by: Dread Pirate Roberts

In recent years, expressions of disdain toward the United States have become increasingly common among Americans themselves. These people claim that America is a racist country, one who does not welcome every race, ethnicity, or gender. These are the people who claim that this is the worst country on earth because of how “exclusive” and “racist” the country is. These are the people who complain heavily about how terrible their lives are in this country.

And yet, these same people refuse to leave.

It’s deeply ironic that so many American-born citizens describe their homeland as unbearable, while millions of immigrants around the world can only dream of coming here every year, drawn in by the amount of great opportunities the U.S. has to offer.

(Migration Policy Institute)

Not only do we house legal immigrants, but many illegal immigrants as well who are in search of the same opportunities yet didn’t want to put in the effort of coming to this amazing country legally. Respecting the law isn’t cruelty; it’s what keeps our nation safe, fair, and functional.

Why would immigrants choose this country instead of any other if it truly is so exclusive and terribly run?

The answer is simple: they come because it isn’t. Despite its few imperfections, America still represents something extraordinary: the freedom to speak, to work, to believe, and to become something greater than yourself. Millions around the world dream of that chance, and countless have risked their lives to seize it. It’s a dream that only exists because generations before us built and defended it.

The truth is, there’s no real purpose in resenting a nation that has accomplished so much. It offers world class healthcare (see “Midway healthcare response” and “On the Private Funding of Healthcare”) , remarkable infrastructure, authentic diversity, and, above all, the right to think and speak openly.

If you can’t listen to other people without becoming outraged by an opinion that differs from yours, maybe don’t live in such a great country. In many places you won’t even have to worry about forming your own opinion, but rather one deemed superior will be forced upon you.

So yes, you are well within your rights to mindlessly and sheepishly criticize as you please. That’s one of the many beauties of living in a free nation. But don’t forget what this country truly stands for, or how many people wish they could call it home.