Today marks my 60th Thanksgiving, having arrived at the greatest country ever in 1961.
I am grateful to all Americans, the most generous people in the world. I have friends on the opposite side of me politically. I still love them and respect them, just like I love my friends that practice a different denomination … after all, this would not be America if we did not allow free thinking and individual freedom. We were all created by one God. We will all one day die and be judged by Him. My wish is that while we are on this journey called life, we could all get along, respect each other, and have civil discussions.
My views are mine, based on my experiences as a young child growing up in communist Cuba. I never want my children, or your children and grandchildren, to experience what I did. Many brave men and women have sacrificed so that we can continue to live in freedom.
Unfortunately, there are those that advocate for socialism and communism. I strongly oppose those ideals. I'm not willing to give up my right to worship my God again. I'm not willing to give up my right to own a weapon to defend myself and my family again, to be told what I'm allowed to own. I'm not willing to go hungry again, or to be told where I can go, what job I'm going to do, what I can study, what I'm allowed to say and what I'm allow to read.
Being humans, we will never be perfect, and there is always room for improvement. Our country is not perfect, but it is the best there is. It offers hope, success for those willing to work for it, and most of all ... freedom to be ourselves...may God continue to Bless America...land that I love...
Juan Botino