The American experiment in democratic representative government, a Constitutional Republic, has lasted two and a half centuries. The United States of America is celebrating its 250th birthday! Marked by intense strife and incredible success, we have faced and conquered myriad challenges, and yet the American people have founded and fostered the most powerful and prosperous nation in human history.

Despite the overwhelming evidence of our glorious history and rich traditions, there are still and always will be some malcontents among us that whine about everything and will deride America has a hopelessly flawed bigoted country. They hate America and resent patriotism, but the Democrat Media Complex has exceedingly exaggerated their numbers and grossly inflated their narrow influence. The reality is the vast majority of average Americans cherish freedom and love this wonderful country.

The United States of America is the single greatest force for good on the planet. Having built the largest economy in history by a lot, America has created immense wealth and lifted more people out of poverty than any other nation in history. The poor in America enjoy a standard of living far above most of the world. We have unimaginable abundance. Food is plentiful, energy is relatively cheap, air conditioning is ample, and despite its flaws the best healthcare.

Built by energetic entrepreneurship and incredible innovation, American capitalism allows all Americans to participate in our success. Hard working Americans can achieve the American dream; they can be economically independent and sovereign in their choices if they only apply themselves. With every new idea, small businesses thrive and better the lives of average Americans with new conveniences. Every American has air conditioning, a cell phone, and enough food to be obese.

American innovation is unparalleled. American inventors brought the world electricity, cars, airplanes, frozen food, computers, the internet, and much more. The world is a much better place because of American ingenuity. And we still lead the world in innovation.

American culture took the world by storm. From blue jeans to cheeseburgers to movies and music, everyone loves American culture. America created modern entertainment, we gave the world the blues and jazz, country, and good old rock and roll; and the plant tuned in. Hollywood magic made an entire new industry of movies and television watched by everyone.

The United Stated of America has safeguarded freedom at home and abroad. We fought the bloodiest war in our history to end slavery. We fought two world wars to defeat tyranny and in WWII literally saved the planet from spreading evil. We liberated occupied or oppressed countries and guaranteed the sovereignty of numerous other nations. But America did not claim territory in conquest; we helped our allies and vanquished our enemies. The US is not the world’s policeman, but we are the planet’s protector or freedom.

Beyond the arts, inventions, and wealth, Americans are also selfless. Americans are the most charitable and giving people on earth, they donate more than any other country, and they will go abroad to spread the Gospel. And that is the core of American exceptionalism – faith!

America was founded by Christians on immutable Judeo-Christian principles. A hard-working God-fearing people built this country and literally prayed it into existence. From the first pilgrims and many pioneers after, people flocked to America to openly worship the Lord. By their immovable faith and steadfast obedience, God Almighty richly blessed this country.

Americans intrinsically know that America is great because America is good; and America can only be good if Jesus Christ is our Lord. Faith is the foundation for strong families which make strong communities that are the building blocks for a strong country.

Despite all the absurd nonsense in pop culture and violence in the news, average Americans are still raising their families, working their dreams, and worshiping God. Church attendance is again rising led by GEN Z. Millions of churches across the land have Vacation Bible School every summer planting seeds for a harvest of believers that will carry on the best traditions of America – worshiping the Creator that gave us our rights!

Just in time for our momentous 250th birthday, President Trump has restored American confidence across our land and prestige around the world. And the World Cup has brought tens of thousands of international visitors for the games, but to everyone’s surprise, they are intensely enamored with everything America has to offer. They love America and Americans. And we are grateful to them for reminding us that America is an awesome nation regardless of what the Democrat Media Complex tries to force feed you daily.

There will always be nay sayers, but on America’s 250th birthday there is no doubt “God shed His grace on thee! The price of freedom is eternal vigilance, but as long as Americans remain faithful to the Lord, America will be blessed and great! Happy 250th Birthday America!

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance” (Psalm 33:12).

Pete Riehm is a Navy Veteran, conservative activist, and columnist in south Alabama. Email him at peteriehm@bellsouth.net or read all his columns at http://www.renewamerica.com/.