Tomorrow is the 4th of July, a holiday I used to look forward to with great anticipation. I loved the flag waving and hot dog eating and swimming pool parties and parades and all that was American about the 4th of July. I no longer feel that way. Our country is a divided mess of opinions and ideas, pitting family member against family member and friend against friend. The political turmoil of the past years has divided our country in ways I never thought would happen. I am thinking back to when 9/11 happened in 2001, and suddenly, everyone was a patriot. Flags flew in front of row after row of houses; Amercan women wore flag pins and scarves; and both men and women wore patriotic T shirts and other clothing sporting the red, white, and blue. Now, it seems that many Americans are no longer proud of their country.
I know there are things wrong with America, but I still believe that if people and the government worked together instead of tearing each other down and seeing only their side of the coin, we could get back to fixing our uniquely American problems. If America is so terrible, I ask myself, then why are thousands pouring across our borders to live here?
The 4th of July is a time to reflect on America and realistically see our country. But, instead of just dissing it, we should think about what each of us can do as individuals to make it better. I was lucky to be born here, a privilege I do not dismiss lightly. I will always love the JFK quote: "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." Here is a clip of JFK speaking those immortal words that guided a generation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKMG7D4rxX4
I think we could certainly use some more of this kind of thinking on this 4th of July.
God bless America.
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. Rittman Publishing, LLC ®
Visit Dede's web page for complete details on her award-winning book, STUDENT TEACHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM A MASTER TEACHER. Many colleges have made the book required reading. Signed copies are available www.dederittman.com Dede is also a national speaker on The Three C's for Classroom success: Confidence, communication, and Creativity; Avoiding Teacher burnout; and many other inspirational topics.
I LOVE writing. And I love writing children's books- my newest passion. Although it will be a ton of work, I am looking forward to selling my books. Since I was a secondary teacher, I know that I have much to learn about elementary students, and I will have to follow my own advice and be my genuine self. However, I also know that I am passionate about helping kids who have to wear glasses, and that GRADY GETS GLASSES sends a positive message. I am willing to work hard and do all the things that also made me a successful teacher for 37
Teacher friends- let me know if you want me to read GRADY GETS GLASSES at your school. I am willing to come in to discuss the creative writing process, why writing is important, and personal fulfillment through writing, along with reading my book. I would appreciate the exposure, and I would make signed copies available for purchase in your classrooms following the reading. Please email me at dederittman@gmail.com The website www.gradygetsglasses.com now has plush Grady bunnies for sale!
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