Independence Day is a good time to reflect.

This isn’t going to be terribly popular with my friends outside of the U.S., but the fact remains: I’m glad I live in this country.

The political system in general is flawed. It’s effectively a two party system, and the rest merely siphon off votes. He with the most money usually wins.

The legislative system is flawed. Deeply so, I’d argue. There are too many “fat cat” politicians who have made their office an end unto itself. They’ve stopped caring about what their constituents really feel is important. They pursue their own agendas, vote their “conscience” (whatever that really is), and then spin it to offend the least number of voters.

The judicial system is flawed. A small minority can convince a circuit or appeals court to rule in their favor, and that decision then lends weight to every other similar case. In spite of this the courts seem to come to a just decision a majority of the time.

The administration is far from perfect. Presidents from both parties make boneheaded decisions. Some of them lower the standing of the US in the eyes of the rest of the world. Some of them degrade the moral fabric of this country. Some of them ignore the constitution of the United States (executive orders by many recent presidents come to mind). However, it’s better than having an unelected king or dictator. At least we have a chance to effect change every 4 years, and no president can hold on to the office indefinitely.

Yeah, things are kind of a mess. The current system is certainly a perversion of what the founders of this nation envisioned. However, it’s managed to work, more or less, and I’m grateful for that.

I’m glad I can own a gun should I find myself in a position that I’d need to defend myself, my family, or my property. Yes, a gun. Guns don’t murder, people do, and in the absence of guns, people murder with clubs, knives, poison, sabotage, or any number of things which are virtually unregulated and easy to improvise.

I’m glad I can go to any church I like, and that I’m free to practice my faith – as long as it doesn’t involve actions strictly outside of the law. (No problems there, by the way.)

I’m glad I can assemble peacefully for a common cause without fear of government reprisal.

I’m glad that, should I ever be accused of a crime, I will have the opportunity to be tried by a jury of other ordinary citizens, and not a secret panel in some dank dungeon.

I’m glad I can travel throughout the country without restriction. And I have.

I’m glad I can vote. And I do.

I’m glad I can speak freely, whether or not what I’m saying is popular with my friends, my community, or the government. Obviously, I do.

I’m glad for a lot of things. Mostly, though, I’m glad there’s a chance I can be a part of changing things that just aren’t right, and reinforcing the things that are.

Happy Birthday, U.S.A.!