As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, one of the most troubling trends isn’t our economy, immigration, or political division—it’s the growing number of Americans who no longer believe this is the greatest nation on Earth.
Recent polling shows a sharp partisan divide over American exceptionalism. While Republicans are far more likely to describe the United States as the world’s greatest country, only a small share of Democrats agree with that statement. Other Democrats say America is simply one of several great nations, while some believe there are countries that are better.
That raises an uncomfortable question.
If someone truly believes America is no longer worth believing in, why spend every day trying to convince everyone else that this country is beyond repair?
The United States isn’t perfect. No nation is. We’ve fought a Civil War, endured the Great Depression, survived two world wars, defeated communism, rebuilt after terrorist attacks, and continue to confront difficult issues today.
But millions of people around the world still dream of becoming Americans.
Every year, people risk everything to cross deserts, oceans, and borders for the opportunity to live here. They aren’t risking their lives because America is the worst place on Earth. They’re coming because they still see something many Americans take for granted: freedom, opportunity, and hope.
Patriotism doesn’t require believing America has never made mistakes. It means believing our country is worth preserving and improving.
Healthy debate makes America stronger. Constantly insisting America is fundamentally broken or uniquely evil does not.
If someone genuinely believes another nation offers a better life, they are free to pursue that opportunity. Americans enjoy the freedom to live abroad, work abroad, and even become citizens of another country if they choose.
But if you’re going to remain here, enjoy the protections of the Constitution, and benefit from the freedoms millions before us fought to defend, then perhaps it’s worth remembering what makes America different in the first place.
Disagree with policies. Challenge elected officials. Demand better from government.
Just don’t forget the country that gives you the freedom to do all three.
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