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Other State-Winning Essays
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New Hampshire State Winner
Megan Manha
Wilton, NH
AOM Homeschool
Home School
11th Grade
America. It's such a small word, but it says so much; freedom, peace, prosperity, liberty. Mental pictures of rolling hills and majestic seas, factories, fields and cities appear. Red and white stripes erected proudly over a free land. To be an American is a tremendous thing. It means to be blessed to live in one of the most diverse and prosperous countries in the world! People of all cultures immigrate in by the thousands. But what makes America so great? Why is the title "American" something to be coveted?
An American is free. Free to speak his beliefs without fear of imprisonment. Free to choose his vocation, his job, and his future. Free from the tyranny of socialism, which would try to enact an alleged "equality for all". Free to worship in a personal way, without governmental persecution. Free from the bonds of a social caste in which a person can only go as far as his parents did. An American lives a life under the Bill of Rights, in which he is sheltered from governmental powers which would try to take away his freedoms. An American has the opportunities that surpass the citizens of any other nation, where a person is only as prosperous and successful as he is willing to work to achieve.
An American is protected and safe. Defended by a strong military, he can live without fear of invasion. Protected by brave men and women guarding our borders and fighting in other countries, an American can sleep in peace, knowing he should never have to listen to the scream of bombs overhead as he runs for a bomb-shelter.
An American is blessed. Blessed with a wonderful economy that keeps our country one of the leading nations of the world. Blessed with a stable governmental structure, which operates out of "freedom and justice for all". Blessed with opportunity beyond measure, where a person can work hard and be rewarded, rather than just receiving the same measure as everyone else. Blessed with resources in abundance, to provide for our thriving industry, and increase of new technology. And best of all, blessed with a wonderful heritage, a foundation based upon the Word of God, and godly, moral, principles.
Although all these freedoms are basically granted to an American, if he does not remain on guard, those wonderful blessings can easily become curses. The Bill of Rights is slowly becoming twisted into something that it was never meant to be. Now, "freedom of speech" means that anyone can say anything at anytime, no matter how hurtful it may be. "Separation of church and state" means that no Christian can run for public office, and "religion" must stay out of government. The freedom of making one's own choices means that an innocent life can be taken, if it is found more convenient. These decisions weren't just made overnight. They were gradually worked into our nationšs courts and laws.
Therefore, an American must be responsible. Responsible to take action for what he knows is right. Responsible to vote for the right officials, who will make honorable choices for this country. An American must work to be a respectable citizen, working hard, thinking of others, loving his country, and striving to protect the blessings which have been granted on this nation.
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