My interest in soccer falls somewhere between nil, null and nada. Yet if soccer can show the world what an awesome nation America is, I say bring on the games (or just skip to the penalty kicks. Those can be exciting).
People from all over the world are finding out that Americans by and large are good, nice, friendly, warm and welcoming people.
People across the globe have fallen in love with Buc-ee’s, Walmart, Golden Corral, Waffle House, and many other staples that make America phenomenal. Things such as free soda refills have them celebrating.
In my new book “250 Reasons to Love America,” I celebrate many of these very things. Get a copy or 10.
If you turn your nose up at all of this, it’s ok. You’re a snob.
So many people in America conflate their country with their government. If you can’t love America unless your side has political power, then you’re a spoiled brat.
A real fan loves their team win or lose. In marriage, we say “in good times and bad, in sickness and in health.” In sports, decades of losing make the winning all the more sweeter. Just ask New York Knicks fans.
I have lived through 9 presidential elections, being on the winning side 4 times and the losing side 5 times.
During the worst football games, I still loved my team. During the worst political defeats, I still loved my country.
Every day of my life, I have been proud to be an American. I thank almighty God for the privilege of being here. This red, white and blue experiment is imperfect but better than anything else out there.
People from all over the world beg to come to America. Right now Europeans are trying to smuggle ranch sauce past airport security back to their home nations.
I hope these people can make it to Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York on Independence Day. An American sports hero named Joey Chestnut will be trying to win the Mustard Belt again.
Hate your government if you must. You have that right. Hate soccer. I do.
Just don’t ever hate America. As much as it may bother some of you, the world loves us. You should too.
Now to let all these soccer people know that while Golden Corral is awesome, they must try Sizzler. The salad bar comes with a taco bar and cheese toast! Just be warned. Any location without corn fritters is not a real Sizzler.
I’ve been to all 50 states twice. I hope some of these people see as much of America as possible. Texarkana BBQ is very different from Carolina BBQ. This is critical information.
God bless the USA, and may every person living here find it in their hearts to be proud to be American.
eric