Bill Clinton once said “There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right in America.” I spent a good deal of time thinking about this quote. What’s so special about America? Everyone is always joking about moving to Canada. Couldn’t this quote apply to any country? I pondered this for quite a while before coming to the conclusion that this is a very American precedent.

From its very beginning, America has had the spirit of newness and malleability. Look at the founding fathers. Yes, they were deeply flawed people who did and said egregious things. Let’s just put the that out there. But they were pretty great representations of America in it’s purest form. Admittedly problematic, but a strong foundation for positive change and constructive rebellion. The founding fathers were fierce, unafraid, and, if we’re being honest, full of just a little bit of b.s. These men set up a living system. One that could change with the heart beat of the country. One that has, throughout our history, grown to, not just include the marginalized, but to put these people in power. There is a sense of power from the masses in America. The little guys can hold those in power accountable. The most patriotic act is rebellion. That’s why we’re around in the first place.

There is a hope and an optimism about America. We constantly believe we have what it takes to be better. Though the American Dream may not be easily attainable for everyone (we’re working on that) it is still possible. There’s a reason my mother’s family came to America a from Mexico two generations ago. A reason that still holds up. America takes chances on people. The tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to breathe free. America is the space for new beginnings. Americans continue to believe in their dreams, and will fight for the dreams of others.

America is a revolution. Though it can sometimes feel hopeless, the good truly does outweigh the bad. It takes time. We are young, and are growing into the justice that we need to have. There are broken systems in America, but nothing that can’t be fixed with the intrinsic spirit of our country. I am proud to be an American. I am proud to be a descendant of immigrants. I am proud to be young. I am proud to be defiant. I, along with a whole lot of passionate people, am what’s right with America, and we’re here to fix it up.