I am proud to be an American

It wasn't that long ago that I was angry about the 2008 Presidential vote. I saw it as American voting for big government, for handouts, for moving to the left for personal gain. I was wrong. I now think that many well meaning folks believed that Obama meant what he said. Clearly, he campaigned on one set of policies, but has advanced very different policies. I've had a growing sense of pride in America as people have recognized their error, and have moved in the opposite direction. The election "upsets" in Virginia, New Jersey and Massachusetts are clear messages that Americans have had enough of the "Lurch to the Left." In fact, a recent Rasmussen poll indicated that 75% of voters are at least somewhat angry at the governments current policies. 63% say it would be better for the U.S. if most of Congress was not re-elected. Americans, like myself make mistakes, but we learn from our mistakes. My pride as an American was reinforced last weekend. We were at a swim meet, and as is custom, we sing the Star Spangled Banner before competition begins. However, at the beginning of the last session, the audio system malfunctioned. After some prodding from the announcer, everyone in the pool area sang the SSB acappella. It was a reminder that the core of America are hard working, law abiding, family oriented patriots. Now I'm the kind of guy that gets a lump in my throat when the SSB is being performed, but this night was especially powerful, and I thought to myself that "I am proud to be an American!"