On this Fourth of July, I reflected on what that means to be an American.

I am an American who believes it is our right and responsibility to vote in every election. I do not believe that a 95-year-old military veteran should have to find his original documentation, from when he registered to vote 75 years earlier, in order to exercise that right.

I am an American public school teacher who proudly taught the children of active-duty service members overseas for 34 years. I believe our students should be taught the true history of our country even though some of it is rough and ugly.

I am an American woman who believes it is not the government’s right to take away healthcare from women or decide if/when they should have a child.

I am an American who believes in sensible gun laws. I believe we should not have to fear going to a grocery store, movie theater or sending children to school.

I am an American who, like our Founders, believes in the separation of church and state.

I am an American who wants to breathe clean, safe air.

I am an American who feels sadness and anger when I see the American flag being used as a weapon against capitol police so that one man can continue to lie and break the law to stay in power after losing an election.

I am an American who wants to feel pride in my country again.

Barb Osen
Orr’s Island

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