What made America great?

Dear Editor:
With the celebration of our great nation comes the question, “What made us great?” Why do we see many people questioning the ‘greatness’ of our country? 
Recently I heard a poll was taken asking Democrats and Republicans if they thought our nation was great. A reported 52% of polled Republicans said yes and only 8% of Democrats replied yes. No, we are not perfect, but what other nation on earth do people knock down the door to enter? I hope you all have seen that many visiting for the World Cup are amazed at what they have experienced in the United States: free water with ice at restaurants, free refills of pop, the abundance of grocery stores with unending selection of foods. That is only the tip of the iceberg! Again, what made us so great? 
I heard Glenn Beck on Flashpoint state that our people have been ‘Severed from the Story.’ I couldn’t agree more after all the reading I have done on our Founding Fathers, especially the statements straight from their own speech or writings. Recently, we as a state had the opportunity/duty to see and comment on the upcoming revised Social Studies and Civics Standards for our schools. Honestly, not much was revised and prior to this update, Fordham Institute graded all states on their Social Studies/Civics standards giving Nebraska a ‘D’ and ‘D-‘ in those areas.
If that concerns you, I encourage you to bring your whole family to meet and question a candidate running for the Nebraska State Board of Education at a free ice cream social, July 18, 7 p.m. at Cole Park. Also, Sen. Lippincott will be in attendance.
Caroline Epp,
Giltner