How do you feel about our country and about being American?

Fifty years ago, during the celebration of the country's 200th anniversary, the answers to those questions for many might have been simple and positive. Now, after decades as the lone superpower where we face no existential threat from a heavily armed ideologically opposed nation, Americans seem freer to explore their feelings about citizenship and patriotism. The presence of a polarizing leader in the form of President Donald Trump certainly heightens that.

With the approach of our 250th anniversary, we asked you, our USA TODAY readers, to grapple with your relationship with your country. The answers were illuminating and ranged from pride to shame to hope. You'll find a sample of them below.

Do you want to weigh in? Lend your voice to the latest conversation by visiting usatoday.com/forum, leaving us a voicemail at (202) 655-3923 or by dropping a note at forum@usatoday.com

I'm so lucky to have been born here

The best thing about the United States is with hard work and a dream, you can succeed at whatever you set your mind to do.

The worst thing about the United States is people's need for social media and the influence it has created on critical issues, to the determent to all.

The best, or most impactful, thing the United States has done in its 250-year history is President Abraham Lincoln freeing enslaved people . Having enslaved people is the worst thing the country has done, in my estimation.

I am very proud to be an American in this land of the free and home of the brave. My grandfather immigrated here legally in the early 1900s, and he assimilated.

I feel so lucky to be a native-born American and for what it has given me: a free life to make my own destiny. I feel patriotism is declining because of social media, artificial intelligence, a lack of any motivation in the generations after my cohorts and the decline of face-to-face social interaction with people.

About the two 250th anniversary events – America250, the official nonpartisan commission established by Congress, and Freedom 250, led by President Donald Trump – there is enough to celebrate to have two celebrations. I don't think they are competing, per se. I say try and enjoy both if you can. Don't discourage either. The intentions are honest. I will try to join a celebration, but it's really hot where I live, and rural. There's not much happening in my small town.

This country's a republic, if we can keep it, I have read. We need to get back to our roots and soon. Go to church, do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Say something positive to all you encounter. Think outside of the box.

— Patricia Bassi, Arizona

We are no longer the shining........

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