In 1989, when I was twelve, my family immigrated to the United States from the former Soviet Union. After three weeks in awe of Los Angeles, I started eighth grade in a new country, with new kids and a new language. While my peers discussed Back to the Future Part II and their summer vacations, I was terrified, working hard to disguise my feelings. With time, things got easier: I made friends, learned English, and fell in love with my new home. 

As far back as those first days in the United States, I remember getting upset when people criticized America. Every time I heard such comments, I’d respond with, “You should thank God every morning for waking up in this incredible nation.” During my thirty-seven years in the United States, I’ve said that phrase hundreds of times, but my comprehension had benefited from the twelve years in the Soviet meatgrinder. 

Feelings are subjective, and often, we evaluate and determine quality by comparing competing alternatives. When a person is born in America, it is possible they inherit a naturally impaired ability to judge the true extent of our country’s greatness. As someone who loves America with every cell in his body, it isn’t easy to hear when people disparage this miraculous land. It is important to exercise the freedom of speech, and, when necessary, voice uncomfortable opinions. Yet, when we speak our minds, let’s remember that, if given a choice, we wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else. Furthermore, if we are forced to reshape our future to look like the past, it may be difficult to control which historical traits are brought back. We run the risk of resurrecting parts of our history that should remain buried forever. The film Butterfly Effect can help with this concept.

Let’s seek to reach ideals without disrespecting the precious jewel that many—willingly and unwillingly—spilled their blood to build and protect. The United States remains a beacon of freedom, opportunity, creativity, and hope. America is already great.