It is appropriate to interrupt my blog series on the “5 Keys to Success You Didn’t Learn in College” to reflect and celebrate Independence Day. This fourth is extra special to me since my book, Beyond the Golden Door, which extols the virtues of American freedoms, was released earlier this week.

Sadly, polarization continues to intensify in Washington and it seems even celebrating July 4^th undergoes scrutiny of political correctness: How much celebration is too much? What should it look like? When does one cross the line into wastefulness? These types of questions may have good points, but it’s frustrating that no matter what actions leaders of one party take, they become the subject of criticism by the leaders of the opposition and vice-versa.

While there is much work to be done for America to solve her big challenges, we should pause to acknowledge what a remarkable nation we inhabit.

Instead of focusing on these divisive issues this July 4^th, I would like to spotlight three amazing reasons to love America and to remind my readers and leaders of just how blessed we are to call the USA our home.

1. Our superior freedom of speech. Just before writing this blog, I heard many commenters freely ridicule the Trump administration’s Independence Day parade plans. Do you think one can go on national TV and do that in every nation? No way! China, for instance, may only allow certain “elite” to criticize.^[1] Nations in the Middle East range from allowing limited critique of the government to high restrictions and penalties.^[2] There are sedition laws in India that can be manipulated against freedom of speech, making it the deadliest country in Asia for media personnel.^[3]

2. Our incomparable freedom of identity. Freely identifying yourself without fear of reprisal is another freedom we take for granted. Whether you’re an ethnic minority, gay, Muslim, Hindu, Christian, or atheist. It’s all acceptable when it comes to interviewing for job positions, participating in sports, or applying for college. I am not suggesting conscious or unconscious bias doesn’t exist—it surely does; but the primary focus is not on your identity—it is on your grades, experience, and talent. A quick browse through of the Human Rights Watch’s 2018 report will give you chills—many countries impose stiff penalties for just believing or behaving different than what’s defined as “normal” by the majority.

3. Our exhilarating freedom of enterprise. The first two may also be found in other places of the Western Hemisphere, but do you realize how immeasurably fortunate we are to be alive in America during this era of technological boom and free enterprise? The technology at our fingertips coupled with the ease of starting a new business in America is truly an empowering combo that is hard to beat. In 2018, the USA was ranked as the #6 friendliest place on the globe to do business.^[4] The study takes multiple variables including start-up costs, minority protection, regulation, and tax rates as variables. The nations ahead of America are places like New Zealand, Singapore, and Denmark. However, this analysis leaves off a very salient fact—the gigantic size of the American market. An innovative product that “catches fire” in our market can have unparalleled success.

I could go on, but there are burgers to grill, fireworks to enjoy, and parades to watch. While there is much work to be done for America to solve her big challenges, we should pause to acknowledge what a remarkable nation we inhabit. Let’s also take a moment to salute the men and women in uniform who preserve the freedoms we enjoy.

[1] https://www.cecc.gov/freedom-of-expression-in-china-a-privilege-not-a-right
[2] https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2018
[3] https://www.pacificcouncil.org/newsroom/do-indians-have-freedom-speech
[4] https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/best-countries-to-start-a-business.html