OP-ED: Take some time to appreciate what we share
I’ve been trying to figure out what most Americans really care about. If I had to guess, it would be the seven F’s: Family. Friends. Finances. Faith. Fairness. Feelings. And Freedom.
Family comes first. At least it should. No matter what shape it takes, traditional, blended, adopted, inherited, or simply the people who show up when life gets tough, family is where we put our hearts. Our family gives us roots and purpose. It reminds us who we are and helps us keep going.
Next come friends. As we grow older, friendships become even more valuable. When we’re young, friends seem to show up everywhere. By middle age, getting six adults together for a meal can require the planning skills of a 1970s football halftime show. Yet friendships are one of life’s best gifts. These are the people who know our stories, laugh at our jokes, overlook our faults, and make the good times better and the tough times just a little easier.
Then there are finances. Most of us aren’t looking for luxury yachts or a private island. We want to provide for our families, pay the bills, enjoy a few comforts, and leave things a little better than we found them. That work ethic has always been one of America’s greatest strengths. From one generation to the next, we have found ways to build businesses, buy homes, educate our kids, and create opportunities that didn’t exist before.
For most people, faith is another important part of the equation. Whether it comes through organized religion, personal spirituality, or simply a belief that life has meaning beyond what we can see, faith gives us some perspective. It helps us navigate uncertainty and reminds us that hope is more powerful than fear.
Then comes fairness. Most of us aren’t asking for special favors. We simply want a fair chance to succeed. We want hard work to matter, honesty to count, and the rules to apply equally to everyone. Fairness is still one of our most cherished ideals. While we don’t always agree on how to get it, the fact that we are still trying says something important about who we are.
Next are our feelings. For generations, we have been known for our resilience. We face challenges, adapt, and keep on keepin’ on. But resilience doesn’t mean ignoring our emotions. It means acknowledging them and continuing. Compassion, kindness, empathy, and understanding are not signs of weakness. They help families stay connected, friendships endure, and communities thrive.
And finally, there is freedom. As America approaches its 250th birthday, freedom is still our most remarkable inheritance. It is the idea that regular people should be free to build their lives, pursue their dreams, speak their minds, practice their faith, and create opportunities for future generations
America has never been perfect – far from it. The story of our country is one of constant growth, continual learning, and the determination to keep moving toward the good. Each generation has contributed something to that journey, and each generation has inherited the responsibility to continue it.
That is worth celebrating.
So this Fourth of July, as we gather for picnics, play patriotic songs, and chase fireflies, while fireworks light up the night sky, let’s take some time to appreciate what we share.
Beneath the politics, the headlines, the debates, and the daily distractions, most of us are still pursuing the same seven F’s. We want strong families, loyal friends, financial security, meaningful faith, fair opportunities, healthy relationships, and the freedom to build a good life.
That’s not bad. In fact, it’s pretty amazing.
And if we can remember that, wave a flag, enjoy a hot dog, and concentrate a little more on what unites us than what divides us, then the next 250 years can look pretty bright.
Nick Jacobs lives in Windber.