I'm not one to try and be popular or get accepted by employing flattery, so this is (as they say in America) for real.
So, are you wondering why am I writing this? Simple.
So many major improvements, developments or advancements this world has experienced have come through direct or indirect influence of that nation and its people.
The Internet is one good example that has transformed ALL our lives.
FREEDOM - physical, spiritual, intellectual, you name it - is defined by America and Americans.
Of course nothing in this world is perfect - and that applies just a well to America and Americans.
But in spite of whatever flaws those people and their nation may have, they remain an INVALUABLE GIFT to the rest of us! I have family and friends in America who were living sorry lives financially - and otherwise - when they were over here.
Few years after they relocated to the USA, they had achieved enough success to begin coming back home to build mansions and start highly profitable businesses.
It is true, of course, that the above also happens for people from Nigeria/Africa who relocate to other developed societies, but you will agree with me that it is often only in a place like America that former immigrants like Arnold Schwarzenegger can realistically dream of outrageous things like running for high profile public office and have that dream turn into reality.
I'm sure I don't have to mention the fairy tale Obama entry into the White House.
There's more: Virtually everything I have learnt about using technology and the Internet to develop myself, and serve other people here in Nigeria, in order to make a living, was acquired from resources provided 99.
9% of the time by Americans on their websites, in their books and videos etc - most times AT ZERO cost.
Americans GIVE so much, so frequently, that I wonder what keeps them going!!! And the best thing about them is they NEVER rest on their oars.
This is why they continue to lead worldwide as individuals and as a nation.
Check the Guinness book of records to understand what I mean.
Americans regularly set the NEW standards for most of the rest of the world to follow in virtually every field they venture.
They have now set their sights on winning at senior level in FIFA organised football competitions, and within a space of a few years, we who doubted they could, suddenly no longer do.
THAT is the American spirit (to paraphrase Landon Donovan the US team captain) for you.
I'm not looking to win Americans who read this over as friends.
No, that's not the way I'm wired.
I just believe in giving credit to whom it is due.
Americans make the world TICK.
Without them, I think this world would progress MUCH MUCH slower than it has done so far, and the rest of us would not have a clue what to do about it! What makes this so? It's the American system, which Napoleon Hill described in his book titled "Think & Grow Rich".
That system makes it possible for anyone - regardless of his/her situation or means - to achieve the impossible, as long as s/he is willing to apply intelligent effort diligently, persistently, UNTIL success arrives.
Like everything else in life, the American system/nation and her people are NOT perfect.
They have their own shortcomings.
But if the truth be said, there is a massive amount of good to be had from America and Americans, compared to whatever little "bad' anyone may choose to focus on.
Therefore, I say if you are an American, KEEP speaking and acting in ways that will make you and your country continue being the GREAT people and nation that you are.
The rest of us will over time have no choice but to appreciate and follow your example even more.
I feel a need to re-emphasise that I have NOT offered the above to gain anyone's friendship or favour.
Those who know me will attest to the fact that I believe in speaking my mind on any issues I feel strongly about.
That is what I have done here.