My country makes me unhappy lately, but we can find joy in connection |
Americans seem to be under a dark cloud lately.
That bleakness is very apparent if you listen to what people are telling pollsters: Americans don't like the economy. Or the war in Iran. Or the president they voted for. Or the tariffs he promised, and then enacted.
We also don't like how immigration rules are being enforced. We've lost confidence in once-trusted government health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And our optimism in the future has reached a record low.
So, in an attempt to brighten things up, we asked you, our readers at USA TODAY, to shift your focus and take stock of some of the good things.
We asked you questions like what is it about your country, state or hometown that makes you proud? What are some of the admirable characteristics of the United States? And putting government and politics aside, what are things that make you happy?
Your answers were heartbreaking and heartwarming. They ranged from your love of music to your concern with lack of jobs that pay the bills.
You can read a collection of those responses in the Forum feature below. Look for more opportunities to weigh in at usatoday.com/forum, leave us a voicemail at (202) 655-3923 or drop us a note at forum@usatoday.com.
Lately, I'm unhappy. But small moments bring joy.
I would describe my mood lately as unhappy. But I felt proud of my country listening to the recently deceased Jesse Jackson's homegoing ceremony and remembering that hope for a better day is possible – and that the littlest of things can bring change. Like the people who show up at rallies, at the polls for the primaries (voters and poll workers). I'm proud of the battles in the courts that rule in favor of the small business owners and the immigrants who have come to this country and made us a better place.
In my state what makes me proud is our governor, JB Pritzker, standing up for access for health care for women, for immigrants, for access to mental health care and for stricter gun laws. I'm also proud of local candidates running for office who are willing to stand up for LGBTQ+ people.
What I like about America is the diversity and the recognition of other races and religious viewpoints. I like our increasing focus on education and reading.
Outside of politics, what makes me happy are artists showing up to remind us of joy and light (Bad Bunny, Theaster Gates and Nick Cave), and live music in small venues.
The coming of spring makes me happy (I am a big fan of those first flowering bulbs) and the melting snow.
Small movements in neighborhoods where people show up for their neighbors with food and tents for the homeless and strangers also make me happy. And people who stop to help someone with a flat tire or a heavy bag (I live in a neighborhood with a lots of seniors).
I think Americans can find happiness by listening to "Tiny Desk Concerts" on National Public Radio – and get exposed to 15 minutes of music that they might never have heard otherwise. They can read neighborhood newspapers (online and some in actual print) that report on people doing positive things. And they can write letters/cards because everyone loves actual mail.
— Laurie ShoulterKarall, Illinois
America has great potential if we love (all) our neighbors
I would describe my mood as "satisfied." I am proud of the number of people in our country standing up for the Constitution. It is greatly encouraging. People are standing up for each other more and more.
Although it absolutely should not be necessary with the food abundance in the U.S., I feel many volunteers are stepping up to feed people. But many more livable wage jobs need to be generated in every job sector.
There are many good food banks here, and assistance is available for seeking homeownership, for treating depression, for education and for studying for a career.
The promise of the U.S. needs to be restored. Part of that is homeownership, which needs to be available again to the young. This one thing boosts the economy tremendously. Homeowners buy washing machines, refrigerators, furniture and other sundry things for their homes.
Patriotism correctly directed is great. What a great nation we can be. Our nation has great potential, and patriots who bolster our country in ways that emphasize love of their neighbors – all their neighbors – is our destiny waiting.
First, people must have their basic needs met and not be struggling just to survive. We need a revival of job growth in labor jobs like manufacturing cars and the new frontier jobs in artificial intelligence and similar sectors. We need new tax laws to actually tax the rich. And we yet again need anti-robber baron laws to stop the legal system from favoring the rich.
— Mark Staples, Florida
Volunteers bring light to those who need it most
No matter what one's political affiliations, I think we can all agree that volunteers bring great light into the world. Whether they provide disaster relief, a ride to a medical appointment, respite for families with a loved one in hospice or any of the other countless services they offer, volunteers bring light to those who need it most.
When a volunteer helps your father get to his doctor, serves a meal to a friend whose home was flooded or visits your mother in the hospital, you don't know their political affiliation. You don't know if they watched Bad Bunny or Kid Rock, but you are grateful for their extraordinary kindness.As a U.S. citizen living in Ireland, I know volunteering is certainly not unique to the U.S., but now more than ever, America could use more people willing to share their time and caring.If you don't have the time to help, be sure to thank those who do.— Laura Rundell, County Wexford, Ireland