America means 'I can'

Bring American this Fourth of July is all about the last four letters in the word “American,” small letters with a slam-bang big explosive impact: “I can.”

I can refuse to quit before the miracle.

I can get involved in my community.

I can volunteer.

I can thank a soldier for his or her sacrifices.

I can spend a moment contemplating the meaning of freedom: freedom to work, freedom to travel, freedom to shop, freedom to dream.

I can choose to be happy. As the 16th president Abraham Lincoln is quoted as saying, “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

I can be thankful that people serve on fireworks committee and set up great shows each year in La Grande and at Wallowa Lake.

I can contribute to that cause.

I can help other campaigns, around town, that help organizations such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Neighbor to Neighbor, Habitat for Humanity, Shelter From the Storm and the multitude of other good causes that deserve our support.

I can be thankful if I am above the poverty level. Elaborate surveys show that people are generally no happier no matter how money they have if they are above the poverty level.

I can help people who are struggling in the recession.

Most of all, on this Independence Day, I can be a part of the celebration. I can go to a picnic, watch a parade or, even better, be in a parade. I can enjoy a slam-bang fireworks show and marvel at the colors and noises that light up the night in these biggest local one-day celebrations of the year.

I can celebrate the red, white and blue.