A letter of gratitude for the country that has allowed us the opportunity to explore, create and recreate several times throughout the years.  America is the story of the US, all of the US, without the freedoms we have today, fought and won by so many that came before us.  America is beautiful, scars and all.  Keep the dream alive.

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The reality shows rhetoric that seems to proliferate like a virus is untrue.  The data does not support the fear and the separation that plows through the feeds.  The data tells us that fake rage keeps us scrolling and "on-feed," and anything that keeps us on-feed rises to the top of the "anger-rhythm."  The truth is the United States of America has the largest immigrant population in the world.  According to PEW Research, over 40 million immigrants live in this country.  At our core, we are an immigrant country and a shining symbol of the kind of country you can build when you build it with people from all over the world.  Unfortunately, the small fraction of people that know how effective outrage can be will do everything they can to keep us On-Feed. 

According to an article in USA Today in collaboration with 24/7 Wall St., The United States leads the world in:

In addition to the BIG stats, the U.S. leads in business, size, and largest employer; 9 out of 10 companies with the largest market cap are based in the U.S.  We believe more than most people in most countries.  We believe in ourselves and our ability to control our own destiny.  Belief in something larger than ourselves is also vital in the U.S. 

The data suggests that a young country founded on the principles of various freedoms, including religion, markets, and a democracy elected by its people, has grown The United States into one of the leading countries in more categories than many other countries with more experience.  The United States is not perfect; we have many shameful periods we can look back on in our history, but the revolution was an opportunity to “…form a more perfect union.”  It is to the ideals written in our Constitution that we strive to work toward. 

The cycles may continue; we are a large family of people from all over the world.  Estranged at times, but a family.  Sometimes it seems the agents of rage think the majority of us are scared of our own shadows, in need of the protection of the angry greater.  Most of us are not; we are beautiful and grateful for the opportunity to work, live and grow in a country full of dreamers.  Despite the noise, the American Dream is still here; every day, someone pulls themselves up, along with a few people around them, to continue the blessings of our liberty.

Lest we ever forget…

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On July 4th, once you finish your Wordle, if you are lucky enough to get the day off, you can test your memory against the CNN Independence Day Quiz.  It's 10 quick questions most of you will know, and a few may surprise you.  Based on our score, we’re just another "average American."

Johnny Appleseed.

Click on the Apple Music image to listen to the song on Apple Music or on the Spotify Image to listen to Spotify.

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Thank you for spending a few minutes with us. Here’s one for the road!

With A Shout newsletter is written by Johnny Christian with the support of a thousand idea bits and the help of many people.

7 minutes of good cheer every day. Become a Fan to get daily posts and updates.

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