Being Grateful for the US of A

In the other blog I contribute to (Daily Offerings of Gratitude), which the beautiful Sam Tolbert so wonderfully started, I listed the USA as something I was grateful for. Now, I think this wouldn't be much of a stretch for most United States Citizens, particularly those of us born and raised in places as beautiful as Yellowstone. Of course we are grateful for our beautiful country and the freedoms that it allows us. However, lately I can't help feeling as if the United States is treating me as something of a second class citizen, me, and millions of other americans.

Now, it may seem odd for a white, middle to upper class, college educated woman to see herself as being discriminated against in any way, but I am also a type one diabetic. Now, any of you who know me know that I am unabashedly liberal. I'm all for the legalization of marijuana, strict gun control, and a woman's right to chose. But no political issue has hit me so hard in the last year as the "health care issue."

The fact that we even have a "health care issue" seems almost sad to me. I recently watched Michael Moore's documentary "Sicko." And while I don't usually love Michael Moore's way of going about things, this documentary hit home. It turns out in Canada, the UK, France and even CUBA people aren't punished for being ill, particularly for diseases they have no control over. I could go on and on about all the things this film brought to light, but really, everyone should just watch it. Suffice it to say that I have a strong urge to move to the UK or France.

For the past year as I've been struggling what to do with my "life" after I graduate college the main factor in what I do is whether or not I can afford insulin and all of the supplies that it takes to be a diabetic. The idea that other countries don't punish people because they were born with a disease that they must deal with on a minute to minute basis is so liberating. The idea of being able to chose my career based on what I want to do with my life and where my inspirations and passions lead me is the most freeing thing I can imagine.

However, I'm not going to just sit here and complain anymore! Excuses BEGONE! I know that if I follow my heart, and listen to my true self, the money for what I want and need to do will appear. Perhaps this will lead me to France or England, where it is every citizens' right to have health care, or perhaps this will lead me to some way to easily afford all of my supplies while remaining here in the states. Whatever way my path takes me I will be ready, willing and eager.

So, for now, I will be grateful for the USA. After all, why not be grateful to anything that has gotten you to where you are at this present, glorious moment? And no matter how many problems a nation may have, they seem to all be forgiven when you are standing in the majesty of its natural beauty, which is hard to avoid in beautiful Yellowstone.