Home, at last

I wasn't born in this country. I spent my first 38 years in Canada. I became a citizen in 2000 because I can't live somewhere and not vote. But I've never felt like an "American." I've always felt more like a member of a club that I could leave anytime I wanted to. I've always believed in America and what it could be, but I always felt disappointed. American never matched up to my personal image of "the shining city on the hill." It was just easier to consider myself a Canadian who became an American for legal reasons.

Last night was the first time since I lived in the U.S. that I actually felt like an American, like a part of something really important. That I was really proud of MY country. That this country is my home. Last night was a joining of all the things that I've always believe make America exceptional.

Americans don't understand how much people around the world want America to be something special. That's why so many of them often express anger and frustration at us. They know that we are capable of so much more. And that when America that is true to its principles, it really is a beacon of hope to the world.

I'm a 52-year old white male and I can't wait for the next few years. I know I sound like a Pollyanna. But to tell you the truth, I wouldn't trade this feeling for a million bucks.

Comments

[Oh please]

Here is what you need to understand: I know plenty of people who could fire off such a bizarre crack about Canada, about how pointless it makes itself in international affairs, about the hidden failures of its health care system, about how it nurtures such annoying, condescending, backward thinking such as what you display here. But then you would think of me as just another ugly American. And you and Michelle Obama could continue your self-important pronouncements that you are only proud of America when your favorite candidate wins or your personal ideology, rancid as it is, is ascendant. This country is different from Canada in one big way: You come here, you are one of us. For better or worse. You don't get that. Because you don't understand America. And thanks so much for the lecture. We natives enjoyed it so much. And good luck with the next four and perhaps eight years, pal. Good luck spreading the wealth around and paling around with radicals. What a great plan.