Voice of Democracy

        Today, America is known as the “Land of the free.” While this is an amazing title to have it wasn’t given, it was earned. Earning this title took a lot of time, blood, sweat, and tears. The Revolutionary War started in 1775 and ended in 1783. This war was fought because the 13 colonies wanted independence from British rule to become the United States of America. There were 217,000 U.S. troops engaged in this war and 4,435 of them died while there. U.S. troops were successfully ended the war in 1783 when the Treaty of Paris was signed. World War I was also fought in the early 1900’s. On July 28, 1914, World War I broke out. The war started because of differences in foreign policy and because of the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand. There were two sides to this war; the Axis and Allies. The United States remained neutral in the beginning however, on April 6, 1917, the United States joined the allies. The U.S. joined because of German submarine attacks and the Zimmerman note. The war ended November 11, 1918. The U.S. led the allies to a victory by beating the central powers led by Germany. In doing so, Germany had to pay war debts. Unfortunately, there was another World War that began in 1939 when Adolf Hitler invaded Poland. U.S. and the allies were once again able to come out with a victory. The allies defeated both Nazi Germany and Japan in September of 1945. This is was is known as the largest war in history. Even though the allies won, they suffered 60 million casualties while the axis had 12 million causalities. Even though America is known for being successful when at war, it is not the only way we earned our title; many battles were fought with a pen rather than a sword. The Treaty of Versailles and Paris were used to end the Revolutionary War and World War I. The Paris Peace Conference occurred which included the signing of a peace treaty by both sides, ending World War II. The main source of strength for America was truly wanting to be free and build our country into a new and free land.

        Over the years America has changed immensely. While America is still considered “The land of the free,” many laws and regulations have been put into place. Even though the government put these laws and regulations into place, it is because of the actions and demands of the people.  While some are necessary others seem like they are taking away rights guaranteed to all Americans in the constitution. I feel that our founding fathers would be a little disappointed if they saw what is happening in America. I believe that everyone in America needs to remember and be thankful for all of our founding fathers, troops, and everyone else who allowed America to be a free nation. Too many individuals are taking advantage of the freedoms given in America.

        I want people to love America and be grateful for what they are given instead of looking for more and complaining. While America is the best place in the world to live, we make mistakes; just as everyone does. The American government has to do what they think is best for the nation. Individual groups or people may not be pleased by government decisions but, everyone has to support the government through the good and the bad because in the end they make the ultimate decisions. I want America to be the nation that our founding fathers wanted us to be. They wanted America to be a place for new opportunities and a better life. Unfortunately, some people abuse that privilege and try to get more from the government and Americans in general. In my opinion that is unfair to the residents of America. In my eyes, America shouldn’t have to change for certain groups or people. If anyone is unhappy with their life in America then they should not live here because they will quickly learn that America is the best country in the world to live in.

        Economically, I believe is an area that United States sacrificed for the freedom and lands we have. In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson bought the Louisiana Purchase from the French for 15 million dollars. While that seems like a hefty price it actually ends up being about forty-two cents per acre. During Andrew Jackson’s presidency, he acquired Florida as part of the United States by the Adams-Onis Treaty (1821). In 1845, Polk acquired Texas by annexing it. In 1846, the 49th parallel became the line for the Oregon territory.  In 1848, America acquired the Mexican Cession. The land was given to the United States for 15 million dollars as well which was agreed upon in the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo. While some parts of the land the makes up the United States were bought, some were also fought for or acquired by treaty. Now-a-days, the government collect more taxes but, the government also makes more purchases for the people. The government now provides Social Security and welfare; while it has been a helpful program to some, others abuse welfare and do not try to find a job they just lay in the arms of the government. I believe that if that much money if going to go into welfare programs then those on welfare should not have more kids and should be able to pass a drug test at any time. I agree with how the government uses some of the tax dollars to maintenance the roads and supply nice recreational parks for the people to enjoy.