Reflections

Well happy fourth of july better known as independence day! It is the day to remember what this country was built on and reflect on how we have progressed, evolved or deviated from our true american values. Before getting into how we have evolved, deviated, etc. my question is: what is the American moral value system? Were we (to put it as my professors did) built as a puritan "city on a hill" or a pilgrim community? Once you decide this on your own, then can you truly start to evaluate our progress or regress. "City on a hill" is defined as America is the center of the world and therefore, exceptional. We are the best that we can be. However, I would assume that community or from now on I shall call that "revisionism" is defined as American not being the best and that it still needs time to grow. What is my view? Well, that it is a mix. We are one of the best countries out there, we're in a pretty decent standing (that is not taking into count, you know, the recession) but we're pretty good. However, we are not perfect but we must always strive for perfection. Anyways, I have deviated from my original point. It is up to you to decide really, is America's value perfection or striving for perfection?

As I sit here I think it is more than appropriate to go on this trip in 15 hours and a half. Think about it, I live in the suburbs of Los Angeles not truly LA so a lot of what I see here is maybe 10% of what happens in the "real world" so it is my turn to experience a portion of life outside Old Town and Paseo Colorado. Also, it is my chance to meet people from different backgrounds and different stories. I think its a great way to prepare for college. You know, try to get away from the valley girl persona and just be.

I am very excited.