It's our birthday: Happy 4th of July!

We viewed the fireworks show tonight from our front yard on the water. Baba is happy to be home and feeling good.
Reposted (because I thought it was interesting) from the Kuwait Times and written by Kuwaiti: Muna Al-Fuzai
On July 4, 1776, the United States of America announced its independence from Britain to make its own history. Since then, the USA has been given many names, but the most common one is the ‘Land of Freedom’. For hundreds of years, this title has attracted thousands of people to immigrate to the US, making it their home to turn their dreams to reality.
Every year on July 4, the Americans celebrate to mark their freedom and democracy. They went through wars and civil conflicts, yet they made history. We the Arabs don’t have to agree on all of their foreign policies, but when it comes to democracy and our own civil disputes, we rush to ask assistance and support from the policeman of the world.
I think deep in our hearts we know that the US is a role model for success, power and quick action. We respect the superpower. What can we learn from the US experience? I think the Arabs failed to use their resources and their rich history to secure their future and ensure human development. An oil rich country like Kuwait has even failed to develop oil for the benefit of the youth and future generations, sinking in the quagmire of corruption while some people get jailed and prosecuted for expressing opinions! We don’t seem to have learned much so far.
As an Arab, I think we allowed terrorists from our own race, kin and religion to kill innocents and destroy churches, museums and schools. Iraq and Syria are living examples. While we ask the world to show tolerance, we fail to show any in our homelands and among our peers! Overall, we have learned nothing from US experience.
I believe a great nation makes its own history, and the US indeed is a diverse nation that took the lead of the world today not only due to its technological achievements, but for being a shelter for the best brains, scientists, intellectuals and international humanitarian agencies offering a better life and future. Moreover, it offers freedom that many can’t afford to enjoy in their homelands. Happy Birthday America!
By Muna Al-Fuzai
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