Lately, I’ve been hearing more and more people saying that they hate America. Even on Independence Day, a day dedicated to celebrating America, people posted on social media saying how people shouldn’t be celebrating this country. I simply do not understand.

How can you hate America, the country you live in? I understand if you hate American politics or if you hate the current administration, but I don’t understand how you can hate America as a whole.

This is the land of the free. It truly is. If you don’t realize that, then you haven’t experienced it for what it really is.

I’m writing today from Yellowstone National Park (America’s first and best national park) and my current view is of a lake with a herd of buffalo relaxing nearby and snow-capped mountains directly behind it.

Our national parks are beautiful and full of life, and it’s near impossible for you to hate America if you’ve ever been to one.

Also, the simple fact that you have the right to post online trash-talking about your country is a basic demonstration of your freedom.

In some other countries, trash-talking your country is punishable by prison or death. Be thankful you have the right to freely express any and all opinions you may have.

Now, has America done some things we aren’t proud of? Yes. Are there some things the country can improve? Absolutely. But other countries have too, and you don’t hear those citizens saying they hate their entire country.

This is the greatest country in the world. You have the right to literally do whatever you want to do (with obvious restrictions; your rights end where another’s begin).

You can freely travel all throughout this country. You can go into whatever career you choose (with a little hard work). You can have your own opinions no matter what they are.

If you want to hate the way some things are done in America, that’s fine. No one is saying you have to blindly agree with everything America does; you have the right to disagree with things.

However, you don’t hate America as a whole, and I wish people would stop saying they do. Appreciate this country for everything it has given you. Celebrate the soldiers who have given their lives to protect your freedom to trash-talk your country.

I’m proud to be an American, and I’m so thankful to live in this beautiful country.

Jessica Stewart is a junior English major. She can be reached at 581-2812 or at [email protected].