America the beautiful

it, and many others like it, inspire feelings of great pride in our Country.

I hope I am not seen or understood to be anything but a proud citizen and a patriot who would be glad to give my well-spent life, fighting any enemy of my Country. Notice I have capitalized the word "Country". That is because I am referring to MY Country---THE UNITED STATES of america. Notice, that I did not capitaize the word "america".....and therein lies what I now consider a problem. [Pedantic hat, now on]
I do not believe that a reference to our beloved Country should be based upon an accident of history. If Christopher Columbus had been better than Amerigo Vespucci, at the craft and trade of exploring, our continents might have been named Columbia--but they were not. Somebody with some clout decided that Vespucci deserved the honor----hence, the geographical names: North America, Central America, and South America.

Folks--it has really upset me for a long, long time. You do not hear Canadians referring to themselves as "North Americans"--and you do not hear Mexicans referring to themselves as "Central Americans". Similarly, you do not hear Brazilians or Argentinians or any other citizens of South American countries referring to themselves as "South Americans". Then I ask you---WHY, WHY, WHY do we, or should we refer to ourselves as "Americans"?? It is a slang usage, brought about because of language laziness. I want a name that reflects who we are as a solid and generous, sovereign nation--NOT one that reflects where we live. Although this is a truly beautiful Country, our nation is so much more.....it has been a nation of veritable miracle workers, who twice, among other accomplishments, has saved the world, and who probably will have to do it again.

A great behavioral semanticist once said, "language controls thinking". We need a new name that denotes and connotes strength, verity, and amity toward all who love Liberty. In that way, and with that name, as we and others of our friends utter it proudly, we all are reminded just how fortunate we are to be part of this miraculous experiment called the UNITED STATES of america. And those who utter it with fear or envy, may begin to learn what that name really
stands for.