I’m not an American citizen. Yet. But I’m going to be.

There are many things about the United States that I like, and strongly believe in. In this country, for example, I have a constiutionally protected right to free speech. I didn’t have that in Canada. I’ve read the constitution and like a lot of what I’ve read. I believe the consitution is worth defending. And I believe George W. Bush is not-so-slowly eroding the very thing enables this country to be so great.

I really liked what this article is saying. I think it’s worth a read.

I label myself progressive and liberal. However, I don’t think I’m knee-jerk. I’m way more prone to give the benefit of the doubt than most knee-jerk liberals I’ve seen. But this president has eroded that in me. I’m not as likely to trust decisions as I used to be. I’m not as likely to not assume there’s some ulterior motive in the things this administration has done. In 2000, I was disappointed, but decided to ride out the next 4 years. It couldn’t be that bad. After all, this country had survived 12 years of conservative leadership and was able to enjoy almost a rennaissance under Clinton. But time and time again, I watched bad decisions being made, an almost transparent cronyism in government appoints and no-bid contracts, and repeated attempts to stifle opposition using the spectre of the terrorism.

I’ve had enough. This can’t continue. Change will begin this November. We need more people like Salt Lake City mayor Rocky Anderson to stand up and proclaim the truth — that patriotism is not negated by standing up for your beliefs, but is in fact part of the very definition of it. We need more people on TV like Keith Olbermann who will not simply parrot what we’re told is the case, and will actually take a stand and speak their minds.

I’m hopeful. I feel the tide slowly changing. And it feels good.