond, we have a rich tapestry of culture, history, and innovation. Add to that our natural wonders like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, the Redwood Forest, and the Mississippi River, and it becomes clear that the U.S. offers something truly extraordinary.
Yes, we are blessed. Blessed to be part of a nation that stands as a beacon of hope, freedom, and opportunity. We are blessed to be American.
Positive Profile of the Week: Rep. Lisa Mazur: From Immigrant to Advocate for New Hampshire’s “Live Free or Die” Spirit!
This week we are delighted to celebrate a relatively new American who expresses her appreciation for America proudly - Rep. Lisa Mazur, a proud Canadian immigrant turned U.S. citizen.
Lisa exemplifies the American Dream through her service as a Republican State Representative for District 44, which includes Goffstown and Weare. With over 22 years in New Hampshire, Lisa has become deeply rooted in the community, championing conservative values, fiscal responsibility, and the rights of her constituents.
Lisa’s journey from Canada to the United States has instilled in her a profound appreciation for the freedoms and opportunities America provides. Her pride in being an American fuels her passion for public service and her dedication to preserving the Granite State’s unique “Live Free or Die” ethos. She is a vocal advocate for legislation that protects New Hampshire’s independence and enhances the quality of life for its residents.
In the legislature, Lisa serves on the Health, Human Services & Elderly Affairs Committee (HHSEA), where she works to ensure essential services are provided efficiently and responsibly. Her collaborative approach and commitment to government accountability have earned her respect from colleagues on both sides of the aisle.
Outside the State House, Lisa is a valued member of the Goffstown community, having served on the Library Board of Trustees. Her dedication to enriching local resources highlights her belief in the power of education and community engagement. When she’s not working, Lisa enjoys boating on New Hampshire’s stunning lakes and spending quality time with her family.
Lisa’s life and service reflect her deep gratitude for her adopted country. She blends her unique perspective as an immigrant with her commitment to the principles that make New Hampshire and America exceptional. By focusing on practical solutions and bipartisan cooperation, Lisa Mazur is a tireless advocate for her district and the values that define the Granite State.
Quote of the Week: Blessed to be an American
“America is another name for opportunity.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson
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