America was once a colony. This is a phrase I repeat often
to my friends and colleagues in Guinea when they seem to have given up hope
that the transition to democracy will continue or they are frustrated at the
lack of social development. We almost went bankrupt. Shortly after
Independence, we fought a war against the British. They burned down the White
House. We had a civil war. We had a great depression. Democracy is not easy. It takes a long time to get right. But it is worth it.
Once a year, we get to celebrate the fact that we gained our
independence, set up a functioning government and have run it continuously for
the last 237 without a coup d’état, military take-over, or other disastrous
interruption. This is something I have always taken for granted. Of course they
set up a system of checks and balances and of course George Washington, the
visionary leader that he was, refused to stay in office indefinitely and
stepped down when his term was over. But, living in Guinea, I realized that
these are not “of courses” but “Thank Gods”. This continent is scarred by
democratically presidents refusing to step down, devolving into tyrants as
fatigue and paranoia set it. Guinea, itself, has very few checks and balances
considering the fact that it still does not have a legislature and anyone can
be bought off.
America is not perfect, but it has kept me safe and healthy,
protected my freedoms, provided me with basic services, and sent me half way
around the world to promote peace, technical understanding and cultural
exchange. I am always proud to be an American, but the 4th is the
occasion to celebrate it. This year I dressed in red, white, and blue head-to-toe,
drank a “cold” beer with some other volunteers, sang the national anthem and
danced the night away, because there is nothing like living in Guinea to make
you appreciate the fact that you are an American.
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