I’m Proud to be an American, Are you?

Karl Marx, an advocate against capitalism, in his book, “The Concept of a Man” never granted solutions to what he referred to as a system of exploitation. Capitalism as an idea grants people the right to be independent of the federal government, despite age, race or educational background. The problem is that capitalism forces businesses and people to stand on their own two feet, which directly violates the recent bailout concept. Washington lawmakers must realize that America is not a nation of golden parachutes, but one of golden opportunities.

By Brandon Brice

Just weeks ago, the world witnessed the first African-American in history take the oath of office. As the world watched this moment in history, many American’s forgot about the American Dream being fulfilled for millions to see. Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, Independent or non-political person, we should all embrace the idea of the American Dream and understand what it really means. To be an American, born on United States soil, we have a God given right to equal opportunities, hence one of the reasons that capitalism works. Recent migrants to the United States have discovered this beauty, being the ability to worship freely, start businesses without the consent of government and the option to become something out of nothing. As a nation, we have never wanted to resemble the rest of the world, but have the world mimic our actions of real democracy.


Our newly elected leader, President Obama, must understand that America should remain the example to world by making its citizens the first priority. Yesterday while walking down Broadway Avenue in New York, I overheard two homeless gentlemen speaking on America, suggesting how it’s a shame that the federal government can manage people abroad, but can’t assist citizens here in the United States. As a nation that stresses capitalism, we need to educate Americans on how capitalism helps rather than hinders. The concept of capitalism allows the flow of competition to produce better products, enhance medical research technology and improve education. Capitalism grants people choices, whether citizens choose the option of staying at home unemployed, working average hours or becoming a work alcoholic to over achieve in the office. In comparison to other systems of government; communism, socialism, dictatorships, etc., capitalism still is the most successful form of government. Karl Marx, an advocate against capitalism, in his book, “The Concept of a Man” never granted solutions to what he referred to as a system of exploitation. Capitalism as an idea grants people the right to be independent of the federal government, despite age, race or educational background. The problem is that capitalism forces businesses and people to stand on their own two feet, which directly violate the recent bailout concept. Washington lawmakers must realize that America is not a nation of golden parachutes, but one of golden opportunities.

Unlike many other countries, America’s capitalistic atmosphere can help all walks of life, from top level CEO’s to low income families. In life, we have to be open enough to realize that everyone doesn’t want to own a business, just as everyone is not willing to over achieve for the highest form of success, or the office of the Presidency. The question should be asked, has this country forgotten what it means to be an American, or are we just allowing the federal government to regulate the dreams of our forefathers. Skeptics of capitalism have consistently referred to it as system that exploits people for labor. The idea behind exploitation is not always a negative term, for in some cases it grants opportunities where opportunities may not always be present.


~Brandon Brice is a graduate of Howard University and is a former graduate of the New Jersey Eagleton Institute of Politics fellow at Rutgers University. As a long time member of Republicans for Black Empowerment, Brandon is an active contributor to HipHopRepublicans.com.