I'm proud to be an American. If you don't like it here, leave.
It's America's 249th birthday, and here's what I want for a gift: I want the people who live in the United States and hate it to leave. That sounds harsh, but hear me out.
More than two centuries ago, men and women far more courageous than I am broke Britain's chains of tyranny at the risk of their lives and their livelihoods. They founded a country that made liberty its priority.
And with free speech and free markets as guideposts, the United States has become the world's most prosperous nation, generating more than 26% of the global gross domestic product. It's not just about wealth − it's about opportunity. The fact that more than 10 of the most highly valued companies in the world were founded and thrived in the United States speaks to how fertile the entrepreneurial soil is in America.
The United States also possesses the most lethal military in the world. Yet, our military might has been used far more often to liberate than to conquer.
Are you proud to be an American? What does patriotism mean to you? Tell us. | Opinion Forum
That fact is often overlooked, but it shouldn't be. For most of human history, the strongest nations subjugated weaker nations with swords and ships. America has changed that reality, especially in the past century after winning two world wars.
It may sound silly, but I wish the signers of our Declaration of Independence could see America now. We have much to thank them for.
Patriotism declined after Trump was elected
But not everyone feels proud to be an American. A Gallup poll released four days before the Fourth of July found that only 58% of U.S. adults say they are 'extremely 'or 'very' proud to be an American. That was down 9 percentage points from last year.
Democrats are largely responsible for the decline in patriotism. Only 36% say they are extremely or very proud to be an American, down from 62% a year ago when Joe Biden was president.
I observed the decline in patriotism after Donald Trump was reelected president in November. Liberals were deeply angry for months after the election, and they still haven't recovered. Their rage wasn't directed only at Trump. They also smeared the 75.6 million Americans who voted for him.
Opinion: Liberals call Trump a clown. But he's winning where it matters most.
We've also seen an increase in anti-American attitudes − along with antisemitism − at protests on college campuses and in our major cities.
Opinion newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter on conservative values, family and religion from columnist Nicole Russell. Get it delivered to your inbox.
Americans have a right to peacefully protest, of course. And to hate the current occupant of the White House.
But I have to wonder at the mindset of people who express so much anger at America while enjoying the freedom and protection it so richly provides.
America looks great when put in perspective
I also have to ask: If America isn't good enough for you, what country is?
Perhaps it's Finland, with a personal income tax rate of more than 57% and a sales tax of 24%.
Or maybe it's Saudi Arabia, where women continue to face widespread discrimination and LGBTQ+ rights are nonexistent.
Then there's China and Russia − countries where 20% of the world's population lives but where freedom is worse than tenuous.
America isn't perfect, of course, but I hope that a glance around the globe provides a reality check for those who believe our democracy is doomed and our citizens oppressed.
In America, we are accustomed to an incredible array of choices in almost everything we consume. But when it comes to loving or hating America, we really have only two options: Embrace and be grateful for our God-given right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Or leave.
Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist with USA TODAY. She lives in Texas with her four kids. Sign up for her newsletter, The Right Track, and get it delivered to your inbox.
You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.
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