What kind of America do we want to live in?

My fellow Americans,

Today I ask you a simple but profound question: What kind of America do we want to live in?

Do we wish to remain in an America divided against itself, an America where mistrust and deceit weaken our bonds, where poor health and lost opportunity hold back our people?

Or do we strive for an America renewed—an America of healthier citizens, stronger schools, and safer communities? An America where parents can trust that their children are free to play outside until the streetlights come on. An America where kindness is not a weakness, but a strength—where we show compassion to one another, and in turn, find compassion returned.

I know times are hard. And I know the days ahead will not always be easy. But let us never surrender to despair. Let us reject the temptation of nihilism—the empty belief that nothing matters. Because everything matters. Our families matter. Our freedom matters. Our future matters.

If we can cast aside despair and embrace hope, if we can remember that our best days are never behind us but always before us, then together we can build a better tomorrow.

Thank you, may God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.

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Ynotisay · M

OK. But you're 26 to 30 and you're talking about what America used to be?
Maybe this is a better strategy. Maybe focus on getting more than the average 48 percent voter turnout for the midterms. HALF of "us" won't even freaking vote.
And I might suggest holding off on the "God Bless America" stuff considering that it's Christian Nationalists who are REALLY pulling the strings of hate, fear and oppression right now.
Aspirational thoughts have their place but context matters.

jacob111 · 26-30, M

@Ynotisay I hear you, and I appreciate the perspective. But I can only speak from where I stand and who I am. I may be younger, but I was raised with a deep respect for history and for the ideals this country was built on. That’s why I sometimes frame things in terms of “what America used to be” or “what America could be again”—not because I’m stuck in the past, but because I believe we can learn from it while building the future.

I also understand the concerns around turnout, and you’re right—half the country doesn’t even show up to vote, and that has real consequences. But for me, words and vision matter because they inspire people to care enough to take action. I’m not trying to replace turnout with rhetoric, I’m trying to plant seeds that might move people to show up.

As for faith—I know “God bless America” means different things to different people. To me, it’s not about nationalism or exclusion. It’s a way of wishing the best for my fellow citizens, regardless of religion or politics. I respect that others may hear it differently, but I can only be authentic to my own voice.

At the end of the day, I’m not trying to posture as something I’m not. I’m just someone who believes in this country, even with all its flaws, and wants to speak from that place of hope. That’s who I am.

Ynotisay · M

@jacob111 OK. Fair enough. But history has a way of overlooking some things. It's very easy to see the past through rose colored glasses. Like a black and white TV show from the 50's. That's not real. Murder, crime, violence and poverty was MUCH worse in the 'good ol days." And that's going back only 40 years. And you have zero connection to that.
The reality for most young people is screens. And convenience. And relative safety. So are the good old days hundreds of thousands of young men being drafted and dying in wars? Women and black people not having rights? Latinos and gay people being killed? Children sucking asbestos in schools?
My point is you have no context. Even "God Bless America." You're foregoing WHY that phrase exists and how it drove the moment when America changed. When patriotism became politicized. The Christian Coalition and Reagan, right? Trickle down economics which flipped EVERYTHING? So sorry dude. "God Bless America" is bullshit.
And being "authentic" to your voice? Perfect. Because today is all about ME.
You can think whatever you want. But just because you think something doesn't make it true. Words and vision from individuals doesn't matter. Because it's not really about others, is it?
Not slamming you dude but...yeah. Context. That matters.

jacob111 · 26-30, M

@YnotisaySir, I understand you’re passionate—maybe even a little angry—and that’s okay. One of the great things about America is that we can share our feelings openly and debate what this country means to us.

When I was a kid, I was fascinated by the 1950s and early ’60s. Back then, it was all about nostalgia. I loved the style, the music, the energy. As I’ve grown older, my reasons have changed. Now, what inspires me most is the idea of retro-futurism—the blending of timeless ideals and aesthetics with modern progress. To me, that’s very American: moving forward, but never forgetting where we came from.

In that sense, I see myself as a retro-futurist. I grew up reading about JFK—his vision, his hope—and I was both inspired and heartbroken that we lost him too soon. But that gave me an epiphany: maybe it’s time for us to stop waiting for another JFK, and instead become our own version of him. Each of us can carry that torch, in our own way, to help build a better future for America.

As for saying “God bless America,” I don’t use it as a religious slogan. I am spiritual and I do believe in God, but that’s not why I say it. I say it because, for many Americans, it brings a sense of comfort and hope. It puts a smile on people’s faces. And if a few simple words can lift someone’s spirit and remind them that this country is worth believing in, then I’ll keep saying them.