Dear editor,

I’ve never understood the slogan Make America Great Again, because I believe the United States is great. Here’s what I’m grateful about.

  • Our system of government is a democracy in which voters select those who govern us through frequent, fair and open elections.
  • Election results carry with them the expectation that candidates will graciously concede defeat, followed by the peaceful transfer of power.
  • Women and men who choose to become elected officials, even those I don’t support and didn’t vote for, believe they are serving their constituents. At least, I hope that’s what they believe.
  • We have military men and women who serve this country unselfishly to protect our freedoms.
  • We have a document, The Bill of Rights, that lists our freedoms.
  • The Constitution outlines our governmental structure and the rule of law with three branches of government to provide checks and balances.
  • An objective justice system that holds all lawbreakers accountable, regardless of their wealth, social or political status, ethnicity or age, with judgement by a jury of peers.
  • A free and independent press that can openly criticize government, expose corruption and investigate scandal.
  • The freedom to write letters to the editor and express my opinions in locally published papers.
  • Grateful to have been born in the United States of America to participate in this country’s growth toward more greatness. Greatness as a world leader. Greatness as a diverse and welcoming society. Greatness in a country that practices separation of church and state and doesn’t dictate religious beliefs.
  • The Affordable Care Act provides healthcare to 43 million Americans who previously had none, that covers pre-existing conditions, and women’s health issues.
  • As a country, we are already great. Now let’s all be grateful for all of that greatness.

We do have problems, some major ones. The sign of a great country is the ability to solve problems equitably and effectively with opportunity for all. Together we can Make America Grateful Again.

Nancy Kolb of Webster

Editor’s note: Wausau Pilot & Review gladly publishes commentary from readers, residents and candidates for local offices. The views of readers and columnists are independent of this newspaper and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wausau Pilot & Review. To submit, email [email protected] or mail to 500 N. Third St., Suite 208-8, Wausau, Wis. 54403.