I know America is not a perfect place. No place is. But it so irks me to see the hate toward this awesome country emanating from people right here, and from all over the world, people who blame us for everything bad under the sun since the dawning of civilization – even though America is only part of the New World.

Yet, millions continue to flock to the shores of this beautiful land seeking a better life. They come from countries far and wide with varying forms of government – communist, socialist, secular, theocratic, monarchical, royal; countries that are poor, rich, not so rich

Sure America does not have an unblemished history, Sure, it’s taken generations for it to live up to the promises in its glorious Constitution. Sure, we’ve made blunders around the world. But we’ve also sacrificed the lives of Americans in uniform answering the calls of the distressed and oppressed in country after country. The sad reality, though, is that sometimes the same ones who cry out for our help often eventually assail us for being there.

We are often accused of seeking oil where there is none, seeking profits where all that exists are barren lands, grieving mothers and children, oppressed peoples, and belligerents hiding in mountains seeking to take us out for anything generous we do – from humanitarian aid to military assistance offered in response to the cries for help.

Let the record be clear. This is one immigrant writer who thanks God every day for bringing him to the shores of the blessed USA.

Even though I am cognizant of the inequities that still exist, of the mistakes that will always be made, America is like a lover. You take her as she is with all her faults because you love her immensely. You recognize your own imperfections and thus do not expect her to be perfect. You’ve tried other experiences and have found out that in life there is no perfection, for we are still all human. But you also know that the one you hold close to your bosom is the one who drives you wild with passion, the one who takes you to the peaks of mountaintops that no one else can, even if they might have a few characteristics that you wish your lover had.

Then again, you reflect, that there is no other who completes you like the one you have fallen for. The one you hold dear in your heart is the one that you will stand up for – come hell or high water. I’ll stand up for America while accepting its imperfections. And I won’t reciprocate animosity to those around the globe who have a love/hate perspective on America.

I’m just thankful that I’m here, that my love is here, and I’ll use my pen to continue to fervently express my admiration for the love of my life.