Citizen Maisey

In this election year in which we choose a President to lead our country, I'd like to reflect on what it means to be an American.  To me, America has always stood for freedom.  Freedom to succeed and freedom to fail.  The only guarantee is the that we all have the same freedoms.

As we worked hard through the entire process of tons of paperwork to ensure that Maisey would be a citizen of the USA upon her return, we honestly thought of why that mattered.  You see, the contrast between where she came from to where she now lives is stark.  In China, the citizens are restricted to one child in urban areas and two in rural areas, but only if the first child is a girl.  China is a country that restricts what it's citizens read and how they communicate.  I'd be concerned that some in China would read this and take offense, but they can't since all social media is blocked from its citizens.

Maisey now lives in the United States where things are so good, in comparison, that we often forget how good.  Our freedoms are hard fought and anything but free.  A high price has been paid for them by our soldiers and we cannot be grateful enough to them.  Maisey now will have the opportunities guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States.  She will have the priviledge to decide what she  wants her future to be, not  given one by a giant government that suppresses its citizenry.  I'm not trying to pick on China specifically but it is the most appropriate example.

The rights we receive as Americans are a beacon of hope for the whole world to see, and to strive for.   The rights we receive are not limited to a particular class or race.  It's hard work and determination that directs our destiny as Americans.  It's a value we will instill in all of our children, regardless of their race or country of origin.    Maisey is a citizen plain and simple, no excuses required, just a dream and a lot of hard work.