USA

Yes, there are some things messed up in our country. We are in the era of political entitlement (not all, but in general).. We have too many random, mass slayings.. Industry/economics are cyclical. Divorce rates are up.. Single parents are raising children, often with no assistance. Heart attacks are on the rise.. as is murder, suicide..

But... this still is the greatest county in the world to live.

Freedom of speech. The right to assemble. Freedom of religion. Freedom of the press. Ok, 'that side', the right to bear arms. The right to equal justice. The right to own private property.

We can live anywhere. Travel anywhere. We select those that lead us.

A note of thanks to those here, those no longer here, who put their lives on the line to preserve our freedom. As I write, fireworks are going off in the background. Flags are up allover in towns in the US.

I'm thankful to be an American, living in the United States of America.

Below, I did a very quick study to reinforce the above statement to myself. The internet is the internet, so sure, if errors, or incorrect statements below, apologies. Still, some eye-openers.

Thailand.. drop gum on the pavement, you can be fined up to $600.

Insulting a religion: Sudan, 6 months plus 40 lashes...

Iran: Drinking alcohol.. Fines and 80 lashes for first time offenders.. repeat offenders are put to death..

Women cannot drive in Saudi Arabia.. Whilst this might make my daily drive to work on 435 safer, I still think a bit harsh.

Homosexuality... Yemen, Death penalty..

China... heavy taxation on parents who decide to have more than one child.

Public demonstrations are banned under legislation in Egypt.

In Iraq, Libya, Jordan, Morocco, Oman and Yemen, married women must have their husband’s written permission to travel abroad, and they may be prevented from doing so for any reason.

Video games.......... banned in Greece..

Swaziland... women are forbidden to wear clothing resembling menswear, and if one is caught in public displaying pants, they are subject to having them forcibly ripped off of them by soldiers, and humiliated.

Life expectancy in Sierra Leone is age 47.

Theft.. Right hands have been cut off at the wrist as punishment for theft in Sharia-controlled areas of Nigeria and in Saudi Arabia.

Minimum wage.. Armenia $86.20 per month.. Bangladesh $37 per month... Uzbekistan $40 per month.. Trinidad and Tobago $1.94 per hour... Sierra Leone $5.75 per month.. Singapore, none. Niger, $60 per month.

Adultery, stoned to death in Iran. Not that I'm advocating adultery... just "wow? really?"...

Happy day, Gob Bless the USA.. love, Victurd