The "vision" of America is vastly greater than the realities of America. (How arrogant we must seem to others when we refer to the USA as "America".) We have done some dreadful deeds, we have made a kajillion mistakes, we fight among ourselves, many (if not most) of our representatives are corrupt. We are like spoiled rich kids.

But...the "vision" of America stirs us. Stirs us to stand up. Stirs us to defend her when she is attacked.

We, as a nation, have a long way to go before the realities rise to the standard of the ideals. But, by God, we have that vision instilled in us that America is the best place on earth, and we love her, maybe more for what we believe she can be than for what she is.

With all her flaws, she is the land that I love. She is my home. As much as I try to live in peace, as much as lies within me, with my fellow humans, I will defend my home!

Ken