Do Americans understand and appreciate the opportunities that they have?

2015-08-30T13:12:14-04:00

Driving back from a flight at Reagan International Airport, my Uber driver from the was from India. He has lived in the US since 2001. He graduated from Brigham Young University-Hawaii with an MBA on work scholarship. He said that Americans do not understand sacrifice. They expect to be pulled up rather than step up. He said Americans should go to the "field" and experience using a bucket (if they are lucky to have one). His goal is to become a citizen and join the Air Force and move his wife and kids here.

And we think we have a rough life....

Perhaps... American's should be (more) appreciative of the opportunities this country presents.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Aug 30 at 2015 2:15 PM

2015-08-30T14:15:28-04:00

Most do not want to do hard work, to get calloused hands, to get their hands dirty period because hell, it's hard work! They do not want to invest themselves.

Think about the National Anthem, now this absolutely boils my frickin blood....how many take the time to have side bar discussions during our anthem? How many do not put their hand over their heart? How many even know the words to anthem - I do not want to know that answer!

Many people have absolutely no respect for the colors of our country, no respect for the anthem and no respect for others let alone themselves and I believe it goes back that most are not and never will be invested in the freedom. The freedom that is bought and paid for by those that went before us, those that fought and sacrificed along side us and those that will follow us.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Aug 30 at 2015 2:22 PM

2015-08-30T14:22:39-04:00

Some of the most appreciative and patriotic citizens are naturalized. It's our lifelong citizens that don't appreciate what they have. Not all but many.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 30 at 2015 2:27 PM

2015-08-30T14:27:43-04:00

Having traveled to some very poor countries, I can say without a doubt that the poor here in the US haven't a clue what it's like to be without shoes or food or clean water or electricity. I've been through some pretty poor "handout" communities in the US and I see cars, bbq's, the blue glow of a TV in the living room, lights and more. It's disgusting to see those that have the means not even try.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Aug 30 at 2015 3:15 PM

2015-08-30T15:15:44-04:00

CW5 Jim Steddum I think we have a lot of people in this country that take what they have for granted and what they can do with their lives, if they set their mind to it. I'm not necessarily so much talking about the very poor. I've met and known a lot of Americans that are extremely poor and for the most part they seem to be grateful for what they have and they have tried to improve their situation, but I see people that have done absolutely nothing to improve their situation as well and I've seen those who have more than the normal citizen and their wasteful and still not satisfied. Like many who have commented in this post before me, I've been to counties in South America where a Goat is their most prized possession that they have!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 30 at 2015 3:52 PM

2015-08-30T15:52:47-04:00

Unfortunately many young people take the easy way and assume their living standards will be akin to the parents. The want to pretend to be boss of the world without earning it.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Aug 31 at 2015 12:36 PM

2015-08-31T12:36:02-04:00

American's take it for granted because they're American's. We really don't have it that bad, but at the same time, we could be much better as a unified country and not just on a map. I believe that many immigrants know this yet know what they left and come here ready to make strong inroads in our society...and succeed at it. Maybe we as a collective whole need to look at them for inspiration of what the American dream is all about. Being that all of us were immigrants at some point.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 31 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-08-31T13:12:28-04:00

Some of us are not hungry, smart, or dedicated. We let the ship go by and think nothing of it. We have opportunities within our grasp that many in the world would relish.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2015 9:35 PM

2015-09-05T21:35:57-04:00

Amen, CW5 Jim Steddum!!! Those of us who serve or have served in the military generally have some exposure to other, less fortunate countries and cultures. We should "get" this. Unfortunately, we frequently fall into the trap of believing we are owed this or that, or comparing ourselves to the "Joneses," or grumbling about some small thing ... when there are people all over the globe who are struggling just to get by every day. We need to count our blessings, name them one by one.

Response by SGT Dylan Epp made Sep 5 at 2015 9:49 PM

2015-09-05T21:49:36-04:00

Absolutely not!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2015 10:46 PM

2015-09-05T22:46:30-04:00

Absolutely not! Most Americans feel like they are entitled and deserve everything. They do not have a clue as to the sacrifice that many have made so that they can feel entitled. The opportunities that have been given are things that people other than Americans dream about. We as a society need to realize just how good we have it.