Imagine, 55 men assembled in a small crammed building, wearing nearly an all wool attire, in the middle of May, with NO A/C and NO electricity. It’s understandable to believe that anyone in that situation would be uncomfortable; however, 55 men in 1787 at the Philadelphia Constitutional Convention, dealt with it. Those men put aside their personal well-being in an attempt to accomplish something that had never been accomplished before: build a democratic government from the ground up. They didn’t know that they were going to be the frame workers of one of the World’s strongest, independent countries. They didn’t know that the country they would design would become THE place of opportunity for all races, religions and backgrounds. What they did know however, was that they were going to create a country that did not rely on the decisions of one man, and they knew that they would allow (almost) everyone to be involved in the decisions that’d be made for the country. 228 years later, the very foundation that they forged on paper with the use of their quills and under the light of a flickering flame, still stands strong as a republic, and a republic that has made great strides since then. There is much skepticism today about the future of the United States, and the government that those original 55 men created.

Our country doesn't have a spotless past. We have been a part of segregation, civil war and even mass genocide. The United States of America is far from perfect. However, no matter how much we screw up, and make poor decisions at first sight, we eventually see the light and make the right one. Look at the strides that we've made over the history of our young country's existence. Creating equal opportunities for all walks of life, creating a nation that is unified, under one name and set of colors. Responsible for introducing some of the most groundbreaking concepts, thoughts, ideas, technologies and art. Do we doubt sometimes that our country is headed in the right direction, regardless of the past? The most current uncertainties stem from our leadership and even more specifically the 2016 Presidential Election. It may seem that it's like choosing the lesser of the two evils, but it's important to remember that we always prevail even through the most difficult times. We always seem to come through the darkness of ignorance, into the clarity of a greater morality standard. Regardless of this upcoming election, we need to focus on the greatness of this country; to remember those who lost their lives believing in it, inspiring it and defending it.

We the people are not flawless, we are not better than anyone else, and we are guaranteed to fail at some ventures. However; we, the people, are strong, unified, proud and resilient. We always push and strive for greater success. Our failures inspire us rather than discourage. That's what it is to be an American. To boldly wave the flag with its thirteen stripes and fifty stars glistening in the sun. We honor and remember everyone that has made this country what it is today. We honor the ones that fought to raise this country to new heights and to be elevated above poor practices. We are the people.