Now is the time for Americans to step up

"Yes We Can." Not "Obama Can."

How many of us feel that our great nation is losing its luster? How many of us look to the government to solve our problems? We Americans have disassociated from our government, but at the same time we criticize our leaders because the problems are larger than our leaders are.

America is a nation based on individuals banding together to do something great, not a timid group lead by a government that we should be in control of. Where is the American pioneering spirit?

We pride ourselves on being inventive while hoping the government can be creative enough to solve our problems. The American Revolution wasn't started by George Washington, it wasn't started by Thomas Paine's Common Sense, it was started because the average citizen rose up in protest and wanted a better life.

They weren't given it, they weren't entitled to it, they went out and earned a better life for themselves because they worked hard and shared common goals and beliefs. Americans must band together and speak up for what they want. If we think creatively with a purpose, we can create change, we can bring America back to the great power it was, we can do better.

But it will only happen if we, the common people of America, work hard and sacrifice to achieve something great. Does the average American believe in America? Are we willing to rise up and be a part of something great? I believe in our nation. I believe in the American people. I believe that we can achieve greatness. Who's with me?

Kyle McCall

Palatine