Friday Blog Question: What do you like the most about being an American?

Tomorrow is the 4th of July - the day we Americans figuratively rub every other nation’s faces in it. Since our offices will be closed tomorrow, I decided today would be just as good as tomorrow to ask our Friday Blog Question: What do you consider the best part of being an American? And Judi, we already know you are Canadian – so feel free to share with us what you think is so great about all of us! (jk)

We have the freedom to succeed or fail on our own merits in most cases. The hallmark of capitalist, democratic society. - Jason Baer

What I love about being an American are the choices that I have. I see how limited the choices are for women in a lot of other countries around the world and I’m grateful that I have the right to make the choices I do. Women in this country are very fortunate, and I think sometimes we take that for granted. - Vanessa Geary

My favorite thing about being an American is that my life is what I choose to make of it, because of the array of opportunities I have been given thanks to those who fight for our freedom and those who have fought for opportunities in the past and today. I am grateful to be an American because even though I have factors that are supposed to have worked against me (I'm a woman, minority, etc.), I feel that when I work hard enough nothing is impossible. To me, that is the American dream - being able to achieve your goals through hard work, determination and a marketplace that allows you to do so. I am also thankful to our service men and women who serve this country even at times when a particular war or call to duty is unpopular. I am very proud to be marrying a former soldier and am proud of how he served our country because he felt the call to give back for all of the freedoms we enjoy. - Michelle Talsma... future Michelle Everson

I love that we started the trend of allowing for a free press. Yessir, as soon as I get the scratch together to afford my own cable news network, newspaper syndicate, Internet service provider, wire service and magazine distribution chain, I'm going to get myself some free speech goin'! - Eric Reid

The best part of being an American for me is to have freedom to live the type of life I wish. The U.S. is a great place to live; especially as a woman who has more rights than in many places around the world. We’re lucky to be worrying about fitting everything into our busy schedules, as compared to fighting to survive against hunger, violence, and maybe even our own government. Sure, we have a couple of glitches here and there, but when we compare our lifestyle with those around the world, we can only be grateful to be living in such an awesome place. I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. - Rosa Millan

What do I like most about America? Gosh, where do I start? I like that all Americans: * Are fair and broadminded and wholeheartedly support other beliefs and ideologies. * Don't support or tolerate bigotry and hate. * Help other Americans in time of need and we've wiped out homelessness, hunger and poverty. * Accept, love and support the gay, lesbian and transgendered communities. * All are given fair and equal treatment when it comes to housing, hiring and medical attention. * Fully participate in the legal and political system and show great interest in democracy. * Are charitable and that every single one of us has a cause we support. * Care about the environment and do something daily to help our world. All sarcasm aside, I love my country, but we have a long, long way to go before any of us can stand up and truly say "I'm proud to be an American." - Ruben Munoz

My first inclination was the First Amendment, which later expanded to the Bill of Rights and then the Constitution in general. Now that I've thought about it a little bit more, I've changed my mind... I've concluded presidential term limits are the best part of being an American. Here's looking to January 20th, 2009. - Joseph Jaramillo

I fully admit this is going to read a bit cheesy, but as an American, I have a right to say, “screw you, I’m writing it anyway.” My family and I moved to a new neighborhood less than a year ago. For every national holiday, each person on my street places an American flag in their lawn. The first time I saw this, I was admittedly a little freaked out. I’d never seen this before and having grown up in Arizona, I’ve never really known too many of my neighbors too well. (I think it’s a transient state thing.) I guess I was a bit caught off guard after seeing the flags hanging down the street as I’m not used to witnessing that kind of overt pride and “patriotism.” The funny thing is, I shouldn’t be taken by surprise or feel brief moments of discomfort by that kind of display. Thankfully, there are people who still are willing to carry forth a sense of pride about the place in which they live. Even better, no one has yet given me shit for not hanging a flag in my yard, even though I live in Mitt Romney-ville. While some, “have never been proud” of their country, I can fully appreciate what we enjoy despite a struggling economy, misguided political influence, ridiculous gas prices and polluted air. Furthermore, no one should be ashamed to say or demonstrate that sentiment. Can it be better? Of course. At least we have the opportunity to make it so, as opposed to just complaining. For that reason, I’ll hang a flag on Friday – not on the street but from my house. But to answer your question, all that stuff plus hot dogs, warm pool water and cold beer. Have a good 4th. - Chris Sietsema

About the Author: Eric Reid

I am the Social Media Services Manager for Off Madison Ave. I've been with the company since 2006, when I was hired to do SEO, and link building in particular. When social networking sites started cropping up, at first I started using them to create backlinks - but they weren't the best for that, given all of the "nofollow" attributes. However, I did see the potential for all of the direct referral traffic they represent. Since then I've been actively pursuing both tactics for clients: Links that can help them for search, and social postings that get them involved in the conversation. It's about the coolest job you could ever get. ;)